TFGinterview: Mahabali Shera talks about his time in TNA, India and much more
- By Renjith Ravindran
- September 26, 2016
ONLY A FEW INDIANS have managed to make a mark in the professional wrestling business and Mahabali Shera belongs in this elite list. Ever since his debut back in 2011, Shera’s career graph has been showing a positive curve. In 2014, he became the first Indian to make it into the TNA roster and it was indeed a proud moment for the entire nation.
Fast forward two years to the present, and he is still an integral part of Impact Wrestling. With Bound for Glory at the horizon, The Fan Garage's Renjith Ravindran managed to catch up with Mahabali Shera for an exclusive interview, where he talked about teaming up with Grado, working with Al Snow and much more. You can read the excerpts from the interview below:
About his relationship with Grado
We are very good Friends and he has helped me with proper technique and the nuances of becoming a true professional wrestling superstar. He has a lot of experience and is huge in the United Kingdom. Because we are tag team partners I have seen my popularity grow. And the fans have embraced Grado and Shera. It’s also very hard to understand Grado, because of his Scottish accent, (Shera Smiling)
On working with Al snow
Everyone knows that Al Snow is one of the best to ever get inside the ring. It has been my dream to work with someone who is as accomplished and well respected as Al Snow. I have learned a lot working with Al Snow.
About becoming the biggest wrestling star from India
Yes, 100%. I am here because when I was India, I wanted to become an icon in professional wrestling in India. He has been the biggest star in India for years. Now it is my turn, I come from a humble background and the common person can relate to my story and my patch to TNA.
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I have only been wrestling for two years, but I plan to be very successful in my wrestling future. Because I have only one dream, and that is to become the wrestling icon in India.
The struggles he had to go through to reach TNA
It was very hard since I only took part in one show in 2011, Ring Ka King. Then after that show I realized that this is my dream. Before 2011 I was only body-building, and competed in a lot of competitions. But I realized that I couldn’t become an icon only body building. I tried to find an avenue that would lead me to the stardom I wanted. After Ring Ka King I strived every day to find an opportunity to show Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter that I could be a superstar for TNA. I’m so appreciative they gave me an opportunity to apart of the amazing TNA roster. Now, I feel a huge responsibility to represent my country as I am the only Indian wrestler on the TNA roster. I want to make my family and my country proud.
TNA being like a family
TNA is like family to me. Every TNA wrestler has welcomed me with open arms. I was very green when I came to TNA. It was a hard time because my English was not as fluent as it is today. Even though it was difficult to speak the native English language so many wrestling superstars at TNA helped me. Living in Nashville near the TNA headquarters, I had great opportunities to train with some of the TNA Superstars. I truly appreciate everyone at TNA from Dixie Carter, the TNA office staff, to the production crew in Orlando, FL. Everyone has helped me become who I am today.
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