WWE has been popular in India for more than two decades now, and of course, all the credit goes to the WWE superstars who have made this show a superhit in almost every corner of the world. If you have never watched a WWE match, you may be wondering what’s so special about it. Right? Well, in that case, we’d advise you to just watch a single fight or match of WWE, and you’ll know for yourself. With WWE, it is like every match is filled with drama, suspense, and thrilling moments. And as an Indian resident, you’ll be extra surprised and proud to see some Indian faces appear in WWE.
Until this point, some of you may only be familiar with some Indian wrestlers who made appearances in WWE, like The Great Khali, and Jinder Mahal, but there are some others who are making quite a name for themselves in this field. And today we are here to introduce the top 10 best Indian wrestlers in WWE of all time. Well, these are the figures who actually made the WWE popular in India. So let’s get down to the list then. Shall we?
List of Best Indian Wrestlers in WWE Ever
1. The Great Khali
Here’s a name you’re likely not to forget anytime soon, we are talking about The Great Khali! This 7-foot-1-inch giant, with his humongous presence and impressive feats, has become a true legend in the ring. Remember when he bagged the World Heavyweight Championship in 2007? That was Khali bringing home the title for the first time ever for Indian-born wrestlers! Inside the ring, Khali’s raw power and brute strength always kept his opponents on their toes. The guy was so good, fans would gape as he tossed and slammed opponents with utter ease. Add his unique Punjabi speeches and his sidekick Ranjin Singh, and you got a wrestling superstar with a truly unforgettable persona. Khali’s impact on Indian wrestling is immense, he’s the true trailblazer that opened up the WWE world to Indian athletes. When he stood up in the wrestling ring, everyone was curious to see what this giant’s next move would be. And again, it was such a delight to see the show of his power in the ring against some of the best and top WWE superstars.
2. Jinder Mahal
Next up is the Canadian-Indian sensation, Jinder Mahal. This guy is your classic underdog story. With an immense dedication to the sport and a bucket load of achievements, he’s earned himself a place among the greats in WWE. Carrying out his “Modern Day Maharaja” persona, Mahal commanded respect from fans and brought a whole new definition to being a champ. Backed by The Singh Brothers, he showed everyone what a unique mix of power, strategy, and sheer will could do. Mahal’s win was a game-changer for Indian wrestlers in the WWE, leading to a more inclusive space for diverse talents.
3. Rinku Singh Rajput
Also known as Rinku Singh, this wrestler is a classic example of ‘from humble beginnings come great things.’ Hailing from a small village in India, Rinku was first known for his baseball talent. But the call of the wrestling ring was too strong, and he swapped his baseball cap for wrestling boots. Rinku’s hard work and skill quickly caught the attention of fans, catapulting him to stardom. He won championships and became a beacon of hope for aspiring wrestlers in India. The story of Rinku Singh inspires us a lot because it tells us that no matter where you come from, if you have a true passion for something and if you work hard enough, nothing is impossible.
4. Saurav Gurjar
Starting his journey on the reality TV show “Splitsvilla,” Gurjar soon found his way to WWE’s developmental territory, NXT, in 2018. Alongside Rinku Singh, Gurjar formed the formidable tag team “Indus Sher,” setting their sights on the NXT tag team division. Despite their team disbanding in 2020, Gurjar’s impact on Indian representation in the WWE remains profound. He’s inspired countless young Indian athletes to pursue their dreams in the wrestling ring, earning him respect and admiration from fans globally.
5. Giant Zanjeer
Trained by none other than The Great Khali himself, Zanjeer has not only flexed his muscles in wrestling but also on the big screen in the Tamil-Telugu action flick, “Sulthan.” At 7-foot-2 and 340 pounds, his sheer size alone is enough to command attention. Because of his dashing personality, and unique charm, it’s clear why he’s one of the most exciting Indian wrestlers to watch in the WWE. Whether we talk about his acting performances or the matches in WWE, Giant Zanjeer has always proved why he is considered one of the best Indian wrestlers in WWE of all time.
6. Dilsher Shanky
Gurvinder Singh Malhotra, better known as Dilsher Shanky in the ring, is kinda the next big thing in Indian professional wrestling. Born in 1991, Shanky got hooked onto wrestling, thanks to The Great Khali’s wrestling academy, CWE, in 2015. Guided by the CWE, this Haryana Hulk really upped his game, making a name for himself on the Indian wrestling circuit. Introduced as the beefy CWE Superstar Shanky Singh in 2016, he swiftly climbed the ladder to the top, notching the Heavyweight title twice. Fast forward to 2020, Shanky caught the WWE bigwigs’ attention, and voila! He was in the WWE with three other hot prospects from India. He made his mark in WWE in the Superstar Spectacle, teaming up with Giant Zanjeer, Rey Mysterio, and Ricochet.
7. Gama Singh
If wrestling has a royalty, then Gama Singh Jr., or Great Gama Singh Jr., is definitely a prince. This Indian wrestler carries on the wrestling greatness inherited from his father, the legendary Gama Singh. Though not quite the WWE sensation, Gama Singh Jr. made a significant mark on the industry by being one of the earliest trailblazers for Indian talents in WWE. But his legacy isn’t confined to the WWE. Gama Singh Jr. has been a force on the independent wrestling circuit too, pulling in crowds with his charisma and smart wrestling moves.
8. Tiger Ali Singh
Known in the wrestling world as Tiger Ali Singh, Gurjit Singh Hans carved a path for Indian wrestlers in the WWE. Making a splash in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Singh’s impact on WWE history was nothing short of game-changing. He brought a new flavor to the ring, blending his Indian roots with an uber-wealthy, arrogant character that engaged audiences. But Singh’s legacy goes beyond his in-ring achievements. He basically opened the floodgates for Indian talent in WWE, leading the way for stars like The Great Khali and Jinder Mahal.
9. The Singh Brothers
Only a few names echo as loudly in the WWE world as The Singh Brothers, Gurvinder “Sunil Singh” Sihra, and Harvinder “Samir Singh” Sihra. Known for their stunning athleticism and charisma, these brothers have carved their niche in WWE history. Their stellar journey was marked by their alliance with WWE Champion Jinder Mahal during his reign in 2017, where their tactical interference was key to his successful title defenses. Even though they’re most known for their managerial roles, these brothers pack a punch in the ring as well.
10. Kavita Devi
Kavita Devi’s journey kicked off in 2017 when she became the first Indian woman to compete in the Mae Young Classic tournament. Devi is special for the way she embraces her Indian roots in the ring. She wowed fans across the globe with her Indian wrestling techniques and traditional salwar kameez attire. Her impact extends beyond the accolades, she has inspired a whole generation of Indian wrestlers to follow their dreams with sheer determination.
Conclusion
All in all, these are objectively the top 10 best Indian wrestlers in WWE of all time. Up until this moment, you may have only known about some of these superstars, but now you have seen the entire picture. Almost every single one of these Indian WWE superstars are like a strong inspiration for the upcoming wrestlers who want to represent India at an international stage.
Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
