WWE in India
{{short description|Series of professional wrestling events in India by American promotion WWE}}
{{Infobox professional wrestling event series
|name = WWE in India
|image_size =
|caption =
|alt =
|othernames =
|nicknames =
|createdby = Vince McMahon
|promotions = WWE
|firstevent = 1996 tour
|lastevent =
|gimmick =
|featuredmatches =
}}
WWE, an American professional wrestling promotion based in Stamford, Connecticut in the United States has been promoting events in India since 1996 when they were the World Wrestling Federation.
History
{{See also|Professional wrestling in India}}
WWE first toured the country in 1996.{{cite news |title=World Wrestling Entertainment To Tour India for the First Time Since 1996 |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2002/10-10-2002 |access-date=12 April 2021 |work=WWE |date=10 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417013130/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2002/10-10-2002 |archive-date=17 April 2020 |location=Mumbai, India}} The next time WWE came to India was in November 2002, visiting New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The company returned to New Delhi in January 2016 for the two days event what was the first WWE event in India in 13 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/wwe-superstar-john-cena-is-not-coming-to-india/story-t34X03x76Xtn9mPbfb2yVK.html|title=WWE superstar John Cena is not coming to India|date=January 7, 2016|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=August 4, 2023|archive-date=August 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804100622/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/wwe-superstar-john-cena-is-not-coming-to-india/story-t34X03x76Xtn9mPbfb2yVK.html|url-status=live}} On 9 December 2017, an event titled WWE Live India Supershow was held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, and aired exclusively on SonyLIV.{{cite news |title=WWE India schedule: WWE Live India 'Supershow': Full Schedule, Live Streaming, Live Telecast - Jinder Mahal vs Triple H main event |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/wwe-live-india-supershow-full-schedule-jinder-mahal-vs-triple-h-main-event/articleshow/61994460.cms |access-date=12 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210060019/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/wwe-live-india-supershow-full-schedule-jinder-mahal-vs-triple-h-main-event/articleshow/61994460.cms |archive-date=10 December 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Sunder |first1=Gautam |title=It's all about The Game: Triple H on WWE, India and more |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/its-all-about-the-game-triple-h-on-wwe-india-and-more/article30123372.ece |access-date=12 April 2021 |work=The Hindu |date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130161648/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/its-all-about-the-game-triple-h-on-wwe-india-and-more/article30123372.ece |archive-date=30 November 2019}}
WWE had a broadcasting relationship with Sony Sports Network from 2002 to 2025.{{Cite web |title=WWE set to shift Indian media rights from SPNI to Netflix in $5 bn deal, WWE News |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/netflix-india-wwe-media-rights-deal-2025-124122000832_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250321195846/https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/netflix-india-wwe-media-rights-deal-2025-124122000832_1.html |archive-date=2025-03-21 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Business Standard |language=en-US}} Alongside broadcasts of its main weekly programs, WWE produced localized programming in Hindi for the region, including WWE Sunday Dhamaal for Sony Max,{{Cite web |title=Sony MAX to air exclusive new weekly Hindi show, WWE Sunday Dhamaal |url=https://www.exchange4media.com/industry-briefing-news/sony-max-to-air-exclusive-new-weekly-hindi-showwwe-sunday-dhamaal-69368.html |access-date=2022-10-30 |website=Exchange4media |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030232550/https://www.exchange4media.com/industry-briefing-news/sony-max-to-air-exclusive-new-weekly-hindi-showwwe-sunday-dhamaal-69368.html |url-status=live }} and WWE Now India with Gaelyn Mendonca for its YouTube channel.{{cite news |author=WWE.com Staff |date=5 March 2019 |title=WWE launches new WWE NOW INDIA series |language=en |work=WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-now-india-gaelyn-mendonca-debut |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413232027/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-now-india-gaelyn-mendonca-debut |url-status=live }}
In January 2019, Triple H stated that the WWE would eventually open a Performance Center in India.{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Sayan |date=12 January 2019 |title=Exclusive: WWE will open a performance center in India, confirms Triple H |work=Hindustan Times |location=London, England |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/wwe-will-open-a-performance-center-in-india-confirms-triple-h/story-8qNBzwEkbajXfcI4lBKAHP.html |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113042933/https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/wwe-will-open-a-performance-center-in-india-confirms-triple-h/story-8qNBzwEkbajXfcI4lBKAHP.html |archive-date=13 January 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Andrew |date=12 January 2019 |title=Triple H: "I Can Say With Certainty That There Will Be A Performance Center In India" |work=Fightful |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/triple-h-i-can-say-certainty-there-will-be-performance-center-india |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503222532/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/triple-h-i-can-say-certainty-there-will-be-performance-center-india |archive-date=3 May 2019}} Two months later, the first ever WWE tryouts in India were held, in which approximately 60 men and 20 women were shortlisted.{{cite news |date=7 March 2019 |title=WWE conduct first-ever talent tryouts in India, shortlist 80 wrestlers from across the country |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/wwe-wrestling/wwe-conduct-first-ever-talent-tryouts-in-india-5614352/ |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311205258/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/wwe-wrestling/wwe-conduct-first-ever-talent-tryouts-in-india-5614352/ |archive-date=11 March 2019}}{{cite news |author1=India Today Sports Desk |date=6 March 2019 |title=WWE hold first-ever tryouts in India: 60 men and 20 women shortlisted |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/wwe/story/wwe-hold-first-ever-tryouts-in-india-60-men-and-20-women-shortlisted-1471352-2019-03-06 |access-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306155036/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/wwe/story/wwe-hold-first-ever-tryouts-in-india-60-men-and-20-women-shortlisted-1471352-2019-03-06 |archive-date=6 March 2019}}{{cite news |author=WWE.com Staff |date=4 March 2019 |title=WWE holds its first tryout in India |work=WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-holds-tryout-india-march-2019 |access-date=13 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304233603/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/wwe-holds-tryout-india-march-2019 |archive-date=4 March 2019}} For Republic Day, 22 January 2021, WWE produced its first televised event special targeting the Indian market, Superstar Spectacle, which featured matches showcasing current and developmental WWE talent of Indian heritage. It was simulcast with English and Hindi commentary across Sony TEN and Sony Max, and aired internationally on WWE Network.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |date=12 January 2020 |title=WWE Superstar Spectacle updates |work=PWInsider |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/142978/wwe-superstar-spectacle-updates.html |access-date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123003524/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/142978/wwe-superstar-spectacle-updates.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Defelice |first1=Robert |date=11 January 2021 |title=Report: Top Raw And SmackDown Superstars May Be Involved In WWE Superstar Spectacle Taping |language=en |work=Fightful |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-top-raw-and-smackdown-superstars-may-be-involved-wwe-superstar-spectacle-taping |access-date=13 January 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126001759/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-top-raw-and-smackdown-superstars-may-be-involved-wwe-superstar-spectacle-taping |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Andrew |date=13 January 2021 |title=Jinder Mahal, Kavita Devi & more confirmed for WWE Superstar Spectacle |work=POST Wrestling |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/01/13/jinder-mahal-bollywood-boyz-kavita-devi-confirmed-for-wwe-superstar-spectacle/ |access-date=16 January 2021 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121234859/https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/01/13/jinder-mahal-bollywood-boyz-kavita-devi-confirmed-for-wwe-superstar-spectacle/ |url-status=live }}
WWE's contract with Sony Pictures Networks lapsed on 1 April 2025, with the Indian market transitioning to WWE's global broadcast deal with Netflix.{{Cite web |last=Flanagan |first=Neal |date=2025-03-08 |title=WWE weekly programming and PLEs move to Netflix in India from April 1st |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/03/08/wwe-weekly-programming-and-ples-move-to-netflix-in-india-from-april-1st/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=POST Wrestling |language=en-US}}
A number of WWE performers have also visited India as part of promotional tours.
Events in India
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 0 auto" | |
| style="background:#FBB; width:2em"| | Raw-branded event |
Television series
WWE have produced several television series for their Indian audience over the years. Since 27 February 2018, they have aired live telecasts of Raw and SmackDown in Hindi.{{cite news |author=WWE.com Staff |title=Watch Raw, SmackDown LIVE in Hindi for the first time |url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/raw-smackdown-now-live-in-hindi |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=WWE |date=26 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301105421/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/raw-smackdown-now-live-in-hindi |archive-date=1 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Raw and Smackdown now available live in Hindi |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/sports/raw-and-smackdown-now-available-live-in-hindi-180227 |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Indian Television Dot Com |date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301121209/https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/sports/raw-and-smackdown-now-available-live-in-hindi-180227 |archive-date=1 March 2018}} Live Tamil and Telugu language commentary was introduced in 2021.{{cite web |agency=IANS |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/entertainment/rana-daggubati-to-be-the-face-of-wwe-campaign-in-tamil-telugu-121110101015_1.html |title=Rana Daggubati to be the face of WWE campaign in Tamil, Telugu | Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |date= |accessdate=2022-09-09 |archive-date=2022-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909050151/https://www.business-standard.com/article/entertainment/rana-daggubati-to-be-the-face-of-wwe-campaign-in-tamil-telugu-121110101015_1.html |url-status=live }}
On 7 May 2007, a new WWE show for children named WWE 24X7 premiered on Jetix in India, which shown matches from their archives.{{cite news |title=JETIX launches 'Action Vacation', Five lucky kids to win tickets to watch WWE Summer Slam 07 in USA |url=http://corporate.disney.in/sites/default/files/press-releases/pdfs/JETIX%20launches.pdf |access-date=13 January 2021 |publisher=The Walt Disney Company India |date=2 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113103912/http://corporate.disney.in/sites/default/files/press-releases/pdfs/JETIX%20launches.pdf |archive-date=13 January 2021 |page=2 |language=en}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k7/may/may23.php|title=Disney's Jetix launches 'Action Vacation' with WWE superstars|date=May 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517173434/http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k7/may/may23.php|archive-date=May 17, 2007|access-date=September 4, 2017}}
WWE started airing taped shows on Ten Sports in January 2015. Through this deal, an exclusive localised Raw recap show was made for the Indian market.{{cite news |title=Ten Sports and WWE® Expand Partnership in India |url=https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2014/12-09-2014 |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=WWE |agency=Business Wire |date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503131153/https://corporate.wwe.com/investors/news/press-releases/2014/12-09-2014 |archive-date=3 May 2017 |location=New Delhi, India and Stamford, Connecticut}} The localised Raw show would later be announced as Raw Sunday Dhamaal, a short-lived show which was replaced by WWE Sunday Dhamaal.{{cite news |author=WWE.com Staff |title=Sony Pictures Networks India, WWE announce exclusive new weekly Hindi show, "WWE Sunday Dhamaal," on Sony MAX |url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/sony-pictures-network-india-wwe-announce-wwe-sunday-dhamaal |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=WWE |agency=Business Wire |date=22 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117002832/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/sony-pictures-network-india-wwe-announce-wwe-sunday-dhamaal |archive-date=17 January 2021 |location=Mumbai, India and Stamford, Connecticut |quote=WWE Sunday Dhamaal replaces Raw Sunday Dhamaal.}}{{cite news |title=Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and WWE® Announce Exclusive New Weekly Hindi Show, WWE Sunday Dhamaal |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2017-06-22/sony-pictures-networks-india-spn-and-wwe-announce-exclusive-new-weekly-hindi-show-wwe-sunday-dhamaal |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Bloomberg |agency=Business Wire |date=22 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816032707/https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2017-06-22/sony-pictures-networks-india-spn-and-wwe-announce-exclusive-new-weekly-hindi-show-wwe-sunday-dhamaal |archive-date=16 August 2019 |location=Mumbai, India and Stamford, Connecticut}} The show was perceived well with audiences, gaining an 'upward swing' of viewers after it had launched.{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Robin |title=A date with WWE stars |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/a-date-with-wwe-stars-741783 |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=The Tribune |date=12 March 2019 |quote=Sunday Dhamal is no exception. Ever since it was launched, its viewership has seen an upward swing. |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414014841/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/a-date-with-wwe-stars-741783 |url-status=live }}
From 2015 to 2017, a recap show produced by the WWE named Action Mania, aired on Zee Cinema in Hindi exclusively in India.{{cite news |title=Zee Cinema to telecast WWE in Hindi |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/movie-channels/zee-cinema-to-telecast-wwe-in-hindi-150829 |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Indian Television Dot Com |date=29 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901074259/https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/movie-channels/zee-cinema-to-telecast-wwe-in-hindi-150829 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2015}}
In 2020 Sony Pictures launched two Studio shows Blockbusters and Dhamaal League.{{cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.co/sony-sports-launches-wwe-blockbusters-800-pm/|title=Sony Sports launches WWE Blockbusters @ 8:00 pm|work=Insider Sport|author=Goyal, Shaily|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017233108/https://www.insidesport.co/sony-sports-launches-wwe-blockbusters-800-pm/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mediabrief.com/spsn-announces-special-programming-wwe-dhamaal-league/|title=SPSN announces special programming 'WWE Dhamaal League'; also to broadcast NXT TakeOver 31 in India|date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 5, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201015837/https://www.mediabrief.com/spsn-announces-special-programming-wwe-dhamaal-league/|url-status=live}}
=Other shows=
Several WWE superstars made special appearances in various shows during their promotional tour in India. Kofi Kingston and Big E appeared on the 10 May 2017 episode of Extraaa Innings T20.{{cite news |author1=Sports Desk |title=Former WWE tag team champions Kofi Kingston and Big E to appear on IPL Extraaa Innings |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2017/may/05/former-wwe-tag-team-champions-kofi-kingston-and-big-e-to-appear-on-ipl-extraaa-innings-1601462.html |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508233318/https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2017/may/05/former-wwe-tag-team-champions-kofi-kingston-and-big-e-to-appear-on-ipl-extraaa-innings-1601462.html |archive-date=8 May 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Dogra |first1=Aditya |title=WWE superstars Kofi Kingston and Big E of The New Day coming to India |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/wwe-superstars-kofi-kingston-and-big-e-of-the-new-day-coming-to-india/story-eswPzKbaCeORkcXzOZpTyM.html |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=9 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509151358/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/wwe-superstars-kofi-kingston-and-big-e-of-the-new-day-coming-to-india/story-eswPzKbaCeORkcXzOZpTyM.html |archive-date=9 May 2017}} Months later, in October 2017, Jinder Mahal appeared in an episode of Sony SAB's sitcom Sajan Re Phir Jhooth Mat Bolo.{{Cite tweet |user=JinderMahal |number=918813811695595521 |title=Had a great time filming on the set of #SRPJMB on @sabtv . Cant wait to see the episode when it airs. Thanks to the entire cast and crew.|date=13 October 2017 |access-date=14 April 2021 |language=en }}{{cite news |last1=Abhimanyu |first1=Mathur |title=WWE champ Jinder Mahal: I'd love to team up with Akshay Kumar in a tag team match |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/wwe-champ-jinder-mahal-id-love-to-team-up-with-akshay-kumar-in-a-tag-team-match/articleshow/61162094.cms |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=22 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110063854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/wwe-champ-jinder-mahal-id-love-to-team-up-with-akshay-kumar-in-a-tag-team-match/articleshow/61162094.cms |archive-date=10 November 2020 |quote=During his one-day Mumbai visit, Jinder shot for a guest appearance in the TV show 'Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo'.}} In 2018, Matt Hardy made a special appearance in singing reality show Indian Idol.{{cite news |author1=Sports Desk |title=WATCH: WWE superstar Matt Hardy appears on Indian Idol, leaves it woken |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/wwe-wrestling/matt-hardy-visits-indian-idol-5482180/ |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=The Indian Express |date=6 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207114604/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/wwe-wrestling/matt-hardy-visits-indian-idol-5482180/ |archive-date=7 December 2018}}{{cite news |title=WWE Star Matt Hardy Strikes a Classical Note on Indian Idol, Stuns Desi Fans |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/wwe-star-matt-hardy-appears-on-indian-idol-to-belt-out-classical-songs-stuns-desi-fans-1962089.html |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=News18 |date=6 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207130250/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/wwe-star-matt-hardy-appears-on-indian-idol-to-belt-out-classical-songs-stuns-desi-fans-1962089.html |archive-date=7 December 2018}} In 2019, The New Day appeared on an episode of dance reality show Super Dancer.{{cite AV media |date=15 March 2019 |title=New Day spreads the Power of Positivity in India |language=en |url=https://youtube.com/watch?si=47W3A0XXtk6xojUX&v=BieZziGyKc4& |access-date=4 December 2023 |time=1:23 |location=Mumbai |publisher=WWE |via=YouTube}}{{Cbignore}}
WWE Superstar Spectacle
{{main|WWE Superstar Spectacle}}
In 2021, WWE taped a special India centric show WWE Superstar Spectacle on 22 January 2021 and aired it on 26 January, the Republic Day of India.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=WWE taping Superstar Special this week, special to air next week on major holiday in India |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/143146/wwe-taping-superstar-spectacle-this-week-special-to-air-next-week-on-major-holiday-in-india.html |access-date=18 January 2021 |work=PWInsider |date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129040733/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/143146/wwe-taping-superstar-spectacle-this-week-special-to-air-next-week-on-major-holiday-in-india.html |url-status=live }} The second Superstar Spectacle event was held on 8 September 2023. Unlike the 2021 event, the 2023 event was a house show.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-returns-to-india-this-september-with-wwe-superstar-spectacle|title=WWE returns to India this September with WWE Superstar Spectacle|website=WWE|access-date=2023-08-30|archive-date=2023-08-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830052838/https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-returns-to-india-this-september-with-wwe-superstar-spectacle|url-status=live}} It was later aired as Namaste India on Sony Sports Network on 2 October 2023.{{cite AV media |date=2 October 2023 |title=Watch Namaste India Only On Sony Sports Network |language=hi |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=BfBzm3wh7kzmFLfU&v=nG2n5YIbkds&feature=youtu.be |access-date= |publisher=Sony Sports Network |via=YouTube}}{{Cbignore}}
Indian flag controversy
A 1999 episode of Sunday Night Heat was criticized for a segment featuring Kurt Angle and Tiger Ali Singh in which Angle blew his nose in the Indian national flag.{{cite news |author1=Sports Desk |title=Hockey déjà vu? WWE asked to apologise to India |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1032336/hockey-deja-vu-wwe-asked-to-apologise-to-india |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=The Express Tribune |date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124211252/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1032336/hockey-deja-vu-wwe-asked-to-apologise-to-india |archive-date=24 January 2016 |quote=Nearly 17 years ago, on March 7, 1999 to be precise, former wrestler Kurt Angle made his debut on Saturday Night Heat and blew his nose on the Indian national flag.}} On 15 January 2016, days before the WWE arrived in India for their house show events in 2016, a group named Aadvanshi Veer Sena threatened to protest against the company's tour unless they apologised for Angle's incident.{{cite news |last1=News Desk |first1=India.com |title=Aadvanshi Veer Sena to protest against WWE tour; demands apology for insulting Indian flag |url=https://www.india.com/news/india/aadvanshi-veer-sena-to-protest-against-wwe-tour-demands-apology-for-insulting-indian-flag-863420/ |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=India.com |date=15 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124205301/https://www.india.com/news/india/aadvanshi-veer-sena-to-protest-against-wwe-tour-demands-apology-for-insulting-indian-flag-863420/ |archive-date=24 January 2018 |location=New Delhi, India |quote=While the fans are enthralled to watch their favorite heroes in reality for the first time, the Indian political scenario does not seem to be excited. A Hindu group, Aadvanshi Veer Sena has claimed to protest against their arrival in India.}} Five days after their claims to protest if an apology was not given, WWE International's Executive Vice President, Gerrit Meier, apologised for the incident, saying: "This case is about 20-years-ago and we did not deliberately do that. We have a great respect for the country. We are sorry that it happened, but we had no intention of doing it. India is a reputable country and we apologise for this… We are extremely pleased that India is hosting the live events again. There are good number of fans and I am confident that they will enjoy it all. Nearly 14 years later, we are once again on the ground of India will play a WWE match."{{cite news |last1=Pradhan |first1=Karan |title=WWE apologises for 1998 incident with Indian Flag: There's no way this isn't about profits |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/wwe-apologises-for-1998-incident-with-indian-flag-theres-no-way-this-isnt-about-profits-2591996.html |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Firstpost |date=20 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123013326/https://www.firstpost.com/world/wwe-apologises-for-1998-incident-with-indian-flag-theres-no-way-this-isnt-about-profits-2591996.html |archive-date=23 January 2016}}{{cite news |title=WWE apologizes to India 17 years after Kurt Angle 'disrespected' the tricolour |url=https://www.sify.com/sports/wwe-apologizes-to-india-17-years-after-kurt-angle-disrespected-the-tricolour-news-topnews-qbwmkrjjiifhf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310004950/https://www.sify.com/sports/wwe-apologizes-to-india-17-years-after-kurt-angle-disrespected-the-tricolour-news-topnews-qbwmkrjjiifhf.html |access-date=14 April 2021 |work=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 March 2016}}