WWE sent out a press release earlier today unveiling a new Vice President and General Manager of WWE India. This comes just 3 weeks after the company announced WWE Shop products will be made available in the country for the first time ever.
Many are speculating that Jinder Mahal’s recent push is due to WWE’s desire to expand their fanbase in the country by creating a local star. Mahal was born in Calgary, AB Canada but is of Punjabi Sikh origin. He is the nephew of Stampede Wrestling alumni Gama Singh.
WWE India Expansion
Sheetesh Srivastava will now be the head of WWE’s expanded operations in the country.
Today’s press release detailed WWE’s plans for increased exposure in the Indian market.
“India is key to the global growth of WWE, and we are confident Sheetesh will successfully help develop our brand and business in this critically important country,” stated the release. “WWE is committed to expanding its presence in India, and we are pleased to welcome Sheetesh to further our efforts in the market.”
India represents WWE’s single largest regional contribution to the brand’s massive social media community of 750 million followers globally. To increase engagement with fans in India, WWE recently launched WWEShop.in, the company’s first-ever local, e-commerce experience in India.
The WWE Network in India was made available in the fall of 2015, close to 2 years after it was made available in other countries.
This isn’t the first time the company has attempted to create a local star in India, having featured the Great Khali on their programming from 2006-2014.
WWE’s full press release can be read here.
