Jinder Mahal reevaluates his stance on the WWE NIL development program
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:30 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal publicly reversed his previous skepticism regarding the company's NIL program for recruiting college athletes. Speaking on the Busted Open podcast, Mahal acknowledged that he initially viewed the initiative as a waste of time when it launched in 2021. He noted that his perspective shifted after observing the storytelling ability and athleticism displayed by recent graduates. Mahal specifically pointed to the NXT Women's Championship match between Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan at NXT Heatwave as evidence of the program's success. Jordan emerged victorious in that contest to begin her first reign with the title. Mahal praised both performers for their precision and narrative execution during their 22-minute televised bout, concluding that the NIL approach produces a specific type of talent capable of succeeding in professional wrestling.
- •Jinder Mahal admitted he was wrong to doubt the WWE NIL program.
- •The NIL initiative began in 2021 to recruit and develop college athletes.
- •Mahal praised the NXT Heatwave title match between Kendal Grey and Kelani Jordan.
- •Kelani Jordan won the NXT Women's Championship against Kendal Grey.
- •The match lasted 22 minutes on television.
- 2:30 PMWrestling Inc — Former WWE Star Jinder Mahal Says He Was Wrong To Doubt Company's Signing Strategy
"Jinder Mahal has spoken glowingly about a match between two female wrestlers on NXT Heatwave, praising WWE's NIL program.
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