Back in 2020, WWE announced a five-year extension to their contract with Sony Pictures India. The deal was said to involve WWE returning to the country with “bigger live events,” while Superstars would visit the region for promotional tours.
The first event of this extended partnership was Superstar Spectacle which was filmed on January 22nd, 2021, before being broadcast four days late to coincide with India’s Republic Day. The event was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and like the rest of WWE’s programming at the time was presented from the ThunderDome.
Superstar Spectacle served as a showcase for a number of Indian performers within the company who appeared on the card. In the opening match, Finn Balor defeated Guru Raaj, while Charlotte Flair teamed with Sareena Sandhu to see off Natalya and Bayley. In the main event, Drew McIntyre joined with Indus Sher to overcome the Bollywood Boyz and Jinder Mahal.
While back in November, it was reported that WWE planning an event in India in January, but it didn’t end up happening.
WWE Planning Indian Show In April
Speaking on WWE’s Q4 Earnings Call, CEO Nick Khan stated that the hope is now to hold an event in April.
“In terms of India, allow me to tell you, from our perspective, what’s going on there and what will go on there. We’re waiting for the Zee-Sony India merger to be approved by the regulatory authorities. The hope is in April. Keep in mind what you already know. COVID stunted our growth opportunities in India and a number of places, but in India specifically, where I would say it was almost impossible to travel in and out of. We couldn’t do local events there.
So as soon as we have a sense of when the regulatory approval happens on Zee and Sony India, look for a big live event in India. The best way to grow viewership, and I think we’re seeing it proven out with our UK shows, with the upcoming Montreal show, and in other markets, is to have live events there.
It’s a much easier sale for our partners with their partners. It’s a much easier sale for us with potential partners, when they’ve been to the show, and they see the power of it. It’s just a smoother path. So as soon as that transaction is approved, look for us to be there in short order and to start continuing to build that empire in India.”
WWE have already announced that they’ll be holding another Premium Live Event overseas with the news that Money In The Bank is heading to the United Kingdom.
H/t to eWrestlingNews