If reports are to be held true, fans of Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar will soon be able to see him fighting it out in a WWE ring. It is suggested that the Indian grappler is currently under negotiating terms with the WWE Network, and even met with it's head of talent development Canyon Ceman in
New Delhi.
Sushil's agent Raman Raheja, who handles his commercial interests, confirmed that the wrestler is "very much interested in growing a Pro Wrestling career now." Raheja, head of Super Sports, the company that manages Kumar said, "Yes, we have had discussions with the WWE. In fact, their head of Talent and Development was here to meet. Things are going in a positive direction that is the reason we have shown our interest. We are also looking at various other aspects before everything is finalised."
The move is anticipated to be a possible reaction to the Wrestling Federation of India choosing Narsingh Yadav to represent India at this year's Rio Olympics. A source close to Sushil said, "We are also talking to various organisations including the WWE to open a franchise in Delhi to groom young Indian Pro Wrestling talent. The Chhatarsal stadium has long been the home of wrestlers in the country, and Sushil is looking at ways to monetise it. If grapplers cannot make it to the Olympics, then they should have an alternative career."
Once the deal is cracked, Kumar will become the second Indian wrestler after the Great Khali. On hearing the news, Khali - real name Dalip Singh Rana, warned Kumar saying it would be difficult for him in WWE. The 44 year old said that while he would be thrilled to see an Indian in the ring, success for anyone in WWE is a tough task. "It will be good if Sushil goes to WWE. It is my thought nothing personal about it but I think it will be late for Sushil to join WWE. One has to join at an early age and the chances of success increase. WWE is very difficult so I still feel it is a bit late for Sushil to join WWE. I would personally like to see someone in WWE after me."
"There is not much awareness about fitness in India unlike other countries. We don't get too many medals at Olympics, one of the reasons is we don't have that culture of fitness in India," Khali said.
Meanwhile, he is skipping the Pro Wrestling League this year, saying it isn't possible for him to take part after the way WFI officials treated him during the Narsingh controversy.
