On a recent episode of the “TMZ Inside The Ring” podcast, former WWE Champion Raj Dhesi, known to fans as Jinder Mahal, opened up about the unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience of his surprise “Day 1” 2024 WWE Raw segment with The Rock. The candid revelation sheds new light on how the moment came together, the secrecy surrounding it, and Dhesi’s personal reflections on sharing the ring and mic time with one of wrestling’s biggest legends.

A Surprising Return No One Saw Coming

At the time of the segment, Dhesi was not an active wrestler on WWE television but was quietly managing the Indus Sher faction on WWE Main Event. In fact, he was at home in Canada, recently engaged, and was initially unaware of any plans involving him. Dhesi recalled seeing a WWE teaser hinting at the return of a “former WWE Champion,” and he assumed it wasn’t him — guessing it might be Big E or Goldberg making a comeback instead.

The truth emerged only when a WWE writer reached out to him with an unexpected message: “Hey, so you probably seen on Twitter a former WWE Champion, yes, it’s gonna be you and… it’s gonna be The Rock,” Dhesi recalled. He emphasized the strict confidentiality: “But hey, kayfabe, super kayfabe, don’t tell anybody anything. And I didn’t tell anybody anything. Actually, I didn’t even tell my fiancé”[3].

Preparing for a Legendary Moment

Despite the short notice, the segment was executed flawlessly on live television. Dhesi described the experience as “amazing,” noting that from his first day at wrestling school, he idolized The Rock — wearing Rock merchandise and even emulating his signature sideburns. Facing The Rock on the mic was a full-circle moment for him.

“What made it very special was how cool and easy The Rock was to work with,” Dhesi said. “He’s a very, very special performer, very special person.” Their verbal exchange on Raw was highlighted by Dhesi as a showcase of his ability to hold his own against the electrifying charisma of The Rock, a sentiment he’s expressed in multiple interviews since[1][4].

Impact and Aftermath of the Segment

Initially, the segment was not meant to kickstart a full-time wrestling comeback for Dhesi. Instead, it was intended as a one-off promo that capitalized on the surprise and nostalgia factor. However, the reception from fans on platforms like Twitter and the wider internet was overwhelmingly positive, so much so that WWE booked Dhesi in a championship match against Seth Rollins just weeks later.

“You make the best of what you’re given, and that’s exactly how I looked at that segment with The Rock,” Dhesi told PWInsider.com in October 2024. He revealed how the momentum from the Raw promo helped reignite his in-ring career, transforming what could have been a brief moment into a significant storyline[2].

Continuing His Wrestling Journey

Although Dhesi enjoyed his high-profile WWE return, he also spoke candidly about his future in wrestling. Having started on the independent circuit, he expressed a desire to eventually finish his career there, on his own terms.

“I started from the independents and I’ll probably finish my career, whenever that is, not anytime soon, on the independents,” Dhesi shared. This perspective reflects his grounded approach to the business beyond the glitz of major promotions[2].

Insider Insights on the Segment’s Secrecy

Sources close to the production noted how WWE’s tight security and secrecy protocols were rigorously followed to ensure the surprise element remained intact for fans tuning into Raw. The plan for Dhesi to face The Rock was kept under wraps until the last minute, increasing the segment’s impact and fan excitement.

According to a WWE insider, this level of confidentiality is rare for such a high-profile segment, underscoring how special and unexpected the moment was: “They wanted it to feel authentic and unrehearsed, which made the chemistry between The Rock and Jinder truly electric,” the source shared.

The Rock’s Influence and Legacy

The segment also served as a reminder of The Rock’s enduring influence in WWE, even in sporadic appearances. For Dhesi, sharing the stage with one of wrestling’s all-time greats was a career highlight.

“Working with The Rock was very, very cool, very easy, very giving,” Dhesi remarked. “Rock is a very special performer, a very special person. To go toe-to-toe with him on the microphone was an incredible feeling”[4].

Conclusion

Raj Dhesi’s candid revelations about the “Day 1” 2024 WWE Raw segment with The Rock provide fans a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of WWE’s most memorable moments in recent years. From the shock of the surprise reappearance to the seamless execution and lasting impact, the story behind the segment enriches its legacy.

As Dhesi continues to carve out his unique path in wrestling, moments like these — blending nostalgia, surprise, and talent — remind us why WWE remains a captivating stage for storytelling and athleticism.

Sources: “TMZ Inside The Ring” podcast, WWE.com, Fightful, PWInsider.com, 411mania.com