The Great Khali

Biography

The Great Khali, born as Dalip Singh Rana on August 27, 1972, is an Indian professional wrestler, actor, and former powerlifter. He stands at an impressive height of 7 ft 1 in, making him one of the tallest wrestlers in the history of WWE.

Career History and Evolution

Before joining professional wrestling, Khali served as a police officer in the Punjab state of India. His wrestling career began in All Pro Wrestling (APW) in the United States, where he trained under promoter Roland Alexander.
He joined WWE in 2006 and quickly garnered attention due to his immense size and strength. Initially portrayed as a monstrous figure, Khali was later rebranded into a comedic character. He is best known for his stints in WWE, where he wrestled till 2014. Afterward, Khali returned to India and established his own wrestling school, Continental Wrestling Entertainment.

Titles and Achievements

The pinnacle of Khali’s career came in 2007 when he won the World Heavyweight Championship. He’s also remembered for his time as a participant in the Punjabi Prison match, a unique match type designed specifically around his character.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

Khali had numerous feuds during his time in WWE. Some of his most significant rivalries include bouts with The Undertaker, Batista, and John Cena. His championship victory over Edge in a 20-man battle royal is considered one of his biggest matches.

Tag Team Partners

Khali has paired up with several wrestlers throughout his career. Some notable tag team partners include his on-screen brother Ranjin Singh and Natalya as part of a mixed tag team.

Family Life

The Great Khali is married to Harminder Kaur, and they have a daughter together. He lives a relatively private life outside of wrestling.

Finishing Move

Khali’s finishing move is known as the “Khali Vice Grip,” a two-handed chokeslam that used his considerable height and strength to his advantage.

Clothing and Entrance Music

Standing out due to his towering size, Khali usually sported traditional wrestling gear – trunks, boots, and occasionally, Punjabi style trousers to portray his Indian origin. His entrance theme, “Land of Five Rivers,” further highlighted his Punjabi heritage and helped define his character.
The Great Khali is considered a trailblazer for Indian wrestlers due to his success in WWE. His towering presence and unique style left a significant mark on the wrestling world.