Shark Tank India pitcher loses out on funding on his fifth attempt, Aman Gupta calls him ‘pagal aadmi’

What is Wrestlefanent?

Founded by Delhi’s Nikunj Walia, Wrestlefanent is a fan engagement platform that helps wrestling lovers to become an active and engaged community. They conduct fan festivals, gaming leagues, celebrity meets, and more. They also make B2B content. Bringing this passionate business onto the tank, Nikunj demanded an investment of Rs 75 lakhs for 10 percent equity, placing the company’s valuation at Rs 7.5 crores. Talking about his journey, the founder also shared that he had been applying to the show for four years and kept getting rejected.

Also Read: Namita Thapar calls Shark Tank India 5 pitcher ‘magical’ after he demonstrates device that can help Cerebral Palsy patients

 

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Nikunj entered the tank like wrestlers do, as he walked to his spot, he announced himself as a ‘legend who turned rejection into hustle.’ Seeing his over-the-top entry into the Tank, Aman Gupta called him a “Pagal aadmi (mad man).” When the founder revealed he was from Delhi, Kunal Bahl said, “Nahi bhi batate toh pata chalta (We would have figured even if you didn’t tell us).”

The founder was rejected from Shark Tank India four times

During his pitch, Nikunj revealed that he had been applying to be on the show since 2021; however, the idea and concept kept getting rejected. Further in his pitch, Nikunj asked Aman if he wanted to try the wrestler’s belt. Aman jokingly asked, “Aise toh hai nahi ki tu belt bech raha hai. (I hope you are not selling belts).” Further in the pitch, the founder revealed that they made a revenue of Rs 13 lakhs in 2024-25, with a profit of Rs 6.3 lakhs last year. However, 90 percent of the revenue came from the B2B content they made. He also pointed out that live events since 2022 have seen growth, but also made losses for him.

When Kunal asked the founder about the size of the fan community, an unsure Nikunj ended up talking about the market size; he even fumbled when Namita asked him for some statistics on others who conduct live events. Later, Aman Gupta questioned the founder, “You are 32, at this age, if you were working, your salary would have been more than this, so sometimes do you feel that what you are doing is wrong?”

Nikunj responds, “Everyone feels dejected. I also thought I might not be able to do it. But I am happy making less money, rather than sitting in someone’s office.” Namita also backed Aman’s point and said, “It’s not about not following your passion, but when you decide to do so, then there should also be a seriousness about depth.”

Vineeta Singh calls the business ‘non-investible’

Unfortunately, Nikunj did not bag a deal in his fifth attempt on the show. Giving their verdict, the Sharks wished Nikunj well and advised him to focus more on live events rather than content production. Sharing his views, Aman Gupta said, “I always recommend people to stay happy. It’s important to convert this passion into a business, but you need to do something to make this investible. As of now, it lacks this, so unfortunately, I am out.”

Namita Thapar also opts out and says, “Nikunj, you have childlike zest which is contagious, never lose that, but you also need balance. As of now, there is no visibility in terms of which direction this is headed. We will see you in the future again, but for today, I am out.” Kunal went on to revisit his childhood and shared that he has been a die-hard fan of wrestling. “My elder brother and my entire childhood have been about giving chokeslams on the bed to one another. Amazing memories came back.” He later appreciated the live events bit and said, “I think this is yet to become a business, your passion and energy are amazing though.” Kunal also opted out.

 

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Sharing her views, Vineeta Singh said, “Numbers don’t lie, and if you draw a salary, the profits you have shown won’t remain. There is a huge gap between your reality and imagination. It’s important not to make Khayali pulao and do something where people want to give money. It’s not at all invisible today.” Ritesh Agarwal also added, “What lacks the most is your inability to say no to your content business. You need to let that go; until you focus completely on live events, you will be called an outsourced content shop. Once you make live events bigger, I would love to meet you again, we are of the same age, so I hope to do something exciting ahead.”

So far on Shark Tank India 5, Kunal Bahl has committed the maximum investments worth Rs 10.31 crores, followed by Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, and Aman Gupta. Shark Tank India 5 airs on Sony TV and Sony Liv every Monday to Friday at 10 pm.