Jump to content

The Great Khali

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Great Khali
Khali in 2011
Birth nameDalip Singh Rana[1][2]
Born (1972-08-27) 27 August 1972 (age 52)[1]
Dhiraina, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India[3]
Spouse
Harminder Kaur
​
(m. 2002)​
Children2
Professional wrestling career
Ring names
  • Dalip Singh[4]
  • Giant Singh[1]
  • The Great Khali[5]
Billed height2.15 m (7 ft 1 in)[5]
Billed weight157.5 kg (347 lb)[5]
Billed fromPunjab, India[5]
Trained byAll Pro Wrestling[1]
Debut7 October 2000[1][6]
Retired27 April 2018[6]
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party (since 2022)

Dalip Singh Rana (born 27 August 1972) is an Indian-born American[7] retired professional wrestler and wrestling promoter better known by his ring name The Great Khali.[8] He is best known for his tenure in WWE where he became the first Indian-born World Heavyweight Champion in history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.[9]

He made his professional wrestling debut in 2000. Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, he was an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Punjab Police[10]. He has appeared in four Hollywood films, two Bollywood films and several television shows. He is the founder and head coach of India's largest professional wrestling promotion, Continental Wrestling Entertainment, founded in 2015.[11]

Early life

Rana was born in a Rajput family[12] to Jwala Ram and Tandi Devi in the Dhiraina village of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district.[3][13]

One of seven siblings in a poor family, Rana had to do odd jobs to help his family make ends meet. He has acromegaly, which among other symptoms causes gigantism and chin protrusion.[14] When Rana was serving as a security guard in Shimla, he caught the eye of a police officer[specify] from the neighbouring State of Punjab who previously helped several employees of the Punjab Police to become international sportspersons, got him employed into the Punjab Police in 1993.[15]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (2000–2006)

Competing under the ring name Giant Singh, Rana began his professional wrestling career with All Pro Wrestling (APW), based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He made his debut in October 2000.[1]

On 28 May 2001, APW trainee Brian Ong died after receiving a flapjack maneuver from Singh during a training session. Ong had previously sustained a concussion earlier that day but was encouraged to continue by APW staff, who had reportedly criticized him for not avoiding injuries. It was later determined that Ong had not been provided with proper protective equipment or adequate medical supervision. The second concussion ultimately proved fatal. Although Singh was not held personally liable, Ong’s family filed a lawsuit against APW. A jury found the promotion liable for recklessness and awarded the Ong family $1.3 million in damages.[1][16]

During this period, Rana also briefly signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he spent time in training and development. However, his tenure was cut short when WCW was acquired by its rival, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), in March 2001.[17]

Later in 2001, Rana received an offer to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he once again competed under the ring name Giant Singh. Teaming with fellow giant wrestler Giant Silva, the duo formed what was billed as the tallest tag team in professional wrestling history, with an average height of 7 feet 1 inch and a combined weight of 805 pounds. They debuted at the Tokyo Dome in October 2001, introduced as Club 7 by Masahiro Chono, and won a two-on-four handicap match.[18] Singh suffered his first recorded loss at Wrestling World 2002 in January during a tag team match.[19] His most notable loss during this period came in August at the Nippon Budokan, where, after a falling out with Silva, he was defeated by his former tag team partner in a singles match.[1]

From 2002 to 2006, Singh continued to wrestle internationally, competing in Mexico for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and in Japan for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).[20]

World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE

Dominance (2006–2008)

The Great Khali in 2006

On 2 January 2006, Rana became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[21] He was assigned to their developmental territory, Deep South Wrestling, where he competed under his real name.[1][4]

The Great Khali made his television debut accompanied by Daivari on the 21 April episode of SmackDown!, where he attacked The Undertaker, beginning a storyline rivalry.[22] Two weeks later, he competed in his first televised match, decisively defeating Funaki.[23] In May, Khali continued to be presented as a dominant force, defeating World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio in a non-title bout.[24] On 21 May at Judgment Day, he gained a notable victory over The Undertaker.[25] Khali was scheduled to face The Undertaker in a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash on 23 July but was replaced by Big Show after being deemed medically unable to compete. Despite Khali's interference during the match, The Undertaker secured the win. Khali experienced his first televised loss on the 16 August episode of SmackDown! in a Last Man Standing match against The Undertaker.[26]

Khali began a short feud with Kane in early 2007, culminating in a victory at WrestleMania 23 on 1 April.[27][28] The following month, he entered a storyline involving John Cena's WWE Championship, earning a title match by defeating Shawn Michaels on an episode of Raw.[29][30] Khali was defeated by Cena at Judgment Day.[31] The next night on Raw, Ranjin Singh was introduced as Khali's new manager and translator.[32] Their rivalry continued at One Night Stand on 3 June, where Khali once again lost to Cena in a Falls Count Anywhere match.[33]

Khali won the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by emerging victorious in a 20-man battle royal on the 20 July episode of SmackDown!.[34] He went on to successfully defend the title against Batista and Kane in a triple threat match at The Great American Bash,[35] and again against Batista at SummerSlam on 26 August, retaining the championship despite losing the match by disqualification.[36] Khali’s reign ended at Unforgiven on 16 September, where he lost the title to Batista in a triple threat match also involving Rey Mysterio.[37] The following month, he challenged Batista for the championship in a Punjabi Prison match at No Mercy, but was unsuccessful.[38]

In late 2007 and early 2008, Khali was involved in a storyline with Finlay, frequently attempting to intimidate or attack Hornswoggle, only to be thwarted by Finlay. He participated in the Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out on 17 February but failed to earn a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania XXIV. Instead, at WrestleMania on 30 March, he competed in a 24-man battle royal for a chance at the ECW Championship but was unsuccessful. Khali then entered a brief feud with Big Show, culminating in a match at Backlash on 27 April, where Big Show secured the win.[39]

In July, Khali began a rivalry with Triple H over the WWE Championship. On the 25 July episode of SmackDown!, he won a battle royal to become the number one contender for the title at SummerSlam.[40] At the event on 17 August, Khali was defeated by Triple H.

Punjabi Playboy (2008–2014)

Khali at a WWE live event in 2013

In October, Khali became involved in a brief comedic storyline with stunt performer Johnny Knoxville. During an interview featured on Knoxville’s website, Khali took offence to some of his remarks and issued a threat of retaliation.[41] He later invited Knoxville to appear on an episode of Raw, only to attack him during the segment. Following this, Khali adopted a more lighthearted on-screen persona and gradually became a fan favourite. Alongside his manager Ranjin Singh, he began hosting the weekly "Khali Kiss Cam" segment, during which Singh would invite seemingly random women from the audience to enter the ring and kiss Khali.

Khali began a feud with Dolph Ziggler in mid-2009, which led to a match at The Bash on 28 June. He was defeated following interference from Kane, sparking a subsequent rivalry between the two.[42] This culminated in matches against Kane at SummerSlam on 23 August and Breaking Point on 13 September, both of which Khali lost.[43][44] Shortly afterward, he was written off television to undergo knee surgery.[45] While recovering, Khali made a surprise appearance alongside on the 2 November episode of Raw, joining Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne as a guest judge for the "Raw's Got Talent" segment.[46][47] He returned to in-ring competition in December. On the 19 April 2010 episode of Raw, Khali appeared as "Khaluber" (parody of MacGruber) teaming with guest host Will Forte (as MacGruber) in a handicap match against Vladimir Kozlov, which they won.[48][49]

At WrestleMania XXVII on 3 April 2011, Khali won a pre-show battle royal.[50] He was later involved in a storyline with Jinder Mahal, which led to the two forming an on-screen alliance. The partnership lasted until September, when they failed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship, leading to the end of their alliance.[51] The following year, Khali competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match at the namesake event in February but was unsuccessful.[52] At WrestleMania XXVIII, he took part in a 12-man tag team match, which his team lost.[53] In July, Khali underwent surgery to remove a benign tumour from his pituitary gland, a result of his acromegaly.[54] Khali made his return to WWE television on the 2 November episode of Smackdown.

Khali challenged Antonio Cesaro for the United States Championship on the 2 January 2013 episode of Main Event, but was unsuccessful.[55] He later competed in the inaugural André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX on 6 April 2014, and again took part in a battle royal at Battleground on 20 July for the Intercontinental Championship, but did not win either match.[56][57] Khali's contract with WWE expired on 13 November 2014, after which he departed the company.[58]

Sporadic appearances (2017–2023)

Khali made a surprise return on 23 July 2017 at Battleground, assisting WWE Champion Jinder Mahal in defeating Randy Orton during a Punjabi Prison match.[59] The following year, in April 2018, he participated in the Greatest Royal Rumble match but was unsuccessful.[60] In 2021, Khali was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the company.[9] He made a special appearance at WWE Superstar Spectacle in 2023.

Continental Wrestling Entertainment (2015–present)

In February 2015, Khali opened his own wrestling promotion and school in Jalandhar, Punjab, the Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE), which held its first event on 12 December 2015.[61] In February 2016, he won the CWE World Heavyweight Championship.[62] His students such as Dilsher Shanky and Kavita Devi signed with WWE. As of 25 October 2022, Shanky is part of the main roster, while Kavita's contract ended. Both of them wrestled in Khali's promotion and won the CWE championship.[63]

Television and films

From October 2010 until the final in January 2011, Khali appeared on the television reality show Bigg Boss, on which he finished as first runner-up. The show made special arrangements only for Khali, including a custom-made bed to fit him.[64] In March 2011, Khali had a brief cameo in episode 18 of NBC's Outsourced, and appeared on the Disney Channel TV program Pair of Kings as Atog, a rock-smashing giant, in the episode "Fight School".[65]

Personal life

Rana married Harminder Kaur in 2002.[66] They have a daughter, born in February 2014, and a son born in November 2023.[67][68]

Having been a disciple of Indian spiritual guru Ashutosh Maharaj, Rana has been described as extremely spiritual and religious.[69][70] He meditates every day and abstains from alcohol and tobacco.[71][72] Initially, Rana suggested the ring name Khali after the Hindu goddess Kali, who is associated with eternal energy.[21][73] He later clarified that the name The Great Khali was given to him by WWE in an interview given to India TV for their show Aap Ki Adalat.[74]

Rana's training schedule consists of two hours of weight training, morning and evening, every day. Until his early thirties, Rana maintained his size on a mostly vegetarian diet, however he has since incorporated chicken and other meats in order to fulfill his protein needs.[75][76][77]

On 26 July 2012 it was reported that Rana underwent a brain surgery due to a tumour on his pituitary gland.[78]

Rana became a naturalised U.S. citizen on 20 February 2014.[79][7] He also holds an Overseas Citizenship of India card.[80]

He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 10 February 2022.[81]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2005 The Longest Yard Turley
2008 Get Smart Dalip
2010 MacGruber Tug Phelps
2010 Kushti Ramakrishna
2010 Ramaa: The Saviour Vali
2012 HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami Bolo
2023 MR-9: Do or Die

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2009 Aap Ki Adalat Guest -
2010 Bigg Boss Contestant Season 4 runner-up
2011 Outsourced Fantasy Rajiv Season 1, episode 18
2012 Pair of Kings Atog the Giant Episode: "Fight School"
Comedy Nights with Kapil Guest Season 1, episode 165
Comedy Nights Bachao Guest Season 1, episode 43
2023 The Kapil Sharma Show Guest Season 3

Championships and accomplishments

Khali is a former World Heavyweight Champion, and the first Indian wrestler to win a World Title in WWE.

Bibliography

  • Bansal, Vinit K.; Khali, The Great (2017). The Man who Became Khali. New Delhi, India: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-342623-3.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "The Great Khali". CANOE. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
  2. ^ "Khali still employed with Punjab police". The Indian Express. 25 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Punjab Assembly Elections 2022: Ex-WWE wrestler 'The Great Khali' joins BJP in political debut". Firstpost. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Khali at OWOW". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d "The Great Khali". WWE. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Great Khali - Matches". Cagematch. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  7. ^ a b "The Great Khali becomes a U.S. citizen: photos". WWE. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  8. ^ Sharma, Shweta (29 September 2021). "'Never thought I would become a global icon': Khali". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  9. ^ a b Melok, Bobby (24 March 2021). "The Great Khali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame". WWE. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  10. ^ Lashand, Ricky. "Officers towered by The Great Khali". Queensland Police. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  11. ^ Sanju, V.K. "Wither the WWE heroes of 90s kids?". MetroVaartha. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  12. ^ Paglino, Nick. "The Great Khali Comments on Media Coverage of His February Injury Angle, Differences Between Indian and Western Wrestling Media". Wrestlezone. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  13. ^ "WWE star The Great Khali's mother no more, wrestler himself carried her to hospital". Zee News. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  14. ^ "WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed". ABC News. 29 July 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  15. ^ Mullick, Rohit (30 March 2008). "Khali still on Punjab police pay rolls". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  16. ^ "The Great Khali and Brian Ong". greatkhali.net. Archived from the original on December 23, 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
  17. ^ "The Great Khali: From WWE ring to Jalandhar's akhada". The Pioneer (India).
  18. ^ "Indicate of Next results". Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
  19. ^ "Wrestling World 2002 results". Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
  20. ^ Philip Kreikenbohm. "AJPW 2ND WRESTLE-1". cagematch.net.
  21. ^ a b Ray, Shantanu Guha (6 May 2006). "Giant wrestler finds fame in India". BBC. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
  22. ^ "SmackDown results – 7 April 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  23. ^ "SmackDown results – 21 April 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  24. ^ "SmackDown results – 12 May 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  25. ^ Williams, Ed III (21 May 2006). "The Great Khali makes Undertaker rest in peace". WWE. Retrieved 5 January 2008.
  26. ^ "SmackDown results – 18 August 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  27. ^ "SmackDown results – 23 February 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  28. ^ "WrestleMania results – 1 April 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  29. ^ "RAW results – 30 April 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  30. ^ "RAW results – 7 May 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  31. ^ "Judgement Day results 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  32. ^ "RAW results – 21 May 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  33. ^ "One Night Stand 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  34. ^ "SmackDown results – 20 July 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  35. ^ "The Great American Bash 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  36. ^ "SummerSlam 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
  37. ^ "Unforgiven 2007 Results". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 16 September 2007.
  38. ^ "No Mercy 2007 results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  39. ^ Clayton, Corey (27 April 2008). "Big Show wins mammoth matchup". WWE. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2008.
  40. ^ "SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn". World Wrestling Entertainment. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2008.
  41. ^ "The Great Khali storms off Jackassworld.com's set". WWE. 3 October 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  42. ^ Elliott, Brian (29 June 2009). "Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
  43. ^ Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009). "Results:Diabolical destruction". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
  44. ^ Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009) Results: Diabolical destruction. WWE.
  45. ^ "The Great Khali Keen surgery". PWTorch. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
  46. ^ Plummer, Dale (3 November 2007). "RAW: Superstars ride a Crazy Train with Ozzy". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  47. ^ "Jerishow punish Cena on RAW". Sky Sports. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  48. ^ Gardner, James (20 April 2010). "MacGruber to the Rescue for Ash Kicked WWE". NBC New York. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  49. ^ Steinberg, Jacques (9 May 2010). "Celebrity Guest Hosts Find Fans, and Some Fun, in 'Raw's' Ring". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
  50. ^ "Results:The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
  51. ^ Burdick, Michael. "SmackDown results: From dreamer to something meaner". WWE.
  52. ^ Giannini, Alex (19 February 2012). "World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match". WWE. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  53. ^ Burdick, Michael (23 March 2012). "Zack def Swagger". WWE. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  54. ^ Harish, Alon (29 July 2012). "WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed". ABC News.
  55. ^ "PWTorch.com – CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 1/2: Cesaro defends U.S. Title, Punk's Raw status confirmed, Barrett runs the gauntlet, next week's Main Event announced (w/Box Score)". pwtorch.com.
  56. ^ Meltzer, Dave. "WWE Wrestlemania 30 live coverage & results: The Streak is over, Daniel Bryan's reign begins". Wrestling Observer. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
  57. ^ Powell, John (21 July 2014). "Cena, Usos survive Battleground". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 16 July 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  58. ^ "GREAT KHALI UPDATE | PWInsider.com". pwinsider.com.
  59. ^ Powell, Jason (23 July 2017). "7/23 Powell's WWE Battleground Live Review: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship, John Cena vs. Rusev in a flag match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  60. ^ Powell, Jason (27 April 2018). "Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  61. ^ "FORMER WWE STAR PRODUCES FIRST ALL-INDIAN WRESTLING PRODUCTION IN INDIA". PWInsider.com.
  62. ^ a b "In pics: 'The Great Khali' bounces back from injury to win in Dehradun". Hindustan Times. Dehradun. 29 February 2016.
  63. ^ "Shanky".
  64. ^ "Why The Great Khali is looking forward to Bigg Boss" Rediff, 15 October 2010
  65. ^ Medalis, Kara A. (16 April 2011) The Great Khali on "Pair of Kings". WWE
  66. ^ "The Great Khali is head over heels in love with his wife, Harminder Kaur, who he has been married to since 2002". 8 March 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  67. ^ Kalra, Shalender (26 February 2014). "Wrestler Khali's wife gives birth to daughter in US". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  68. ^ Dhakite, Akash (17 November 2023). "Congratulations to WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali". Sportskeeda. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  69. ^ "The Great Khali Speaks On WWE Career, His Diet, Religion, More". Rajah. 27 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
  70. ^ "Great Khali Appreciates Iskon", Iskcon Mauritius, 16 March 2011, Archive
  71. ^ Guha-Ray, Shantanu. "Giant wrestler finds fame in India", BBC News, 6 May 2008, Archive
  72. ^ "The man who made the Great Khali". dna.
  73. ^ Raymond, Khali (19 April 2019). Khali V. Khali. Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp Print Us. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-1-79859-023-2.
  74. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "The Great Khali In Aap Ki Adalat (Part 2) – India TV" – via YouTube.
  75. ^ "South Asia – Giant wrestler finds fame in India". BBC. 6 May 2008.
  76. ^ t2 (25 May 2010). "Gentle Giant". The Telegraph, Calcutta, India. p. 1. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  77. ^ Balderson, Keelan; Rajat Sharma (22 February 2010). "Great Khali Debeats With Indian Media About How Fake Wrestling Is". wrestlingtruth.com. p. 1. Archived from the original on 24 February 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
  78. ^ "Wrestling star Great Khali has tumor removed at UPMC". TribLIVE. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  79. ^ "The Great Khali becomes a U.S. Citizen".
  80. ^ "EC moved over 'The Great Khali' campaigning for BJP". The Shillong Times. Agencies. 29 April 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  81. ^ "Dalip Singh Rana, known as The Great Khali, joins BJP". The Indian Express. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  82. ^ "Great Khali, foreign wrestlers entertain audience in Ludhiana". Hindustan Times. Dehradun. 7 March 2016.
  83. ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (24 February 2018). "CWE Encounter '18". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  84. ^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling tournaments". Archived from the original on 3 August 2009.
  85. ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008". Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  86. ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (26 January 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA: 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.
  87. ^ "The Great Khali's first World Heavyweight Championship reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 4 October 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2008.
  88. ^ "Great Khali will be Inducted into Hall of Fame: #WWENowIndia Exclusive". Instagram. WWE. Retrieved 24 March 2021.[non-primary source needed]
  89. ^ "Slammy Award Winners". World Wrestling Entertainment. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Great_Khali&oldid=1288963229"