How Popular is WWE in India?

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment has a significant and growing fan base in India, making it one of the most popular sports entertainment brands in the country.

Facts That Prove WWE's Popularity

India currently serves as the biggest fanbase for WWE outside the USA, with 335 million unique television viewers annually. This is not only the largest market for WWE in terms of Facebook engagement and YouTube viewership but also surpasses the USA when wrestling was identified as the most-watched 'sport' on Indian television in 2018, according to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Ernst Young.

These facts highlight WWE's growing influence and passion within the Indian market, with a large population providing a huge potential for profit. After the USA, WWE is most closely watching the Indian market for growth opportunities.

Diving into the Factors Behind WWE's Popularity

Cultural Appeal

The cultural appeal of WWE lies in its dramatic storylines and larger-than-life characters. The sports theatrical nature and colorful personalities of wrestlers resonate well with Indian audiences. This resonates especially well with the cable network channels and streaming platforms in India, such as Sony Ten and Sony LIV, which air WWE programming.

Television Reach

The accessibility of WWE through television channels and apps has contributed to making it a household name. Fans watch WWE programming on these channels, which has helped cultivate a strong and dedicated viewership. Even today, WWE's television reach continues to grow, attracting new viewers each year.

Live Events

In addition to television, WWE has been successful in hosting live events in India, drawing large crowds and enhancing fan engagement. These events increase the visibility of wrestling as a sport, making it more accepted and appreciated within Indian society.

Local Talent

The emergence of Indian wrestlers in WWE, such as Jinder Mahal and The Great Khali, has significantly boosted interest. Fans take pride in seeing their countrymen represented on an international stage, which fosters a sense of inclusion and nationality. WWE actively engages with the Indian community through social media and localized content, furthering its connection with the audience.

Social Media and Digital Engagement

WWE's active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has maintained and grown its fan base. The company understands the importance of digital engagement, especially with the younger generation who are more active on these platforms. Localized content, such as videos and posts in regional languages, has also helped to build a stronger connection with the Indian audience.

WWE's Strategic Moves in India

WWE Now India was launched before Wrestlemania to cater to the Indian market. WWE organizes simple celebrations like Independence Day and Holi with the help of their biggest Superstars like Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Becky Lynch. This not only increases engagement but also promotes brand loyalty. WWE now offers its content in three languages in India: Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, adapting to the diverse linguistic preferences of the Indian audience.

Hiring Local Talent

In an effort to find and nurture new talent, WWE is conducting tryouts in India. The rumor of setting up a development center in India is a significant step, as it would provide new Indian wrestlers the opportunity to get exposure and proper training. This development center would make it easier for aspiring wrestlers to access WWE, further strengthening their presence in the market.

Pushing Indian Superstars

Although WWE made an attempt to push Jinder Mahal as a "heel," it was a failed experiment as it backfired, making him unpopular among fans. However, WWE is now focusing on promoting other Indian superstars like Rinku Singh, who recently made his NXT TV taping debut. Rinku Singh's attire represents the entire Indian culture, aligning with WWE's efforts to integrate Indian culture and heritage into their narratives.

Conclusion

WWE is clearly invested in the Indian market, recognizing its huge potential. The popularity and engagement of WWE in India continue to grow as the company strategically engages with the Indian audience, promotes local talent, and integrates cultural elements into its shows and events. With a strong and loyal fan base, WWE's presence in India is set to become even more significant in the years to come.