MUMBAI: Wrestling fans tuned into record numbers on television to watch Batista defeat Triple H to become the heavyweight chyampion.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has said that its preliminary estimate of Pay-Per-View (PPV) buys for WrestleMania 21 is more than 940,000.

This exceeds the same-time PPV buys for last year's WrestleMania XX by more than 14 percent. Final PPV tallies may exceed one million buys for the second year in a row once all information is provided to WWE by distributors and affiliates over the next several months. In India WWE action airs on Ten Sports.

WrestleMania 21 which took place last month was seen by fans in more than 90 countries, and was broadcast to US troops around the world. More than 20,000 fans from 48 states and 14 countries converged on the sold-out Staples Center in Los Angeles to witness all the action at WWE's annual pop culture extravaganza, setting attendance and ticket sales records.

WWE EVP marketing Kurt Schneider said, "We will maintain the incredible momentum we have built over the past 21 years by producing exceptional PPVs month in and month out." The next PPV on WWE's calendar is Backlash. Hulk Hogan returns to the ring for the last time.

Hulk Hogan will team up with Shawn Michaels to face Mohammed Hassan and Daivari. The main event pits current World Heavyweight Champion Batista against Triple H.