GECs
‘India is fast becoming one of WWE’s most important international markets’ : Andrew Whitaker- WWE president, International
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World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has emerged as one of the strongest TV brands in India, providing sports broadcaster Ten Sports a daily diet of popular content.
While US stays as its main revenue earner, WWE’s international revenues make up 26 per cent, or $135 million, of its total pie. UK, Australia and France are its top three markets in terms of size, but the fan base in India is growing. So is WWE’s efforts to market the property as it recently brought down one of its Superstars Kane for a promotional visit to Mumbai and Delhi. 
Despite the enormous proliferation of content in the market, WWE is a significant force within the entertainment and pop culture.
In an interview with Indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Pinto, WWE president, International Andrew Whitaker unveils the company’s growth plans in global markets.
Excerpts: |
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Why do you think WWE is so effective in connecting with audiences globally? |
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In terms of revenue and business generated, how much comes from outside the US? |
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Where does India fit in? |
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Ten Sports recently started airing WWE content in the same week as the US. Is this practice followed by most broadcasters globally? |
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Do you have a special relationship with Ten Sports? |
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The last time the WWE had a full tour here was back in 2002. How come there has not been more activity in this regard?
Outside of the US, we deliver around 80 live events per year. While we do not have any confirmed tour dates for India at the moment, we hope to return in the near future. |
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Has the number of tours in Asia gone up over the last couple of years? |
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Which of your four divisions has grown the most over the past year? |
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What increase has there been in revenues derived from television licensing fees over the last five years? |
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Are you looking at other areas like licensing and merchandising to grow the WWE brand in India? |
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WWE reported a drop in the first quarter revenues. By when do you expect to see a turn around?
By comparison, WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 occurred on 31 March and was included as part of our first quarter results that same year, contributing approximately $31.3 million in revenues and 7.1 million in profit from across our various business lines.
All in all, despite a challenging economy, WWE stock actually outperformed other entertainment companies on both stock price performance and total return basis for the first quarter of 2009. WWE was actually up 4.2 per cent on a stock price basis versus the likes of CBS, Dream Works and Walt Disney Company, who were all down. |
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With the economic slowdown, how is WWE looking to manage costs more efficiently? |
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Could you shed light on how the WWE is using new media?
This makes us a larger site than those of professional sports leagues, such as the NFL and Major League Baseball, and in 2008 WWE was the second most searched term on Yahoo! after Britney Spears.
We have also launched localised websites in a number of international markets including Spain, Italy, Portugal and, of course, India. In India, WWE has partnered with Sify to deliver a local Indian website. WWE content is also available to fans via on and off portal mobile platforms across the globe. |
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In terms of getting in fans at on ground events and driving pay-per-view buys, who are your top three performers at the moment?
The great thing about WWE Superstars and Divas is that they each hold a different appeal for different fans. While one fan will follow Rey Mysterio or John Cena, another will be a Jeff Hardy supporter. WWE offers something for everyone and that diversity comes to life at live events just by observing the amount of different WWE Superstar signs that are being held and merchandise worn by the fans. |
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What have the learnings been from making movies through WWE Studios?
The success proves that there is an immense appetite from our fans to see their favourite WWE Superstars undertaking movie roles for their enjoyment, either in cinemas or on DVD. It has also highlighted some exceptional talent among several WWE Superstars for applying their acting skills to the big screen. |
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How do you view competition like TNA which airs on another sports channel?
However, WWE is a significant force within entertainment and pop culture. Within our specific entertainment genre, we clearly are the industry leader. While TNA is pro-wrestling, WWE is entertainment. |
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
