IPL 2024: Venkatesh Iyer’s Hilarious WWE Choke Slam Tribute Goes Viral

Venkatesh Iyer, the rising star of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is not just about smashing boundaries on the cricket field; he’s also a passionate devotee of the WWE, immersing himself in the world of wrestling entertainment since his early days.

With the WWE boasting immense popularity worldwide, Iyer stands out as an avid follower, tracing his admiration from legendary figures like The Rock and The Undertaker to contemporary icons like Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. His love for wrestling isn’t merely superficial; it’s ingrained in his being, evident in his knowledge of entrance walks, signature moves, and storylines of wrestling superstars.

In a recent episode of the Knights Dugout podcast, Iyer, accompanied by KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit, delved into his lifelong affinity for WWE. Reflecting on his childhood fascination, Iyer confessed to being drawn to the intricate narratives woven within wrestling’s scripted dramas.

“I like it for the storylines. I know it’s fake, but I hate it when someone says it,” remarked Iyer during the podcast. “I started when there was no social media. For the longest time, I used to believe that Undertaker came back to life after dying seven times. By the time I realized it was fake, I was too deep into the fandom and couldn’t come out of it.”

Displaying his WWE-inspired flair, Iyer attempted a choke slam on a set member, mimicking The Undertaker’s iconic move, albeit with caution to avoid injuring his counterpart. Furthermore, he showcased his versatility by imitating the charismatic walk of Roman Reigns, with Coach Chandrakant Pandit joining in the fun, mirroring the same swagger.

Iyer’s passion for WWE parallels his cricketing prowess, evident in KKR’s recent triumph over Mumbai Indians, marking their first victory at the Wankhede Stadium in 12 years. Sitting comfortably at the second spot in the IPL 2024 points table with 14 points from ten matches, KKR’s success on the field mirrors Iyer’s vibrant enthusiasm for the world of wrestling entertainment off it.