WWE is reportedly going to bring its black-and-gold brand to India early next year.
According to Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston and John Pollock, an NXT India program will be launched soon. It is expected to begin taping in January 2021 and broadcasted on Indian television and WWE Network, as per POST Wrestling.
.@iamjohnpollock and I have learned WWE will be launching an NXT India program. It's expected to begin taping in January and to be broadcast digitally via the WWE Network and on linear television in India.
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) December 11, 2020
WWE is partnered up with Sony Pictures Network India Private Limited for distribution in India. The deal was extended in March earlier this year with a five-year renewal. The deal includes OTT platform access for Indian audiences via Sony’s online streaming website, SonyLIV.
WWE planning a big event in India next year
The plan at the moment is to start with an eight-man single-elimination tournament for the new series, which will be named ‘NXT India’.
It was announced during the third-quarter earnings call in October that WWE was planning on hosting a big event in India in 2021. It could have very well been a nod towards the upcoming NXT tournament.
WWE previously expanded the black-and-gold brand to create NXT UK in 2018 after Triple H announced it in 2016. In just two years, the UK wing of NXT has already grown its own fanbase and a strong roster.
Another one of the reported locations for NXT expansion is Japan. As per several sources, WWE had plans of expanding NXT to multiple locations. But all that has been put on hold due to the current pandemic situation.
