Jinder Mahal Reveals Plans for Punjabi Prison Match That Almost Happened Against Roman Reigns

Jinder Mahal just opened up about WWE’s most infamous and rare match type: the Punjabi Prison Match. Only three of these brutal showdowns have ever taken place, between 2006 and 2017, featuring six unique competitors and no repeat participants. But according to Mahal, there was almost a fourth—and he was set to make history by becoming the first man to step into the structure twice.

In a video shared on Maven’s YouTube channel, Raj Dhesi, better known as Jinder Mahal, reminisced about his 2017 clash with Randy Orton at WWE Battleground. He revealed, “Actually, there was almost a fourth time. It was gonna be myself and Roman Reigns in Chicago.”

The Punjabi Prison Match, originally created for The Great Khali, is known for its towering bamboo structure and two-tiered cage, making it one of WWE’s most daunting setups.

Mahal explained, “This was originally a match designed for The Great Khali, who legitimately in Punjab, was a police officer. The first time was supposed to be Great Khali and Undertaker. Great Khali couldn’t be in the match and Big Show was a substitute. The second time, Dave Bautista and Great Khali. Third time: myself and Randy Orton.”

While the match with Roman Reigns didn’t materialize, Mahal’s revelation has fans dreaming of what could have been. Imagine Reigns battling through the punishing bamboo structure against Mahal in the Windy City—it would have been one for the history books.