By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

TNA announced Thursday official details on a partnership with Endemol India Pvt. Limited to co-produce the new "Ring Ka King" wrestling series, which will air twice every weekend on Colors TV in India beginning January 28. It is the first co-promotion for both companies, according to TNA.

TNA stressed in their announcement the idea of a U.S. company starting a localized promotion in another country, not simply "exporting" the current U.S. product. WWE entertained a similar idea in recent years when Shane McMahon was head of international business, but WWE has not moved in that direction.

“The international market for professional wrestling is expanding,” said TNA Executive VP Andy Barton. “Until now, most professional wrestling content has been exported from the United States. This partnership brings TNA’s expertise in producing professional wrestling programming and Endemol’s vast experience in content creation and distribution to a localized, scalable product for the Indian market.”

TNA noted the show will feature Indian stars in addition to TNA stars such as Abyss, Matt Morgan, Magnus, Scott Steiner, and Mickie James. TNA founder Jeff Jarrett commented on TNA's significant undertaking trying to develop a local TV show and a local wrestling star for Indian fans.

“Professional wrestling fans around the world have always related to one of their own, and the lack of properly trained talent and the infrastructure to produce a high quality professional wrestling show have always been a hindrance to create this type of program," Jarrett said.

TNA also announced the creation of a professional wrestling school in Mumbai to develop Indian talent. TNA and Endemol recently held a casting call in three cities to "engage and identify candidates for the school."

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