The Great Khali
Dalip Singh Rana (born August 27, 1972), better known by his ring name The Great Khali, is an Indian professional wrestler, actor, powerlifter, and promoter.[1][2] Standing at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) tall and weighing 347 pounds (157 kg), he is among the largest competitors in professional wrestling history.[3] Khali rose to international prominence through his tenure in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from 2006 to 2014, where he debuted as a dominant force characterized by his immense size and signature moves like the Punjabi Plunge and Vice Grip.[3] In 2007, he won the World Heavyweight Championship by prevailing in a 20-man battle royal on SmackDown, marking him as the first Indian-born wrestler to capture a world title in WWE.[3] He engaged in high-profile feuds with wrestlers including The Undertaker, Kane, Big Show, John Cena, and Shawn Michaels, leveraging his physical stature to overpower opponents despite criticisms of his in-ring limitations due to prior injuries and limited mobility.[3] Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021, Khali's legacy extends beyond the ring to acting roles in films such as The Longest Yard (2005) and Get Smart (2008), as well as promoting wrestling in India through his Continental Wrestling Entertainment.[4][3] Retiring from full-time competition in 2014, he made sporadic returns, including at Battleground 2017, and remains a cultural icon in India for elevating the visibility of Indian wrestlers on the global stage.[3]Early Life and Background
Childhood in India
Dalip Singh Rana was born on August 27, 1972, in Dhiraina, a small village in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, India.[5][6][7] He grew up in a large, impoverished family as the third of eight siblings, with parents Jwala Ram, a day laborer, and Tandi Devi.[7][6][8] The family's rural existence involved subsistence living amid financial hardship, with limited access to resources in the mountainous region.[9][10] From an early age, Rana exhibited abnormal physical growth attributable to acromegaly, a disorder involving excess growth hormone production by the pituitary gland, which typically manifests after puberty but can lead to gigantism-like effects if onset occurs earlier.[5][11] This condition contributed to his rapid height increase and pronounced facial features, distinguishing him physically during childhood despite the lack of formal medical intervention in his remote village.[5][12]Pre-Wrestling Occupations and Physical Development
Dalip Singh Rana, born on August 27, 1972, in the village of Dhiraina in Himachal Pradesh, India, exhibited abnormal physical growth from a young age due to acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder triggered by a benign pituitary tumor that caused excessive production of growth hormone.[13] This condition resulted in gigantism when active during or before puberty, leading to his eventual height exceeding 7 feet (approximately 213 cm) and body weight around 207 kilograms, along with enlarged facial features, hands, and feet characteristic of the disorder.[5][14][15] Rana's imposing physique drew attention in his early adulthood, facilitating his recruitment into the Punjab State Police in 1993 as a constable, where his size was seen as an asset for law enforcement duties.[15][16] During his tenure with the Punjab Police, which lasted until approximately 1999, he pursued powerlifting, achieving notable strength feats that aligned with the force's emphasis on athletic training for officers.[15] This period marked his primary pre-wrestling occupation, though limited public records detail specific assignments beyond general policing roles in a region known for its sports-oriented police programs.[17] Prior to immigrating to the United States in 1999 for wrestling opportunities, Rana's physical development was unmanaged medically, allowing the acromegaly to progress unchecked and contribute to his distinctive morphology, which later defined his wrestling persona.[5][11] No formal bodybuilding career is documented before his police service, but his natural strength from the condition supported informal athletic pursuits within that context.[15]Entry into Wrestling
Initial Training in the United States
Dalip Singh Rana immigrated to the United States in 1999, securing a work permit through the support of relatives and friends to pursue professional wrestling after gaining recognition as Mr. India in bodybuilding from 1997 to 1998.[18] Upon arrival in the San Francisco area, he enrolled at the All Pro Wrestling (APW) school in Hayward, Northern California, a facility operated by promoter Roland Alexander in a converted warehouse known as "The Garage."[19] This marked his formal entry into structured wrestling instruction, where he began learning basic moves and techniques under APW's regimen, emphasizing safe execution despite his limited prior experience and imposing 7-foot-1-inch, over-300-pound frame.[18][19] Rana's training was challenging due to language barriers, as his English proficiency was minimal, and cultural isolation, being the only Indian trainee at the academy amid a predominantly American cohort who immediately noted his exceptional physique.[19][20] APW, renowned for developing talents like Crash Holly and Spike Dudley, provided a rigorous boot camp environment focused on fundamentals, though Rana's stiff, power-based style—rooted in his strength rather than agility—presented inherent risks during drills and sparring.[19] He supplemented ring work with dedicated weight training sessions, honing the raw power that would define his in-ring presence.[19] By late 2000, this preparation positioned him for his professional debut under the ring name Giant Singh, though initial sessions underscored the need for adaptation to Western wrestling's pace and safety protocols.[18]Early Matches and the Brian Ong Incident
Dalip Singh Rana, performing under the ring name Giant Singh, made his professional wrestling debut on October 7, 2000, in All Pro Wrestling (APW), teaming with Tony Jones in a tag team match.[21] Over the following months, he participated in a limited number of bouts in APW's independent circuit, primarily leveraging his imposing 7-foot-1-inch stature and limited technical repertoire against smaller opponents to emphasize dominance through power moves.[19] These early appearances highlighted Rana's raw physicality but also his inexperience, as he trained amid APW's boot camp program in California.[22] On May 28, 2001, during an APW house show match against fellow trainee Brian Ong, Rana attempted a flapjack—a move involving lifting and dropping the opponent onto their back—but executed it improperly due to Ong grabbing Rana's shirt, which altered the trajectory and caused Ong's head to strike the mat with severe force.[23] Ong, who had suffered a prior concussion, sustained critical head trauma, including acute and subdural hemorrhage, leading to his death later that day at age 23.[11] The incident was deemed accidental, stemming from Rana's novice status and the inherent risks of mismatched sizes in unscripted training-style matches, though Ong's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against APW and Rana, alleging negligence in supervision and move execution.[19][22] The tragedy prompted intense scrutiny of APW's training practices and nearly derailed Rana's career, with some promoters distancing themselves amid fears of liability; however, Rana was not criminally charged, and the civil suit was resolved without prohibiting his continued pursuit of wrestling opportunities elsewhere.[19] This event underscored the dangers of professional wrestling for inexperienced giants, as Rana's limited agility and force amplified risks in basic maneuvers, yet it did not halt his progression to larger promotions like World Championship Wrestling shortly thereafter.[11]World Wrestling Entertainment Career
Debut and World Heavyweight Championship (2006–2007)
The Great Khali, accompanied by manager Daivari, made his WWE television debut on the April 7, 2006, episode of SmackDown, interrupting a match between The Undertaker and Mark Henry by attacking The Undertaker with powerful chops and a vice grip, establishing him as a dominant heel force.[24] This appearance marked the beginning of a high-profile feud with The Undertaker, highlighted by Khali's physical dominance and limited but impactful offense, including his signature double-hand chokebomb. The rivalry escalated quickly, leading to their first singles match at Judgment Day on May 21, 2006, where Khali defeated The Undertaker via pinfall after a series of punishing strikes and a chokebomb, a rare clean loss for the veteran that underscored WWE's booking of Khali as an unstoppable monster.[25][26] Following the Judgment Day victory, Khali continued his rampage on SmackDown, easily defeating midcard opponents such as Funaki, The Blue Meanie, and Jamie Noble in squash matches lasting under three minutes each, often ending with his Vice Grip submission hold or the Khali Bomb.[3] These bouts, typically airing on weekly television from June to December 2006, reinforced his gimmick as a 7-foot-1, 347-pound Punjabi giant incapable of being matched in size or strength, though critics noted his reliance on basic moves due to his in-ring limitations. In early 2007, Khali expanded his feuds, defeating Kane at WrestleMania 23 on April 1 via pinfall after a short but brutal encounter that avoided extended grappling.[27] He then targeted Batista, engaging in brawls that positioned him as a top contender, culminating in participation in the 20-man battle royal for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship on the July 20, 2007, episode of SmackDown, following Edge's injury-forced vacating of the title.[28] Khali won the World Heavyweight Championship in the battle royal by last eliminating both Kane and Batista with a double clothesline and subsequent eliminations, securing the pin on the final competitors to claim his first and only world title in WWE after 49 days on the main roster.[29][30] His 49-day reign, from July 20 to September 7, 2007, featured minimal defenses due to his physical constraints and an arm injury sustained during the title win, with WWE booking him primarily in non-title confrontations to protect his aura.[31] On September 7, Batista defeated Khali via submission with a figure-four leglock on the SmackDown episode, ending the reign and transitioning the title amid fan skepticism over Khali's readiness for prolonged competition, as evidenced by reports of backstage adjustments to accommodate his limited mobility.[32] The short title run highlighted WWE's strategy to capitalize on Khali's novelty as an international attraction from India, drawing high ratings for SmackDown episodes featuring his matches, though it drew internal criticism for prioritizing spectacle over wrestling fundamentals.[33]Peak Dominance and Feuds (2007–2008)
Following his loss of the World Heavyweight Championship to Batista at No Way Out on February 18, 2007, The Great Khali continued to be positioned as an imposing force on SmackDown, defeating Kane at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, 2007, in a match lasting under three minutes via pinfall after the Punjabi Plunge.[34] He then challenged WWE Champion John Cena at One Night Stand on May 13, 2007, in a falls count anywhere match, where Cena retained the title after executing an FU onto a spotlight rigging, though Khali's size allowed him to dominate early portions with chokes and slams.[35] Khali's resurgence peaked on July 20, 2007, when he won the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by outlasting 19 other competitors in a battle royal on SmackDown, eliminating Batista last to secure the 24/7 title for a second time.[36] As champion, he feuded intensely with Batista, retaining the title at SummerSlam on August 26, 2007, via disqualification after Batista refused to release a steel chair-assisted attack, preserving Khali's dominance despite the non-decisive finish.[37] The rivalry escalated to a triple threat match at Unforgiven on September 16, 2007, against Batista and Rey Mysterio, where Khali lost the championship to Batista following a spear and Batista Bomb on Mysterio, ending his 58-day reign marked by quick, overpowering victories that emphasized his physical intimidation.[38] The Batista feud continued at No Mercy on October 7, 2007, in the inaugural Punjabi Prison match, a double-cage structure using bamboo and steel bars; Batista retained the title by climbing over the outer cage after neutralizing Khali with chair shots and a spinebuster, highlighting Khali's resilience as he trapped Batista briefly in the Vice Grip nerve hold.[39] Later in 2007, Khali engaged in a brutal program with The Undertaker, including a dominant showing in the Royal Rumble on January 28 where he eliminated six participants before being dumped over the top rope by Undertaker, followed by a no holds barred match on the November 9 episode of SmackDown, where Undertaker prevailed via Last Ride powerbomb after countering Khali's size with chokeslams and chair-assisted offense.[40] Into 2008, Khali's main event presence waned but included a high-profile clash with Big Show at Backlash on April 27, where Big Show won by knockout punch after Khali's limited mobility was exploited in a plodding brawl between giants.[41] These encounters solidified Khali's role as a spectacle-driven heel whose peak push relied on his unprecedented 7-foot-1, 420-pound frame to generate awe, even as his in-ring limitations—stemming from prior knee surgeries—necessitated abbreviated bouts focused on power moves like the Vice Grip and Punjabi Plunge.[42]Gimmick Evolution and Mid-Card Role (2008–2014)
Following the conclusion of his high-profile feuds and title challenges in 2007–2008, The Great Khali's on-screen persona shifted from the dominant, destructive "Punjabi Nightmare" heel to a more comedic babyface character dubbed the "Punjabi Playboy." This evolution, which began in late 2008, emphasized humorous vignettes managed by his kayfabe brother Ranjin Singh, who portrayed him as a bumbling romantic seeking affection from female audience members and WWE Divas. The segments often highlighted Khali's imposing 7-foot-1 stature and limited English-speaking ability for comedic effect, reducing his portrayal from an unstoppable monster to an entertaining sideshow attraction suited for mid-card programming.[43] A key element of this gimmick was the recurring "Khali Kiss Cam" skits on SmackDown, starting with episodes in October 2008, where Singh would select women from the crowd or backstage for Khali to awkwardly pursue, typically resulting in frightened reactions or failed attempts at romance. Examples include the October 24, 2008, SmackDown segment featuring crowd interactions and a Halloween-themed edition on October 31, 2008, with costumed participants, as well as a mistletoe kiss with Eve Torres on December 5, 2008. These bits, which continued sporadically into 2009, aligned with WWE's PG-era shift toward family-friendly entertainment but drew criticism for undermining Khali's earlier intimidating presence, as noted in wrestling commentary on his reduced threat level post-main event push.[44][45][46] In parallel, Khali settled into a mid-card role on Raw and SmackDown, featuring short, one-sided matches against opponents like Vladimir Kozlov in 2008 and Kane in 2010, where he lost a strap match at Extreme Rules on April 25, 2010. His in-ring time diminished due to recurring knee injuries requiring surgeries in 2009 and 2011, limiting him to squash victories over enhancement talent, battle royal participations, and occasional tag team outings with Singh. By 2011–2012, feuds with heels like Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre reinforced his giant babyface archetype, but appearances grew infrequent, with WWE utilizing him as a special attraction for international appeal rather than sustained storylines; he wrestled just 12 matches in 2013, mostly non-televised. This period marked a transition to part-time status by 2014, as his physical condition curtailed full-time competition.[47][48]Sporadic Returns and Hall of Fame Induction (2014–present)
Following the expiration of his WWE contract in November 2014, Dalip Singh Rana, performing as The Great Khali, transitioned away from regular in-ring competition but maintained ties with the promotion through limited guest spots. His returns emphasized his imposing physical presence and cultural significance as an Indian wrestling pioneer, rather than sustained storylines or matches. These appearances aligned with WWE's efforts to engage international audiences, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East.[3] Khali's first post-departure in-ring involvement came on July 23, 2017, at WWE Battleground in Philadelphia, where he interfered in the Punjabi Prison Match for the WWE Championship, aiding fellow Indian wrestler Jinder Mahal against Randy Orton by stunning Orton with a steel chair.[49] He next competed on April 27, 2018, entering the 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble match in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the 41st participant but lasting only 17 seconds before elimination by Braun Strowman.[50] These brief outings marked his final competitive efforts in WWE, as subsequent involvement shifted to ceremonial roles. In May 2023, he appeared on WWE programming holding the WWE Championship to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, underscoring his ambassadorial status.[51] On March 24, 2021, WWE announced The Great Khali's induction into the Hall of Fame Class of 2021, honoring his 2007 World Heavyweight Championship reign as the first by an India-born competitor and his role in globalizing the product.[4] The ceremony, delayed from its traditional WrestleMania weekend timing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured Khali expressing gratitude via video message, positioning him as the second Indian Hall of Famer after Dara Singh's posthumous Legacy wing entry in 2018.[52] Since then, Khali has ruled out full-time returns, citing physical limitations from prior injuries and a focus on promotion and mentorship in India, though he remains open to selective one-off events.[53][54]Independent Wrestling and Promotions
Founding Continental Wrestling Entertainment
Following his departure from World Wrestling Entertainment in 2014, Dalip Singh Rana, known professionally as The Great Khali, established Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE) in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, in early 2015.[55][56] The promotion serves dual purposes as a professional wrestling organization and a training academy, focusing on nurturing talent from India to build a domestic pipeline for the sport.[55][57] CWE's founding addressed the limited infrastructure for professional wrestling in India, with Rana leveraging his WWE experience to provide structured training in techniques, conditioning, and performance.[57] The academy has hosted events and tryouts, including collaborations with international entities like WWE scouts in 2017, to identify and develop wrestlers capable of competing globally.[55] Rana has stated that the initiative aims to popularize wrestling beyond traditional pehlwani styles, organizing live shows to engage local audiences and foster growth.[57] By 2016, CWE had begun staging events in Punjab, marking initial steps toward establishing a sustainable regional scene.[58]Recent Appearances and Mentorship Efforts
In recent years, The Great Khali has made sporadic appearances in independent wrestling events primarily through his own promotion, Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE), emphasizing promotional and exhibition-style matches rather than a full competitive schedule. On May 15, 2025, he featured in the main event of CWE's Encounter 18, involving a confrontation with Shanky Singh and Crimson, drawing significant local attendance in India.[59] These outings align with his reduced in-ring activity due to age and past injuries, shifting focus toward legacy-building events in his home region of Punjab.[53] Parallel to these appearances, Khali has intensified mentorship efforts via the CWE Wrestling Academy, which he established to train emerging Indian wrestlers in professional techniques, conditioning, and performance. As of September 2025, he remains actively involved in mentoring, personally overseeing sessions to develop talent for international competition.[60] Documented training footage from May 2024 depicts him providing direct instruction to students on fundamentals, underscoring his commitment to passing on experience from his WWE career.[61] By October 2024, additional sessions highlighted specialized drills, aiming to produce athletes capable of global stages while prioritizing physical safety given his own history of health challenges.[62] This initiative has produced trainees advancing in regional promotions, though outcomes remain tied to individual discipline amid India's developing wrestling infrastructure.[63]Media and Entertainment Ventures
Film Appearances
Dalip Singh Rana, professionally known as The Great Khali, debuted in film with a supporting role as the inmate Turley in the American sports comedy The Longest Yard (2005), directed by Peter Segal, where he appeared alongside Adam Sandler in a prison football remake.[64][65] In 2008, he played Dalip, a towering henchman, in the spy comedy Get Smart, a feature adaptation of the 1960s television series starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, directed by Peter Segal.[64][65] Rana expanded into action-comedy territory with MacGruber (2010), portraying Tug Phelps in the satirical film inspired by the Saturday Night Live sketch, directed by Jorma Taccone and starring Will Forte.[64][65] That same year, he entered Bollywood with roles in Ramaa: The Saviour (released November 12, 2010), a supernatural thriller directed by Hadi Abrar Ali featuring him in a key antagonistic part alongside Sahil Khan and Tanushree Dutta, and Kushti (released May 14, 2010), a comedy-drama about wrestling directed by Vijay Gutte, co-starring Rajpal Yadav and marking his debut in Indian cinema.[66]) In 2012, he appeared as the character Bolo in the French-Belgian adventure comedy Sur la piste du Marsupilami (also known as HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami), directed by Alain Chabat.[65][67] His most recent film credit is in the Punjabi action film Raduaa Returns (released November 22, 2024), directed by Nav Bajwa, continuing his involvement in regional Indian productions.[66][68] These roles typically capitalized on Rana's 7-foot-1-inch stature and wrestling background for physical presence in fight scenes or as imposing figures, though his acting has drawn mixed reviews for limited dialogue delivery due to language barriers and his condition of acromegaly affecting speech.[67]Television Roles and Guest Spots
Dalip Singh Rana, professionally known as The Great Khali, entered the Indian Hindi-language reality competition Bigg Boss 4 on October 16, 2010, as one of 16 housemates competing in challenges and evictions over 97 days.[69] Hosted by Salman Khan, the season concluded on January 30, 2011, with Rana finishing as runner-up behind winner Shweta Tiwari.[70] In American television, Rana made a cameo appearance as a flashback depiction of a character in episode 18 of the NBC sitcom Outsourced on March 24, 2011.[71] He portrayed Atog, a 7-foot rock-smashing giant, in the Disney XD series Pair of Kings season 1, episode 18 titled "Fight School," which aired in April 2011.[3] Earlier, on May 26, 2005, he appeared as a guest alongside actor Adam Sandler on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.[72] Rana featured as a guest on the Indian sketch comedy and talk show Comedy Nights with Kapil in a 2015 episode alongside actors Annu Kapoor and Om Puri, participating in comedic segments that highlighted his physical stature and persona.[73]Political Engagement
Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party
Dalip Singh Rana, professionally known as The Great Khali, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 10, 2022, at the party's national headquarters in New Delhi.[74][75] The affiliation came amid the ongoing Punjab Legislative Assembly election campaign, marking Rana's entry into Indian politics following his wrestling career.[76][77] The joining ceremony was attended by senior BJP figures, including Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh, and Lok Sabha MP Sunita Duggal.[78][79] Addressing the media post-induction, Rana stated his enthusiasm for aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to support national development initiatives.[79][80] Jitendra Singh welcomed Rana, likening his physical strength to the robustness needed for party-building efforts.[81] This move positioned Rana as a potential asset for the BJP in leveraging his celebrity status from professional wrestling to appeal to voters in Punjab and beyond.[82]Campaigning and Public Endorsements
Dalip Singh Rana, known professionally as The Great Khali, has actively campaigned for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in multiple Indian elections. On April 26, 2019, during the Lok Sabha elections, he conducted a campaign rally in West Bengal's Jadavpur constituency supporting BJP nominee Anupam Hazra, attracting large crowds due to his celebrity status as a former WWE wrestler.[83][84] This appearance drew controversy when the Trinamool Congress alleged he held U.S. citizenship, prompting a complaint to the Election Commission, though no formal disqualification followed.[85] Following his formal induction into the BJP on February 10, 2022, ahead of the Punjab assembly elections, Rana intensified his political involvement.[86] In March 2024, he joined Union Minister Jitendra Singh, a BJP candidate, for an election campaign event, publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and predicting a BJP victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.[87] On May 5, 2024, he led a roadshow in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, to bolster BJP's local outreach during the Lok Sabha campaign.[88] Rana has also issued public endorsements criticizing opposition figures. In April 2024, amid the Lok Sabha elections, he described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a "jumla" (empty promise), contrasting this with Modi's achievements in development and governance.[89][90] These statements align with his expressed admiration for Modi's leadership, positioning Rana as a vocal supporter leveraging his fame to mobilize voters in BJP strongholds.[91]Controversies and Criticisms
In-Ring Safety Issues and Botched Spots
During a training session at All Pro Wrestling's facility in 2001, Dalip Singh Rana, performing as The Great Khali, botched a flapjack maneuver on trainee Brian Ong, resulting in Ong sustaining a broken neck and internal injuries that led to his death on May 28, 2001.[23][92] Ong, who weighed approximately 160 pounds and had undisclosed pre-existing neck vulnerabilities, failed to protect himself adequately during the spot, exacerbating the impact from Rana's 347-pound frame; Rana was not criminally charged following an investigation but faced temporary suspension from wrestling activities.[19][22] This incident highlighted early concerns over Rana's limited in-ring experience and the inherent risks posed by his gigantism-induced physique, stemming from acromegaly, which impaired fine motor control and coordination.[93] In WWE, Rana's 2006 debut segment involved a botched ambush on The Undertaker, where stiff, uncontrolled strikes and a mishandled double chop to the neck nearly caused legitimate injury to the veteran performer.[94] Subsequent matches amplified safety risks, as Rana's diminished mobility—worsened by a botched knee surgery in India in 2000—led to accidental harm against smaller opponents, including Hornswoggle and Rey Mysterio, through overly forceful chops and slams that exceeded scripted intensity.[94][95] Former wrestler MVP, who worked with Rana, described him as the most unsafe performer encountered, citing repeated botched spots and an inability to adjust power levels appropriately during live events.[96] Rana's participation in gimmick matches, such as the 2006 and 2007 Punjabi Prison bouts against Big Show and The Undertaker, further exposed botching vulnerabilities, with awkward cage interactions and failed high-impact sequences drawing criticism for endangering participants due to his restricted agility and the stipulation's physical demands.[94] These issues were causally linked to acromegaly's effects, including joint degeneration and hormonal imbalances that reduced reflexes, compounded by Rana's post-2000 knee deterioration, which limited rehearsal efficacy and spot execution precision.[97] Overall, Rana's career underscored the challenges of booking giants, where physical advantages inversely heightened injury probabilities through mismatched kinetics against standard-sized foes.[93]Critiques of Wrestling Prowess and Booking Decisions
Critiques of The Great Khali's in-ring prowess centered on his limited athleticism and technical deficiencies, exacerbated by his 7-foot-1-inch stature and acromegaly-induced physical limitations, which restricted mobility and coordination.[98] Wrestlers like MVP, who faced Khali in the 2007 Royal Rumble, described him as "one of the worst people I've been in the ring with," citing stiff, uncontrolled strikes that potentially caused a concussion and made matches hazardous.[99] Khali's moveset was widely panned as rudimentary and repetitive, relying on basic chops, slams, and the Vice Grip nerve hold, lacking variety or selling ability, which rendered bouts monotonous despite his imposing presence.[98] Even Khali acknowledged these shortcomings in interviews, admitting his ring work fell short of expectations.[100] Booking decisions amplified these issues by positioning Khali as a main-event monster heel prematurely, prioritizing spectacle over skill development. At Judgment Day 2006, Khali's clean victory over The Undertaker—one of WWE's top draws—was lambasted as a misguided push that undermined established stars without building credible momentum.[94] His July 2007 World Heavyweight Championship win via battle royal was similarly derided as one of the decade's poorest choices, as the 56-day reign featured plodding defenses against protected opponents like Batista and Rey Mysterio, failing to elevate him as a credible titleholder and drawing fan backlash for stalling the division.[101] Insiders argued this overexposure ignored Khali's inability to carry extended matches, leading to reliance on interference and quick finishes, which eroded storyline credibility.[22] Despite occasional adjustments, such as tag team roles or managerial spots later in his run, the initial aggressive booking was seen as a failure to adapt to his constraints, contributing to perceptions of WWE favoring novelty over sustainable storytelling.[102]Personal Life and Health Challenges
Family and Relationships
Dalip Singh Rana, professionally known as The Great Khali, married Harminder Kaur on February 27, 2002, following an arranged marriage coordinated through family discussions and meetings.[103][104] Harminder Kaur, born to parents Rajinder Pal Singh and Charanjit Kaur, has worked as an Indian entertainer and actress.[105] The couple has two children: a daughter named Avleen Rana, born in February 2014, and a son born in November 2023.[103][106][107] Rana has publicly expressed devotion to his family, including sharing instances of family outings and photographs with his wife and daughter, reflecting a stable personal life amid his wrestling career.[103] No prior romantic relationships or additional family details have been publicly documented beyond this marital union.[104]Acromegaly Diagnosis and Physical Toll
Dalip Singh Rana, known professionally as The Great Khali, was diagnosed with acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder characterized by excessive production of growth hormone (GH) typically due to a benign pituitary tumor, leading to abnormal bone and tissue growth including gigantism when onset occurs before puberty closure.[12] [13] The condition manifested early in his life, contributing to his extreme height of 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) and weight exceeding 340 pounds (154 kg), along with pronounced facial features such as jaw protrusion and enlarged extremities.[5] [14] In July 2012, at age 39, Rana underwent a four-hour endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian to remove the pituitary tumor responsible for his sustained GH overproduction.[108] [109] Performed by neurosurgeon Dr. John C. Maroon, the procedure successfully excised the benign mass but did not reverse prior growth effects, and it elevated risks for secondary complications including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and vision impairment due to potential tumor contact with surrounding structures during growth.[13] [110] The physical toll of acromegaly has profoundly impacted Rana's mobility and daily function, exacerbating joint arthropathy particularly in the knees and legs, where enlarged bones and chronic inflammation cause persistent pain and reduced range of motion.[12] [111] He has relied on knee braces during wrestling performances to mitigate instability, with a documented knee injury in 2005 further compounding acromegaly-induced limitations, hindering agile movement and contributing to his stiff in-ring style.[97] Additional symptoms include speech impediments from jaw and soft tissue overgrowth, sleep apnea, and heightened susceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome, all of which untreated acromegaly can intensify toward life-threatening outcomes like heart failure if unmanaged.[12] [14] Despite surgical intervention, these irreversible skeletal changes have necessitated ongoing management, limiting his post-WWE activities and underscoring the condition's degenerative strain on oversized physiology under athletic demands.[11]Championships, Accomplishments, and Legacy
Major Titles Won
Dalip Singh Rana, performing as The Great Khali, secured one major professional wrestling championship during his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). On July 17, 2007—aired as the July 20 episode of SmackDown!—Khali won the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by outlasting 19 other competitors in a battle royal, eliminating Batista as the final opponent after the title was forfeited by Edge due to a torn pectoral muscle.[112] [113] He retained the belt in his first defense against Batista at The Great American Bash on July 22, 2007, via disqualification after Batista refused to release a submission hold.[114] Khali's reign concluded on September 16, 2007, at Unforgiven, where he submitted to Batista under special rules implemented by guest referee Rey Mysterio, allowing submissions for excessive force owing to the size disparity; the total duration was 61 days.[112]| Championship | Reign Number | Date Won | Date Lost | Days Held | Event/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Heavyweight (WWE, 2002–2013) | 1 | July 17, 2007 | September 16, 2007 | 61 | Vacant title; 20-man battle royal on SmackDown taping; lost via submission to Batista at Unforgiven under special guest referee rules.[112] |