Deloria Brockman

Written by Deloria Brockman

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

17-facts-about-the-great-khali
Source: Pbs.twimg.com

The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh Rana, is a former professional wrestler known for his imposing stature and dominant presence in the ring. Standing at a towering height of 7 feet 1 inch, Khali quickly became a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. Originally hailing from Dhiraina, a small village in Himachal Pradesh, India, Khali’s journey to stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days as a police officer to his success in the WWE, Khali’s story is filled with perseverance, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. In this article, we will delve into 17 fascinating facts about The Great Khali, shedding light on his career highlights, personal life, and the significant impact he has made in the world of professional wrestling.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Great Khali, a former wrestler from India, made history by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE, inspiring a new generation of Indian talent.
  • Beyond his wrestling career, The Great Khali is known for his philanthropy, acting in Hollywood and Bollywood films, and creating opportunities for Indian wrestlers through his own wrestling promotion.
Table of Contents

The Great Khali is a former professional wrestler.

The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh Rana, enjoyed a successful career in the world of professional wrestling. He gained worldwide fame for his imposing stature, standing at 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing over 350 pounds.

He hails from India.

The Great Khali was born in Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India. He is proud of his Indian heritage and has played a significant role in promoting Indian wrestlers and the sport of wrestling in his home country.

Khali was trained by the legendary wrestler, Giant Singh.

Before making his mark in the wrestling industry, The Great Khali was trained by the renowned wrestler, Giant Singh. Under his guidance, Khali honed his skills and developed his signature moves.

He became the first Indian wrestler to win a world heavyweight championship.

In 2007, The Great Khali achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian wrestler to win the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE. This victory cemented his status as a trailblazer for Indian wrestlers in the global wrestling scene.

Khali participated in the reality TV show, “Bigg Boss.”

In 2010, The Great Khali entered the Indian version of the popular reality TV show, “Bigg Boss.” His larger-than-life personality and wrestling background made him a standout contestant during his time in the house.

He has appeared in several Hollywood and Bollywood films.

Besides wrestling, The Great Khali has also ventured into the world of acting. He has appeared in numerous Hollywood and Bollywood films, showcasing his versatility and expanding his fan base beyond the wrestling ring.

Khali is an active philanthropist.

The Great Khali is known for his charitable endeavors, often using his fame and resources to give back to society. He has supported various causes, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and empowerment.

He has a dedicated following in India.

The Great Khali enjoys a massive fan following in his home country of India. His larger-than-life persona and incredible strength have made him a beloved figure in the world of Indian wrestling and entertainment.

Khali has competed against some of the biggest names in professional wrestling.

Throughout his career, The Great Khali has faced off against legendary wrestlers such as The Undertaker, John Cena, and Triple H. His matches have captivated audiences around the world, and he has left a lasting impact on the industry.

He held the record for the longest-running WWE Championship reign by an Indian wrestler.

The Great Khali held the WWE Championship for an impressive 61 days, making him the Indian wrestler with the longest-running reign as champion in WWE history. This accomplishment solidified his place in wrestling history.

Khali founded his own wrestling promotion in India.

Passionate about nurturing Indian talent, The Great Khali established his own wrestling promotion called Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE) in Jalandhar, Punjab. CWE provides a platform for aspiring Indian wrestlers to showcase their skills and gain exposure.

He made appearances in the professional wrestling circuit after retiring from WWE.

Even after his retirement from WWE, The Great Khali continued to make special appearances in professional wrestling events and promotions around the world. Fans were always thrilled to see him return to the ring, even for a brief period.

Khali has broken many barriers for Indian wrestlers in the industry.

The Great Khali has opened doors for Indian wrestlers in the international wrestling scene. His success and achievements have inspired a new generation of talent from India to pursue wrestling as a viable career.

He is known for his devastating finishing move, the Khali Vice Grip.

The Great Khali’s signature move, the Khali Vice Grip, is a powerful hand grip that can render his opponents unconscious. Its sheer force and impact have earned him numerous victories in the ring.

Khali has featured in various professional wrestling video games.

The Great Khali’s popularity has extended into the realm of video games. He has been featured as a playable character in several professional wrestling video games, giving fans the chance to step into his shoes in the virtual world.

He made a special appearance in WWE’s annual event, WrestleMania.

The Great Khali made a memorable appearance at WrestleMania XXIII, where he competed in the prestigious Money in the Bank ladder match. His presence added excitement and intrigue to the already highly anticipated event.

The Great Khali’s impact on Indian wrestling continues to be felt.

The legacy of The Great Khali goes beyond his wrestling career. He has inspired a new generation of Indian wrestlers, created opportunities for Indian talent, and put India on the global wrestling map.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 17 facts about The Great Khali shed light on the incredible journey and accomplishments of one of the most iconic professional wrestlers in history. From his towering height and unique physique to his impressive career in the WWE, Khali has left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling. Beyond his wrestling career, he has also ventured into acting and other entrepreneurial pursuits. Whether you’re a fan of his in-ring performances or simply fascinated by his larger-than-life personality, The Great Khali’s story is one of strength, determination, and breaking barriers. His impact will continue to be felt in the world of professional wrestling for years to come.

FAQs

1. How tall is The Great Khali?

The Great Khali stands at an astonishing height of 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm) tall.

2. What is The Great Khali’s real name?

The Great Khali’s real name is Dalip Singh Rana.

3. Where is The Great Khali from?

The Great Khali hails from a small village called Dhiraina in Himachal Pradesh, India.

4. When did The Great Khali make his debut in professional wrestling?

The Great Khali made his debut in the WWE (then known as the WWF) in 2006.

5. What is The Great Khali’s signature move?

The Great Khali’s signature move is the devastating ‘Khali Chop’, where he delivers a powerful chop to his opponents’ heads or chests.

6. Has The Great Khali ever won any championships?

Yes, The Great Khali has won several championships in his wrestling career, including the World Heavyweight Championship.

7. Did The Great Khali have any other career outside of wrestling?

Yes, besides wrestling, The Great Khali has appeared in movies and television shows, both in India and internationally.

8. How much does The Great Khali weigh?

The Great Khali weighs around 347 pounds (157 kilograms).

9. Has The Great Khali ever wrestled outside of the WWE?

Yes, The Great Khali has competed in various wrestling promotions around the world, including his own promotion in India called Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE).

10. What is The Great Khali doing now?

Currently, The Great Khali is focusing on his wrestling promotion in India, CWE, and has also been involved in various charitable and philanthropic activities.

The Great Khali's legacy in professional wrestling is undeniable, but there are many other fascinating wrestlers and facts to explore. Dive into the story of Ron Simmons, the first African American World Heavyweight Champion. Uncover a treasure trove of WWE facts that will surprise even the most dedicated fans. Lastly, don't miss out on the incredible tale of Roddy Piper, a true icon in the world of professional wrestling. Each of these stories offers a unique glimpse into the captivating world of sports entertainment.

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