Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Pro Wrestling League Aims to Be India's Next Big Sports League After IPL
Imagine wrestling, like the strong and tough matches you might see in India called 'kushti'.
For a long time, it's been a popular sport but didn't get as much attention or money as cricket.
Now, two people named Dayaan Farooqui and Akhil Gupta, through a company called ONO Media, are taking over the Pro Wrestling League.
They want to make wrestling super popular, almost as big as cricket's IPL!
They plan to have teams from different places, invite wrestlers from other countries, and make the shows look amazing with great cameras and stories.
They believe wrestling is a big part of India's culture and strength, and they want everyone to know and cheer for wrestlers just like they do for cricketers.
Their goal is to create a big, exciting sports event that celebrates Indian athletes and traditions.
The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set for a major revival under Dayaan Farooqui and Akhil Gupta.
The new leadership aims to elevate wrestling ('kushti') to become India's next biggest sports league after the IPL.
ONO Media acquired the rights to the PWL from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
The revival plans include franchise teams, international participation, high-end production, and global marketing.
The initiative is described as a cultural revival celebrating Indian strength, legacy, and perseverance.
- Who
- Dayaan Farooqui and Akhil Gupta (ONO Media)
- What
- Reviving and rebranding the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) with the aim of making wrestling a major sports phenomenon in India.
- When
- Set for a grand revival, with the content being published around November 5.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To elevate traditional Indian wrestling ('kushti') to a modern, commercially successful league with global appeal, providing athletes with greater recognition and financial opportunities, similar to cricket's IPL.
Sports & Entertainment Industry
Traditional Wrestling Community
Commercialization and Modernization
Sports & Entertainment Industry
Views the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) as a vital reinvention, bringing modern league structures, international participation, high-end production, and global marketing to elevate wrestling to the status of the IPL. Focuses on commercial success, fame for athletes, and entertainment value.
Traditional Wrestling Community
While acknowledging the potential for increased recognition and support for athletes, emphasizes that wrestling ('kushti') is a traditional sport with deep cultural roots. Concerns may exist about whether modernization will preserve the sport's core identity and values.
Athlete Recognition and Support
Sports & Entertainment Industry
Asserts that the PWL, backed by ONO Media, will provide wrestlers with the recognition, career building, fame, and pride they deserve, transforming them into celebrated figures.
Traditional Wrestling Community
Recognizes that athletes train relentlessly but may question if the commercial league model truly addresses the long-term support and recognition needed for wrestlers beyond the spectacle, especially for those not in the spotlight.
- League Name
- Pro Wrestling League (PWL)
- Key Figures
- Dayaan Farooqui (Chairman & Promoter), Akhil Gupta (CEO & Promoter)
- Acquiring Entity
- ONO Media
- Previous Rights Holder
- Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)
- Goal
- To make wrestling the second-largest sports spectacle in India after IPL.
- Key Features
- Franchise-based teams, international participation, high-end production, global marketing.