India (Commonwealth Union)_ While Indian male wrestlers such as Rinku Singh Rajput and Saurav Gurjar have carved their names in WWE history, a new wave of Indian female wrestlers is also beginning to shine on the global stage. Though currently none hold a WWE contract, their contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark and set the foundation for future stars.
Kavita Devi: first Indian female wrestler in WWE
Kavita Devi, a native of Haryana, made history in 2017 as the first Indian female wrestler to participate in WWE. Her debut was not just a personal achievement but a significant moment for Indian wrestling as a whole. Kavita captivated the global audience by stepping into the ring adorned in a traditional salwar suit, embracing her cultural heritage with pride. Her journey primarily unfolded in WWE’s NXT division, where she showcased remarkable power and resilience. Although she did not break into WWE’s main roster, her presence has undoubtedly paved the way for other female wrestlers from India. Even after parting ways with WWE, Kavita’s legacy as a pioneer remains vital to the narrative of women in wrestling.
Also read: 2024 Gulbenkian Prize: Meet the Indian-origin soil scientist who transformed agriculture forever!
Sarina Sandhu: A hot star in WWE
Another noteworthy figure is Sarina Sandhu, an Indian-origin wrestler based in the United States. Sarina has made a significant impact in WWE in a relatively short span of time. Her wrestling journey began in 2015, and she quickly gained recognition for both her skills in the ring and her striking presence. Before joining WWE, she established herself as a formidable competitor in Impact Wrestling, where her talent began to draw attention. During her time in WWE, she had the opportunity to compete against some of the industry’s top talents, including Charlotte Flair, showcasing her capabilities within the women’s division.
Sarina continues to be a prominent figure in professional wrestling, representing the potential of Indian-origin talent on the global platform. Though born in the United States, Sarina proudly embraces her Indian heritage, which continues to resonate with fans and aspiring wrestlers alike. Her interactions with industry leaders, including WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, have garnered praise, reinforcing her status as an emerging star in wrestling.
Also read: Actor Ajith Kumar’s historic Andaman motorcycle ride aims to promote motorcycle tourism in India!
Sanjana George: Competitive player in WWE
Sanjana George, a native of Kerala, represents a different facet of the wrestling world as she has taken on the role of a referee in WWE. However, her aspirations extend beyond officiating. She is rigorously training to step into the ring as a wrestler. With a strong background in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Sanjana possesses a unique skill set that she brings to the WWE Performance Center. Although she has yet to make her debut as a wrestler, her dedication and hard work signal her potential to make a significant impact in the wrestling community in the future.
Also read: Indian Americans light up New York: Durga puja takes center stage in Times Square!
Breaking the barriers
These exceptional women, Kavita Devi, Sarina Sandhu, and Sanjana George, have broken through barriers in the male-dominated world of WWE, serving as inspirations for countless aspiring female athletes in India. Their journeys, marked by determination and resilience, not only spotlight their individual talents but also highlight the growing presence of Indian women in professional wrestling. As they continue to pursue their dreams, they pave the way for future generations, proving that with dedication, anyone can succeed on the grandest stages of sport.
