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Currently, India is one of the biggest markets for WWE. The country's massive population and passion for professional wrestling have always compelled Vince McMahon's promotion to increase its attention toward India.
One earlier instance of the relationship between WWE and India was when Gama Singh became the first Indian to join the promotion in the 80s. But the inclusivity of Indians in WWE wasn't impressive for years. However, things changed when The Great Khali made his way to the squared circle in 2006. His popularity opened the door for WWE's bright future in India.
From sporadic house shows to a successful Superstar Spectacle, the promotion has tried to leave no stone unturned in strengthening its ties with India.
As with other countries, India too adores watching their superstars. Our article will focus on five Indian superstars currently under contract with the promotion.
Which of the following superstars do you admire the most? Share your opinions in the comment section below.
#5. Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal
Perhaps the most prominent superstar of Indian descent, Jinder Mahal has long been associated with Vince McMahon's promotion. Though he was born and raised in Canada, his ancestry is Indian, and the company officially bills him from Punjab, India.
He made his first WWE appearance back in 2010. Mahal was introduced as the brother-in-law of The Great Khali.
During his extended tenure at the company, The Modern-Day Maharaja has had numerous accomplishments, including a WWE Championship reign. He's the only individual of Indian descent to claim this title.
He's also famous for the heel Indian stables he formed in recent years. He teamed up with The Singh Bros. (Sunil Singh and Samir Singh) from 2017 to 2019. Currently, Jinder Mahal performs on SmackDown and is assisted by Dilsher Shanky, who's Indian as well.
#4. Dilsher Shanky accompanies Jinder Mahal on SmackDown
If there's anyone who can continue The Great Khali's legacy, it's Dilsher Shanky. He's almost seven feet tall and was trained by Khali himself.
He participated in an eight-man tag team contest at Superstar Spectacle, teaming up with Giant Zanjeer, Rey Mysterio, and Ricochet to defeat Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, King Corbin, and Shinsuke Nakamura. Shanky then started appearing on RAW, aligning himself with Jinder Mahal. As part of the 2021 WWE Draft, Shanky and Mahal were drafted to SmackDown, where the former now accompanies the latter.
#3. Guru Raaj competes on 205 Live and NXT
Guru Raaj was selected for WWE in a talent tryout. Raaj is a wonderful high-flying superstar who currently performs 205 Live and NXT.
He faced Finn Balor at Superstar Spectacle. Though the Indian superstar lost the match, he gave Balor a run for his money. More than anything, the former Universal Champion was surprised to learn that it was Raaj's first match ever.
Since then, Guru Raaj has had numerous appearances at NXT and 205 Live. He is also billed as India's first high-flying wrestler.
#2. Sanga is currently with NXT 2.0
Sourav Gurjar debuted in WWE NXT alongside Rinku Singh Rajput, collectively booked as The Indus Sher. The duo was managed by Malcolm Bivens. They teamed up with Drew McIntyre to defeat Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers at Superstar Spectacle.
Following this, Rinku was called up to RAW and their team was split up. Soon, Sourav left for India without any storyline. He returned on the January 18, 2022 episode of NXT under the new name Sanga. He's currently the bodyguard for Grayson Waller.
#1. Veer Mahaan is coming to RAW
Perhaps the superstar on whom WWE has massive hopes, Rinku debuted alongside Sourav in NXT. He was soon renamed Veer and called to RAW, where he started allying with Mahal and Shanky.
After the 2021 WWE Draft, Veer was sent to RAW while Mahal & Shanky went to SmackDown, thus ending the team. Veer hasn't returned to RAW since.
However, WWE has been promoting his return for months now with a weekly vignette of his arrival. Whenever he returns, Veer Mahaan is anticipated to get a giant push.
