Double Olympic medalist and Indian wrestling legend, Sushil Kumar recently met with top WWE officials to discuss a potential move to the largest wrestling promotion in the world. The Indian Olympic hero divulged that he had a meeting on Saturday with the head of Talent Development of the WWE, Canyon Ceman, who came down from Orlando, California to discuss the viability of Sushil Kumar making the jump to professional wrestling.
By hinting at the possible move being an imminent phenomenon, Sushil said, "I had a very good meeting with the head of the WWE talent development and I am exploring a lot of options as I just want to continue wrestling .”
The rugged grappler retaliated claims about his amateur career coming to an end if he signs with the WWE by saying, "I would not say that I am leaving the amateur arena. I am just keen to explore other avenues as I really want to continue playing."
The Indian market is one of the biggest avenues for the WWE and it is a no-brainer that the company is looking to expand their base in the country filled will avid pro wrestling fans, and having a celebrated name in Sushil Kumar is certainly a step in the right direction. The Great Khali was the last big name that WWE had to connect with the Indian audience and Sushil can have a similar if not greater impact.
WWE has apparently been in talks with Sushil for over four months and all of the interest stems from the company’s long-drawn interest in broadening its reach in India. There is no confirmation of the deal going through as of yet, and everything would be crystal clear in a month, according to Raman Raheja, head of the company Super Sports that manages all of Sushil’s commercial deals.
"Something is going to materialize soon...in about a month or so we will finalise something. Today Canyon had a face-to-face meeting with Sushil for the first time. He had come all the way from Orlando to meet Sushil," revealed Raheja.
WWE isn’t the only company that are part of the negotiations, as many notable promotions are also being considered at this moment. By mentioning TNA as one of the potential options, Raheja said that after proving his mettle in the amateur scene by garnering countless laurels, the professional world of wrestling would only bring out the best in the Olympic Silver medalist. However, he clarified that a move to the world of sports entertainment doesn’t mean the closure of amateur wrestling doors.
While the negotiations are still in its infancy stages, the move looks to be inevitable and all of it could be confirmed in a month’ time.
Former WWE Champion and the most noteworthy Indian to have tasted success in the WWE, The Great Khali warned Sushil about the high level of competition in the promotion and how it would be tough for him to cope at his current age.
Sushil, though, is a fighter, who has two Olympic medals in his bag that includes a silver that he won at the 2012 London Games and a bronze that he won at the preceding edition in 2008 in Beijing.
Would you like to see Sushil Kumar get into the squared circle of the WWE? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at [email protected].
