The world of professional wrestling is buzzing. Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, whose real name is Raj Dhesi, has launched a major legal challenge against his former employer, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Dhesi is fighting for ownership of the in-ring persona, “The Maharaja.”
The Heart of the Battle
This dispute reveals a critical industry-wide conflict. Who truly owns a wrestler’s identity? Is it the performer who brings the character to life? Or is it the multi-million dollar corporation that employs and markets them?
WWE holds the trademark for “The Maharajah.” They secured this ownership in 2017.
Raj Dhesi contests this claim. He asserts he developed and used the “Maharaja” name as early as 2015. This was before the company made its official trademark claim. Dhesi argues the character belongs to him. He insists the persona is his creation, not a product of WWE’s creative team.
Legal Action Escalates
Dhesi first tried to register his own trademark. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejected his attempts. They cited a “likelihood of confusion” with WWE’s existing ownership.
Dhesi refused to back down. He changed tactics. On December 4, 2025, Dhesi submitted a formal petition. This filing asks the USPTO to cancel WWE’s trademark entirely. Dhesi accuses the company of obtaining the trademark by “wrongful means.”
WWE must now prepare a defense. The wrestling giant has until February 3, 2026, to respond to Dhesi’s petition.
Industry Consequences Loom
The outcome of this case holds massive implications. It threatens to overturn decades of established wrestling business practices.
For years, WWE has kept tight control. They rarely allow talent to use their character names outside the company. If Dhesi wins, this legal precedent could have widespread effects.
- Talent Empowerment: A victory could encourage other former wrestlers. They might sue to reclaim names and personas they helped develop.
- IP Redefinition: The challenge forces WWE and the entire industry to rethink character ownership. It may redefine the line between talent creative rights and corporate intellectual property (IP).
Since his WWE release in April 2024, Dhesi has continued to use the name. He performs as “The Maharaja” on the independent circuit. This ongoing usage strengthens his claim. He aims to prove that the identity remains his own, separate from the corporation.
The industry watches closely. The final ruling will impact how wrestling companies manage their most valuable assets: their performers and their characters.
