On the December 19 episode of "Raw", a notably more lean and muscular Mahal began an alliance with Rusev after Mahal had a confrontation with Rusev's rival Enzo Amore before the two attacked Amore. On the January 2, 2017 episode of "Raw", Mahal and Rusev defeated Amore's tag team partner Big Cass in a 2-on-1 handicap match. The following week on "Raw", Mahal lost to Cass (who had Shawn Michaels at ringside) after Michaels performed the "Sweet Chin Music" on Rusev at ringside, which distracted Mahal. On the February 27 episode of "Raw", Mahal and Rusev began to show tension after Rusev inadvertently distracted Mahal, causing the two to lose to The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). The alliance between Mahal and Rusev ended at Fastlane on March 5, when Mahal informed Raw General Manager Mick Foley about his desire to return to singles competition, prompting Foley to place the duo in singles matches that night and with both Mahal and Rusev losing their respective matches against Cesaro and Big Show. This was done due to Rusev suffering a legit shoulder injury.