Saurav Gurjar: From Kickboxing Champion to WWE Superstar 2025

Indian professional wrestler and actor Saurav Gurjar was born on 26 September 1985 in Dabra, Madhya Pradesh. His transition from a kick-boxing champion to a wrestler to the WWE Superstar is an inspiration for every aspiring athlete and actor. From Bhima in the hit TV show Mahabharat to WWE, where he performs as Sanga, Saurav has a storied career to his name.

Early Life and Kickboxing Success

Before he became a household name in the wrestling world, Saurav Gurjar was already making waves in the world of kickboxing. A passionate athlete, Saurav clinched the National Kickboxing Gold Medal, showcasing his skills and strength early on. His talent for combat sports laid the foundation for his future success in the wrestling world.

The Road to Wrestling: Ring Ka King and TNA

In December 2011, Saurav took his first step into professional wrestling by participating in the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s India project, Ring Ka King. There, he performed under the ring name Deadly Danda. He quickly gained recognition as a fierce competitor and a member of Jeff Jarrett’s heel stable, RDX, which included renowned wrestlers like Abyss, Scott Steiner, Nick Aldis, and Sonjay Dutt.

Although his time in Ring Ka King was brief, it was an important chapter in Saurav’s career, helping him build a name in the Indian wrestling scene.

WWE Debut and the Indus Sher Era

Saurav’s journey in the international wrestling world took a major turn when he signed with WWE in January 2018. This was a life-changing moment for him as he entered the WWE Universe. He made his first televised appearance as a participant in the Worlds Collide men’s battle royal.

In March 2020, Saurav, alongside fellow wrestler Rinku Singh, attacked Matt Riddle on NXT. They were soon introduced as a tag team under the name Indus Sher, with Malcolm Bivens acting as their manager. Indus Sher quickly made their mark in NXT, with the duo showcasing their power and dominance in the ring.

However, in June 2020, the team disappeared from television after a controversial post by Saurav on social media, which hinted at a match result before it aired.

Repackaging as Sanga

In January 2022, WWE rebranded Saurav with a new ring name: Sanga. He was now introduced as the bodyguard of WWE Superstar Grayson Waller on NXT. This marked a shift in his character, but it wasn’t long before Sanga’s storyline took a turn again. On 12 April 2022, Sanga was fired by Grayson Waller, leading to a loss in a match between the two.

Despite these setbacks, Saurav’s determination paid off when he reformed Indus Sher with Veer Mahaan (formerly Rinku). This powerful duo quickly gained attention for their dominating performances in NXT.

The Main Roster and Raw Debut

In 2023, Saurav’s hard work was recognized when Indus Sher was promoted to the main roster. The team was drafted to the Raw brand during the WWE Draft, marking a significant milestone in Saurav’s WWE career. His Raw debut took place on 15 May 2023, where he and Veer Mahaan defeated local talents Drake Thompson and Lavar Barbie in a tag team match.

However, 2024 brought significant changes to Saurav’s WWE journey. On the 18 March 2024 episode of Raw, Saurav and Veer were defeated by The Awesome Truth in a qualifier match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship ladder match at WrestleMania XL.

Final Matches and WWE Release

Saurav’s final WWE appearance came on 5 April 2024 during the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. He was eliminated by the Creed Brothers during the match. Shortly after, in April 2024, Saurav Gurjar was released from WWE, marking the end of his tenure with the company.

Saurav Gurjar’s Impact

Saurav Gurjar’s time in WWE may have been short-lived, but his impact on the wrestling world, especially in India, is undeniable. His journey from being a National Kickboxing Gold Medalist to becoming a wrestler in WWE is a testament to his determination and passion for combat sports. As Sanga, he showed fans his power and skill in the ring, and his character development as part of Indus Sher gave fans memorable moments.

In addition to his wrestling career, Saurav remains well-known for his acting role as Bhima in the TV show Mahabharat. His diverse career proves that his talents are vast, and his journey in both acting and wrestling has captured the hearts of many.

Conclusion

Though Saurav Gurjar’s time in WWE has come to an end, his journey from a kickboxing champion to a wrestler and actor continues to inspire many. His legacy as Sanga and his impact in the Indian wrestling scene will be remembered by fans around the world. Whether in the ring or on screen, Saurav’s dedication and perseverance make him a remarkable figure in both the wrestling and entertainment industries.

Fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for this versatile athlete and actor.