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Tag: WWE

  • Call of Duty: Mobile goes gothic for Halloween with WWE crossover

    Call of Duty: Mobile goes gothic for Halloween with WWE crossover

    MUMBAI: Nothing says Halloween quite like watching Undertaker suplex a zombie on a haunted Mexican estate at midnight. Welcome to Call of Duty: Mobile’s latest update.

    Season 9—Midnight Rumble—launches today with a hefty serving of Halloween content, including the return of fan-favourite modes like Attack of the Undead and Hordepoint. The update introduces night mode on the Isolated map for the first time since 2020, forcing players to adjust their tactics in near-darkness. Hacienda returns as Haunted Hacienda, complete with ghost ships, jack-o’-lanterns and creatures lurking in the shadows.

    The headline addition is a limited-time WWE collaboration that lets players fight as wrestling legends including Undertaker. Players start matches with boxing gloves and can transform into WWE operators on winning streaks, gaining enhanced health and signature finishing moves that work from any direction. It’s an unlikely crossover that signals the game’s confidence in experimenting beyond military realism.

    The Halloween update kicks off a three-season arc dubbed Black & Gold that will run until the game’s sixth anniversary in Season 11. The campaign starts with Black, bringing back the most popular maps, modes, operators and weapons from the game’s history. Season 10 will flip to Gold  with fresh content before the anniversary finale.

    Beyond the WWE mode, players can earn free legendary weapons through seasonal events, including the FFAR—Shredder and RPD—Road Mongrel. The battle pass introduces the Sten submachine gun, widely used by British forces in the Second World War, alongside Halloween-themed operator skins like Ajax—Insanely Jacked and Seraph—Witch’s Holiday.

    The store update includes a new Mythic weapon draw featuring the Type 25—Deepstar Piercer, two WWE-themed draws for Alexa Bliss and Undertaker, and returning Halloween weapon blueprints in a series armoury. Two previous battle passes—Graveyard Shift and Winter War—are also returning to the vault.

    For a mobile game competing against console-quality shooters and battle royales, the strategy is clear: pile on the content, embrace the absurd, and keep players engaged with constant variety. Whether that approach sustains momentum through to the sixth anniversary remains to be seen, but Activision is betting that zombies and wrestlers make a winning combination.

  • Parrot Analytics launches Sports Demand to put rigour into soaring media rights market

    Parrot Analytics launches Sports Demand to put rigour into soaring media rights market

    LOS ANGELES: : Parrot Analytics, the media analytics firm known for pioneering streaming valuation, has launched Sports Demand, billed as the most advanced global sports analytics system. The tool is designed to arm leagues, teams, broadcasters, streamers and sponsors with data-driven insights to navigate the fast-inflating sports rights market.

    Sports rights fees have surged in recent years, with Paramount’s $7.7 billion deal for UFC events, WWE’s $1.6 billion tie-up with ESPN, and the NFL’s equity-for-content swap with Disney underscoring the scale. Parrot says its system will allow buyers and sellers to measure fan engagement market by market, justify valuations, and extract stronger returns on investment.

    “For the first time, decision-makers can weigh the impact of acquiring a sports league against investing in scripted series or films, within a single framework,” said Parrot Analytics chief executive Wared Seger. By integrating with the firm’s Demand360 platform, Sports Demand lets clients benchmark sports against TV shows, films and on-screen talent.

    Capabilities include global fan mapping across 100 markets, integrated sports-entertainment benchmarking, empirical valuation models, content optimisation, and sponsor alignment analysis. Early adopters include leagues negotiating landmark streaming deals and operators launching direct-to-consumer sports services.

    Seger argued that in an attention economy where sports compete directly with films and television for time and spend, “rigorous, standardised data is essential.” 

    Sports Demand is now available worldwide to Parrot Analytics’ enterprise clients, with dashboard and API access for seamless integration into rights, content and sponsorship strategies.

  • Mayank Dayal switches gears, takes the wheel at LA Knight Riders

    Mayank Dayal switches gears, takes the wheel at LA Knight Riders

    MUMBAI: Mayank Dayal, a seasoned sports marketing whiz, has made a cracking move, transitioning from the dusty pitches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the sun-kissed shores of Los Angeles. He’s stepped into the role of business head – Los Angeles Knight Riders, a full-time gig with Knight Riders Sports, effective June 2025. This chap knows his onions when it comes to brand building and fan frenzy, having honed his skills across two decades in global sports, media, and entertainment.

    Just five months ago, Dayal was the head of marketing for Gujarat Titans, where he was instrumental in driving brand growth and whipping up fan engagement for the IPL franchise. Before his stint with the Titans, he was a key player at Sony Sports for nearly three years, leading award-winning campaigns for behemoths like the Fifa World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Olympics, and even the WWE. Talk about a versatile player!

    His career journey reads like a thrilling sports documentary. Dayal spent over six years at Sony Pictures Networks India, climbing the ranks to head – marketing, sports, after a four-year stint as associate vice president. Prior to that, he spent a considerable nine years and one month at Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, where he held various marketing leadership roles, including senior manager – marketing and director, marketing for channels like Comedy Central and Vh1.

    Dayal’s early innings saw him at Star India Pvt Ltd for nearly three years, where he served as an assistant manager and assistant manager – brand solutions, crafting innovative brand integrations. He also had a four-year, five-month spell as a manager – major accounts at Star News, where he was even awarded “The Best Sales Performer.” His foundational experience includes a brief stint as a trainee – marketing at Bharat Petroleum Co. Ltd and an executive trainee at Linterland – Rural.

    With a deep understanding of audience insights and digital media fandom, Dayal is all set to knock it out of the park for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. It seems his career is always playing on the front foot, driving brand, fan, and revenue growth in the global sports arena.

  • WWE superstars to enter Clash of Clans through April

    WWE superstars to enter Clash of Clans through April

    MUMBAI: WWE and Supercell’s Clash of Clans are throwing down the gauntlet, announcing a partnership that’s set to turn April into a digital wrestling ring. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, The Undertaker, Bianca Belair, and a posse of other WWE heavyweights are leaping into the Clash of Clans arena, reimagined as iconic in-game characters.

    This isn’t just a fleeting cameo; it’s a full-blown invasion. Clash of Clans is getting a WWE makeover, complete with themed environments, gameplay events, cosmetics, and Easter Eggs that pay homage to WWE’s rich legacy. And leading the charge is Rhodes, a self-confessed Clash of Clans aficionado, who’s being reborn as the Barbarian King.

    Rhodes, under his OverlordRhodes  player handle, isn’t just a digital character; he’s a digital despot. He stars in the live-action launch video, showcasing a gameplay style built on villainous destruction and a healthy dose of digital domination.

    The WWE Superstar roster getting the Clash of Clans treatment includes:

    * Rhea Ripley as Archer Queen
    * The Undertaker as Grand Warden
    * Bianca Belair as Royal Champion
    * Rey Mysterio as Minion Prince
    * Kane as P.E.K.K.A
    * Becky Lynch as Valkyrie
    * Jey Uso as Thrower

    “I’ve spent years building my legacy in WWE, but it’s time for fans to know where I’ve landed most of my victories, in Clash of Clans,” Rhodes declared. “As OverlordRhodes, I don’t defend, I conquer. Villages will fall, and any opposition will be crushed under my command. This isn’t about playing fair in the ring, it’s about ruling the battlefield. Just like at WrestleMania 41, I’m stepping in with one goal – absolute victory. I’ve waited a long time for this moment, and now that I’ve arrived, there’s no stopping me.”

    Supercell head of live game Sara Bach revealed, “When the game team found out Cody Rhodes and other Superstars were long-time Clash of Clans fans, they didn’t hesitate to reach out to WWE. This partnership in Clash of Clans is on a scale we’ve never created before – from the in-game event reaching tens of millions of players, to WrestleMania 41 and our Clash of Clans match as a first-of-its-kind event on the biggest stage.”

    In essence, WWE and Clash of Clans are teaming up for a digital rumble that’s set to shake up both worlds. It’s a cross-promotional knockout, promising a month of mayhem and a WrestleMania 41 showdown that’s sure to be a digital spectacle.

  • Come 1 April, WWE will bodyslam its way onto Netflix in India

    Come 1 April, WWE will bodyslam its way onto Netflix in India

    MUMBAI: In a spectacular manoeuvre that has the wrestling world buzzing, WWE has officially announced its debut on Netflix India, following a colossal $5 billion deal that will see the streaming giant become the new home of spandex-clad drama and high-flying action.

    Starting 1 April 2025, Indian fans can swap their remote-wrestling for front-row streaming as WWE’s chief content officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, delivered the news via YouTube with all the dramatic flair of a perfectly executed entrance theme.

    “The Netflix era is upon us,” declared Triple H, confirming that Indian viewers will soon have uninterrupted access to RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events including SummerSlam, Money in the Bank, and the crown jewel – WrestleMania.

    The streaming platform isn’t just pinning down the basics. Netflix will unleash a treasure trove of archival content from the WWE vault, giving fans the opportunity to bodyslam their way through decades of wrestling nostalgia.

    “Created for fans and presented live and in living colour,” announced Netflix, “we’re stepping into the ring with WWE, showcasing serialised storytelling and high-adrenaline action three times a week, 52 weeks a year.”

    After years of WWE content being broadcast through Sony Sports Network – whose five-year deal taps out in March – this move represents a championship belt change in how Indian audiences consume their favourite squared-circle entertainment.

    In a move that would make any good tag-team partner proud, Netflix is also introducing Hindi commentary, ensuring that even the verbal smackdowns translate perfectly to the local audience.

    “Through this partnership, WWE fans in India will have seamless and immersive access to all WWE programming,” WWE declared in its press release, effectively drop-kicking barriers to viewing.

    With India boasting one of WWE’s most devoted international fanbases, this Netflix partnership promises to clothesline the competition and reach even more enthusiasts with its unique cocktail of athleticism, drama, and larger-than-life storytelling.

    The question on everyone’s lips now isn’t “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” but rather, “Are your streaming devices ready?” 

    As WWE prepares to power-bomb its way onto Netflix India, fans can expect nothing less than a championship-calibre viewing experience.

  • Understanding the Netflix-Sony Pictures-WWE tangle

    Understanding the Netflix-Sony Pictures-WWE tangle

    MUMBAI: If this does come true, it would be good news for wrestling fans. There have been rumours in the market that it’s quite possible that the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) programmes might shift to Netflix in India come next year. Timelines are not clear but sports rights watchers  are guesstimating that  this could happen sometime beginning next fiscal, that is from April 2025.

    Netflix had in January 2024 agreed to pay $500 million per year ($5 billion for 10 years with an option to renew for another 10 or to exit after five years) to TKO Holdings the parent of WWE, for the rights to air the show Raw in the US, the UK, Canada and Latin America with other territories being  added in the future. In every other market, Netflix has the rights to  air Raw and the other two weekly shows, SmackDown and NXT, plus all of its major showcases, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam.

    This includes India. However, the India rights have been with Ten Sports which has been under the Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) umbrella for nearly 10 years  and the two together have had the rights for around two decades. WWE shows have been the top rated programmes on Ten Sports channels and have been their staple programming ever since.

    In the,  US the current deal gets activated in 2025 and Netflix will air the first episode of Raw on n 6 January 2025. The Intuit Dome in California will be the location for the hosting of the debut episode. The rights vested with Comcast’s USA Network until October 2024, but the WWE gave it a short extension till the end of the year. It is one of USA Network’s top shows, drawing an audience of 17.5 million over the course of a year. Then, 82 per cent of Americans say they’ve heard of WWE. As of June 2024, WWE had 90 million fans in the US, according to market research firm SSRS/Luker.  To top this all, Raw which made its debut in 1993 has a back catalogue of 1,600 plus episodes. 

    Ditto is its popularity in India, though the number of fans may be in a much higher zone. Estimates  are that the WWE  and its fighters have  a large fanbase – the largest fan base outside of the US  – in India it has ballooned to in excess of 100 million.   As they say in India everything happens at scale, ditto with TV shows too. In fact, it is highly popular amongst young kids and the youth, Around five years ago, the WWE had estimated that its shows get about 335 million unique viewers annually in India with almost 40 per cent  of them being women. This is what encourage SPNI’s acquisition team to acquire its rights from TKO Holdings from 2020 to 2025.  It turned out to be a good decision as the WWE programming block is one of the top earning properties on Ten Sports and draws loyal audiences. And of course advertisers. 

    With the rights deal with SPNI  coming to an end in India in 2025, and Netflix acquiring the programming rights for the  world for the next 10 years, it’s quite logical to assume that SPNI may find it difficult to re-negotiate its renewal of rights with TKO Holdings for the Indian market. For Netflix is sure to use the WWE as a subscription driver and one major way it can do that is by keeping the matches exclusive on its streaming service and keep out SPNI from showing them on television.  

    “WWE is sports entertainment. So it’s as close to our core as you can get in terms of sports storytelling,” Netflix’s  Ted Sarandos had said during one of the investors calls. “We are in the sports business, but we’re in the part that we bring the most value to, which is the drama of sport.”

    In all probability, Netflix will also develop shoulder programming which could be documentaries or dramatised series  around professional wrestling. 

    The coming months will tell us which way the cookie will tumble – Sony Pictures Networks  or Netflix in India. Until then we can get back to our TV screens, if you are a WWE hardcore fan, and watch the coming matches on satellite and cable TV.

  • NDTV onboards new marketing head in Gaurav Barjatya

    NDTV onboards new marketing head in Gaurav Barjatya

    MUMBAI: There’s change afoot at group NDTV. Former Star TV India and Times Pro exec, Gaurav Barjatya has hopped on board the Adani-owned newscaster as its marketing head. 

    He brings to NDTV around 20 years of work experience, with companies as varied as Idea Cellular, Parle Agro, Star TV India, WWE, and Times Pro.

    Barjatya had managed either brands or held the full marketing function at each of these companies. 

    Said he on Linkedin: “I am looking forward to diving into this new journey headfirst, ready to make an impact!”

  • South cinestar Karthi captures the stories of WWE ‘Heroes & Villains’ and ‘Strength & Stunts’ in the latest Sony Sports Network films

    South cinestar Karthi captures the stories of WWE ‘Heroes & Villains’ and ‘Strength & Stunts’ in the latest Sony Sports Network films

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of WWE in India, has launched two blockbuster films featuring WWE fan and South cine superstar Karthi, further strengthening its commitment to customized and locally curated content around WWE in the South markets. The actor has delivered his own ode to WWE’s unique 100% pure sports entertainment by portraying “Heroes and Villains,” who complement each other along with their extraordinary “Strength and Stunts”.

    WWE has been embraced by the fans with open arms, consistently delivering high viewership and fostering an ever-growing fandom in the South market. Sony Sports Network remains committed to offering more than just WWE broadcast, and these films are an addition to their efforts in keeping the fans closer to their favourite WWE Superstars and all the mind-blowing action they bring week after week.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer –  Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul said, “WWE has a strong fanbase in South India and the region contributes to 41% of its reach in the country. As the home of WWE in India, we are thrilled to collaborate with Karthi and continue our efforts to narrate extraordinary stories in Tamil & Telugu that resonate with the audience. These films revisit the appeal of WWE that is driven by compelling characters along with high-octane stunts and we remain committed to bringing the best of pure sports entertainment to our viewers.”

    Karthi said, “Portraying the roles of WWE’s Heroes and Villains was definitely a memorable experience for me and it was exhilarating to watch them in action. WWE has a huge following in India, especially in the South market, and as a fan myself, I am thrilled to be collaborating with Sony Sports Network and WWE”

    Having assumed the roles of both heroes and villains in Indian cinema previously, Karthi perfectly blends into the characters and translates the power of WWE’s protagonists as well as antagonists. With his sheer passion and immaculate role play, Karthi has brought to life Sony Sports Network’s

    campaign for the WWE dedicated fanbase in the South market. The creative concept and the direction of the films was executed inhouse by Sony Sports Network.

    Film: Heroes and Villains

    Karthi leads us through the stories of WWE’s heroes and villains. WWE is a destination where different people with various personalities, styles, and attitudes come together, and aim to reach their ultimate goal. The film shows that heroes and villains co-exist to make WWE the greatest in the world.

    WWE Extraordinary Heroes & Villains ft. Karthi | Sony Sports Network (Tamil)

    WWE Heroes and Villains ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)

    Film: Strengths & Stunts

    This film, featuring Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, showcases incredible feats inside the WWE ring. The film captures high-class action, drama, and awe-inspiring displays of strength. Owens, Zayn, and Karthi express gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, inspiring WWE Superstars to provide thrilling entertainment.

    Strength & Stunts ft. Karthi, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn | WWE | Sony Sports Network (Tamil) WWE Strength and Stunts ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)

     

  • Sony Sports Network unveils mega films starring Karthi and WWE superstars Owens & Zayn.

    Sony Sports Network unveils mega films starring Karthi and WWE superstars Owens & Zayn.

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, India’s official broadcaster for WWE, has launched two mega films featuring South superstar Karthi alongside WWE Superstars Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The exciting campaign ‘WWE means 100 per cent pure sports entertainment’ aims to elevate WWE’s popularity in India in the South markets, promising viewers an electrifying blend of Jabar Masti, Tagda Action and Jamkar Mazaa. The films showcase Sony Sports Network’s ongoing commitment to deliver exciting content as the home of WWE in India.

    The campaign films truly bring alive WWE’s essence of ‘100 per cent Sports Entertainment’ in its veracious sense. The films, which are beautifully localized in Tamil and Telugu, to suit the taste of the target audience, focus on those who seek thrill and entertainment in their daily life and WWE is the one-stop destination for finding the perfect blend of both. In addition, this message is relayed by South Superstar, Karthi along with WWE Superstars Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens in a never-before-seen avatar further adding to the appeal of the campaign. The films take the audience’s delight to the next level with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, who have won the hearts of WWE enthusiasts during their Hyderabad visit, adding a personalized touch by speaking in local languages.

    The two mega films are a testament to Sony Sports Network’s continuous efforts to bring fans closer to the biggest WWE Superstars while offering them all the thrilling action from the main WWE events live and exclusive on their TV sets.

    Film 1: One for the Action (75 secs)

    The film features Kevin, Sami and Karthi teaching a young thrill-seeker a lesson on how and why there is no need to perform risky bike stunts when you have WWE action LIVE on Sony Sports Network providing all the thrills.

    Film 2: One for the Entertainment (55 secs)

    The humorous film observes Karthi, Kevin, and Sami redirecting all curious onlookers, enjoying the excitement, of a public altercation to watch 100% pure sports entertainment action in WWE. More importantly, it conveys a message to spread love and cheer.

    Comments:

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul:

    “Sony Sports Network remains committed to bringing the excitement of WWE to fans in India, not only through thrilling TV action and live events but also through campaigns to strengthen our connection with the audience. We take pride in continuously consolidating our partnership with WWE to continue bringing engaging content to our passionate fans. The broadcast of WWE in Tamil and Telugu on Sony Sports Ten 4 has consistently witnessed an impressive viewership and our latest campaign, featuring South Superstar Karthi alongside WWE Superstars Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, launched in Tamil and Telugu, takes a significant step towards our promise to cater to the South market.”

    South Superstar Karthi:

    “As a WWE fan, it gives me immense pleasure to be associated with Sony Sports Network and WWE in the ‘WWE means 100% pure sports entertainment’ campaign. WWE’s ability to enthrall audiences with gripping storylines and exhilarating performances sets it apart on the global stage. I am delighted to team up with WWE Superstars Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to continue our promise to deliver all the thrilling WWE action live and exclusive in Tamil and Telugu on Sony Sports Network.”

    Sony Sports Network is the premiere destination for all the high-octane action and glittering entertainment from WWE in India. Watch the LIVE coverage of WWE RAW every Tuesday, WWE NXT every Wednesday and WWE SmackDown every Saturday on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 6:30 am IST.

  • John Cena meets Rajesh Kaul and Karthi ahead of WWE Superstar Spectacle in Hyderabad

    John Cena meets Rajesh Kaul and Karthi ahead of WWE Superstar Spectacle in Hyderabad

    Mumbai: WWE today returns to Indian shores with a live event for the first time since 2017 with WWE Superstar Spectacle at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.

    WWE Superstar Spectacle also marks the return of arguably the biggest WWE Superstar of his generation, John Cena, who has come to India to perform for the first time ever. The thirteen-time WWE world champion met Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – Sports business Rajesh Kaul in Hyderabad ahead of the sold-out show. Cena and Rajesh Kaul interacted about WWE Indian fans, Cena’s return to the ring and his first visit to India with WWE.

    Cena also met celebrated actor and South superstar, Karthi who posed for pictures together ahead of the show. Karthi was also seen recently filming a secret project with WWE Tag Team Kevin Owens and Sami Zayne.

    Along with Cena, WWE Superstars such as Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins, Jinder Mahal, Natalya, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and ‘The Ring General’ GUNTHER have made their way to India to participate at the event as they look to put on an exciting showcase of matches.