Introduction

In a recent interview with MuscleMan Malcolm, former WWE champion Jinder Mahal opened up about his experiences in the ring, particularly during his matches with wrestling icon John Cena.

The Dynamic of Mahal and Cena's Matches

Mahal described the dynamic of their matches, noting that Cena often prefers to call spots on the fly, responding to the energy of the crowd rather than sticking to a pre-planned script. "It was so much fun. He just listens to the crowd and calls it in the ring," Mahal explained. The conversation turned to a specific moment in one of their bouts involving Baron Corbin's Money in the Bank cash-in, which had been anticipated by both the wrestlers and the audience.

Vince McMahon's Dislike for Test of Strength

One notable story that emerged from the discussion was Mahal's experience with a wrestling move that Vince McMahon, WWE's long-time chairman, reportedly detests: the test of strength. Mahal recounted, "I’ve always heard from producers, 'Never do a test of strength.' Vince hates it; he thinks it’s stupid." Despite this, during a match, Cena initiated a test of strength, leading to an unexpected and memorable moment. "I lock up with Cena, and we just go into the test of strength. He goes all the way down and then comes up. I think he finally said, 'Kick me,'" Mahal recalled.

Rare Occurrences of Test of Strength

Mahal pointed out how rarely test of strength sequences appear in WWE today, suggesting that only exceptional circumstances, such as a matchup between powerful wrestlers like Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman, could warrant it. Notably, the duo received positive feedback from McMahon after executing the sequence, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of wrestling where crowd reactions can significantly impact the flow of a match.

Conclusion

This revelation comes at a poignant time, as Mahal expressed his gratitude for being able to compete against Cena, especially as rumors about Cena's retirement swirl in the air. The former champion mentioned, "It was a huge honor to be in there with John Cena," further indicating his esteem for Cena’s contributions to the wrestling world.

As WWE legend John Cena potentially approaches the end of his active career, fans and fellow wrestlers alike will cherish the countless memorable moments he has created in the ring, including those unplanned gems orchestrated during his matches with talents like Jinder Mahal.