Kavita Devi’s release by WWE sends a wrong sign to the Indian fans

Kavita Devi trailblazed her way into the realm of the WWE and became an inspiration for women in India that aspire to become a professional wrestler one day. The first Indian female wrestler took every thought to her side and built a wall of success that made her look big, strong, and even classy than any of those that raised questions on her big dream. It all came crumbling down when WWE released its first Indian Female superstar among others this week.

Wrestling in a Saree is not easy, but Kavita made it look like a piece of cake when she first wrestled in the Mae Young Classic in 2017. While she got eliminated in the first round of the event by Dakota Kai, it didn’t stop her from dreaming higher and bringing every obstacle down with full force. After her first appearance in a WWE ring in July of 2017, the wrestling juggernaut couldn’t resist but sign her to a contract in October of the same year. Trained by the first Indian WWE Hall of Famer, The Great Khali, Kavita always set the bar high and achieved it with ease.

She became the first Indian women to step between the ropes at a WrestleMania event and in the inaugural Women’s Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34. It was an unprecedented feat because she did the unthinkable and continued to rise the ranks while training at the Performance Center and making sporadic appearances in NXT. After a three-year and seven months run with the company, WWE released her.

The big question remains that what lies ahead of the former Indian Weightlifter and Powerlifter. Kavita made India proud when she won Gold in the 75 kg category at the 2016 South Asian Games event. With so many promotions trying to be at par or above WWE, Kavita can surely try her chances, and it’s a given that she will raise the bar for Indian women no matter which promotion she agrees to sign. The wrestling promotion will also gain from her entry into their roster.

One also needs to analyze the decision’s impact on the Indian business market. Kavita was the face of the last tryouts that WWE did in Mumbai, India. While WWE released her, the company quietly and quickly brought Shanky and Veer to Monday Nights to entice the interest of the WWE Universe in India. Veer learned at the performance center under revered coaches while Shanky signed during the last WWE tryout in the country. Kavita’s departure may bring the morale down for Indian women wrestlers or prospective trainees, but it doesn’t impact the business much.