The return of the Pro Wrestling League (PWL) in 2026 after a six-year hiatus was always expected to be headline-driven, but few anticipated just how aggressively franchises would spend at the very top of the market.
The auction held in New Delhi on January 3 did more than just fill rosters; it reset benchmarks for wrestler valuation, especially for women and young Indian stars. Among the dozens of signings, five buys stood out not just for their price tags but for what they reveal about the league’s competitive logic heading into a crucial Olympic cycle.
1. Yui Susaki (Haryana Thunders) – ₹60 lakh
The most expensive signing in PWL history, Yui Susaki’s ₹60 lakh move to Haryana Thunders was both a sporting and psychological statement. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant wrestlers of all time, the Japanese Olympic champion brings near-invincibility to the women’s 53kg category. Before Paris 2024, Susaki had gone years without conceding a single point to non-Japanese opponents, a statistic that alone explains why Haryana committed nearly a third of their total purse to her.
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What makes Susaki uniquely valuable in the PWL format is certainty. In a nine-bout dual meet, a guaranteed win in one category allows teams to take calculated risks elsewhere. Her technical precision, relentless pace, and ability to adapt across close weight ranges make her a “banker bout”a luxury no other wrestler in the league offers at that level.
2. Robert Baran (Maharashtra Kesari) – ₹55 lakh
The most expensive male wrestler of the auction, Poland’s Robert Baran was secured by Maharashtra Kesari for ₹55 lakh, underlining the premium placed on elite heavyweights. The 125kg category is notoriously thin worldwide, and Baran’s consistency over the last two seasons culminating in a World Championship bronze in 2025 made him a rare commodity.
In league wrestling, heavyweights often decide tight contests, especially when teams are locked at 4–4. Baran’s defensive solidity, match awareness, and ability to control tempo late in bouts make him an ideal anchor. Maharashtra’s investment reflects a clear belief that controlling the heaviest division is often the shortest path to winning close ties.
3. Sujeet Kalkal (Delhi Dangal Warriors) – ₹52 lakh
Sujeet Kalkal’s rise to a ₹52 lakh valuation marks a defining moment for Indian men’s wrestling. The reigning U23 world champion was the subject of an intense bidding war before landing with Delhi Dangal Warriors, who see him as the natural heir to India’s 65 kg legacy.
Kalkal’s value lies in his “clutch factor.” His gold-medal run at the U23 Worlds, highlighted by last-second scoring against elite Japanese opposition, has elevated his reputation as a wrestler who thrives under pressure. In the PWL format where one bout can swing an entire tie that trait is priceless. Delhi’s decision to make him their marquee Indian signing reflects confidence not just in his technique, but in his temperament.
4. Antim Panghal (UP Dominators) – ₹52 lakh
Matching Kalkal’s price, Antim Panghal became the most expensive Indian female wrestler in PWL history at ₹52 lakh. Still only in her early twenties, Panghal already owns multiple world medals and the distinction of being India’s youngest-ever Olympic women’s wrestler.
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What sets Panghal apart is versatility. Her successful transition from 53kg to 55kg at the Senior Nationals in late 2025 showed that her speed and control translate across categories. For UP Dominators, she offers flexibility in lineup construction while also serving as a powerful symbol of India’s new generation—young, globally competitive, and commercially bankable. Her signing reflects how women’s wrestling is no longer a secondary market in the league, but a central pillar.
5. Aman Sehrawat (Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals) – ₹51 lakh
India’s lone individual wrestling medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Aman Sehrawat, entered the auction with both pedigree and baggage. His late-2025 suspension over a weight issue briefly clouded his standing, but Mumbai’s ₹51 lakh bid suggests franchises view that episode as an aberration rather than a red flag.
Sehrawat’s Olympic bronze at 57 kg, coupled with his explosive scrambling ability, makes him one of the most dangerous wrestlers in short-format bouts. For the Tiigers of Mumbai Dangals, his acquisition is as much about leadership as points. Olympic medalists bring belief into the locker room, and in a league designed as much around spectacle as sport, Sehrawat’s redemption narrative adds intangible value.
What the Top Five Tell Us About PWL 2026
Taken together, the top five buys reveal three clear trends. First, franchises are willing to concentrate spending on “sure-shot” performers rather than spread budgets evenly. Second, women’s wrestling, led by Susaki and Panghal, now commands the highest premiums in the league. And third, elite Indian talent has reached a valuation ceiling that rivals the best in the world, reflecting genuine global competitiveness.
As PWL 2026 approaches, these five signings will be judged not just on individual wins, but on whether their star power translates into team success. But even before the first bout is wrestled, they have already reshaped the league’s economic and sporting landscape, signalling a new era for professional wrestling in India.
