The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is set to return in 2026 with a renewed sense of ambition, and the quality of foreign wrestlers entering the upcoming athlete auction underlines the league’s intent to re-establish itself as a truly global competition.
With Olympic champions, world champions, and continental dominators from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas in the mix, the PWL auction scheduled for January 3 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the league’s history. The sixth season of the PWL will be contested between January 15 and February 1, featuring six franchises Haryana Thunders, Tigers of Mumbai Dangals, Punjab Royals, Maharashtra Kesari, Delhi Dangal Warriors, and UP Dominators.
As franchises prepare their auction strategies, the spotlight firmly rests on a formidable overseas contingent that could significantly influence the balance of power across both women’s wrestling and men’s freestyle categories.
Women’s Wrestling: Olympic Pedigree Across Weight Categories
The women’s division boasts an exceptional lineup, headlined by Japan’s Yui Susaki, one of the most technically dominant wrestlers of her generation. A Tokyo Olympic gold medallist and Paris 2024 bronze winner, Susaki’s reputation is built on near-flawless execution and an ability to shut down opponents completely. Her presence in the PWL would immediately make her bout a near-guaranteed point for any franchise, particularly in a league format where consistency is as valuable as star power.
Ukraine’s Iryna Koliadenko brings a contrasting but equally effective skill set. The Olympic silver medallist is known for her physical resilience, tactical awareness, and ability to grind down opponents in high-pressure matches. Her experience in big-match scenarios makes her an invaluable asset, especially in tightly contested team ties where momentum can shift rapidly.
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Adding further depth is Bulgaria’s Bilyana Dudova, a former world champion whose aggressive attacking style has troubled elite opponents across multiple international cycles. Dudova’s willingness to push the pace from the opening seconds makes her a dangerous opponent in a league environment that rewards initiative and scoring intent.
Ukraine’s Oksana Livach and Azerbaijan’s Elnura Mammadova represent consistency at the highest level. Both are regular podium finishers at European and world-level events and bring a blend of technical sharpness and tactical discipline. Their inclusion ensures that franchises have access to dependable performers capable of delivering points under pressure.
Africa’s growing influence in women’s wrestling is reflected through Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye and Christinah Ogunsanya. Adekuoroye, a multiple-time world medallist, is already familiar to Indian audiences and is known for her explosive scoring and attacking instincts. Ogunsanya, on the other hand, represents the new wave — athletic, fearless, and increasingly successful on the global stage. Together, they highlight the expanding geographic footprint of elite women’s wrestling.
Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman adds yet another layer of intrigue. The Paris Olympic silver medallist combines solid defence with opportunistic attacks, making her a difficult wrestler to control. Her presence reinforces the PWL’s commitment to featuring current Olympic performers rather than relying solely on past reputations.
Men’s Freestyle: Eurasian Dominance on Display
In men’s freestyle, the auction list is dominated by wrestlers from traditional powerhouses, particularly Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Hungary’s Iszmail Muszukajev stands out as one of the most exciting names. A world champion known for his creativity and unpredictability, Muszukajev has the ability to turn matches on their head with sudden bursts of scoring. In a team-based league, such game-changing ability can prove decisive.
Armenia contributes two high-calibre wrestlers in Arsen Harutyunyan and Arman Andreasyan. Harutyunyan, a multiple-time European champion, is renowned for his speed and technical superiority, often ending bouts early. Andreasyan, in contrast, thrives in high-intensity, full-duration matches, using relentless pressure and superior conditioning to outwork opponents.
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Russia’s presence is led by Akhmed Usmanov and Abasgadzhi Magomedov, both of whom bring world championship credentials. Usmanov’s structured, methodical approach makes him extremely difficult to score against, while Magomedov is known for his high-risk, high-reward style that produces highlight-reel moments. For franchises, these wrestlers offer contrasting tactical options depending on squad composition and match-ups.
The inclusion of such a high-profile international roster reflects the PWL’s broader ambition for its 2026 season. Beyond entertainment, the league serves as a competitive bridge for Indian wrestlers to test themselves against the very best in the world within a high-intensity, professional environment. For franchises, the challenge lies in assembling balanced squads that can sustain performance across multiple weight categories and matchdays.
As the January 3 auction approaches, all eyes will be on how teams allocate their resources and which foreign stars find themselves at the centre of bidding wars. With the season set to begin on January 15, the stage is well and truly set for the Pro Wrestling League’s return one that promises world-class wrestling, strategic intrigue, and a renewed push to place Indian professional wrestling firmly on the global map.
