Desi version of WWE Soon

An IPL-type wrestling competition, Wrestle Mania Extreme (WME), is expected to be announced on the sidelines of World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025). WAVES 2025 will occur from May 1 to May 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.

WME will be a high-octane drama, modeled on the famous WWE wrestling events, sources in the Maharashtra government told Bizz Buzz. While a private event, it will be facilitated by the Central government.

WAVES, on the other hand, is a premier global event hosted by the Central government. It aims to spotlight India’s thriving media and entertainment (M&E) sector, bringing together international leaders, creators, innovators, and investors to shape the future of the industry worldwide.

The success and popularity of the Indian Premier League triggered the conception of WME, the sources said. IPL’s brand value reportedly crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark in 2024. According to an estimate by Brand Finance, four franchises—Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)—have surpassed $100 million in brand value.

The indigenous WME will give a boost to the careers of a large number of wrestlers, the sources said. Besides, they added, it will generate a lot of employment opportunities, just as the IPL did.

The IPL has created thousands of jobs, both direct and indirect. Quite apart from giving a fillip to media and broadcasting, it has created job opportunities across sectors for skilled as well as unskilled workers. Multiple IPL franchises need coaches, physical training and medical experts, physiotherapists, analysts, groundskeepers, administrative staff, logistics professionals, etc. Telecasting and digital marketing teams need experts to cover live matches, generate content, handle social media, and do public relations.

Indirect employment takes place as smaller, local businesses provide transportation, catering services, etc. WME will be able to replicate the IPL success, the sources said.