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{{Short description|Indian-American professional wrestler (born 1972)}}
{{Not verified|date=April 2007}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{otheruses4|the [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[actor]]|the former [[United States Congressman]]|Dalip Singh Saund}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox Wrestler
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
|name=Dalip Singh {{flagicon|India}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|names=Giant Singh<br/>'''The Great Khali'''
|name = The Great Khali
|image=Greatkhali.jpg
|names = {{Ubl
|height={{height|ft=7|in=3}}
| Dalip Singh<ref name=OWOW>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/g/great-khali.html|title=Khali at OWOW|publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com|access-date=23 September 2007}}</ref>
|weight={{weight|pounds=420}}
| Giant Singh<ref name="SLAM!">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/great_khali.html|title=The Great Khali|publisher=CANOE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802090814/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/great_khali.html|archive-date=2 August 2017|access-date=2 April 2008}}</ref>
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1972|8|27}}<ref name="IMDb"/>
| '''The Great Khali'''<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/thegreatkhali|title=The Great Khali|work=WWE|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref>
|birth_place={{flagicon|India}} [[Dhirana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]]<ref name="IMDb"/>
|death_date=
|death_place=
|resides={{flagicon|India}} [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[India]]
|billed=The jungles of [[Punjab, India]]
|trainer=[[All Pro Wrestling|APW Boot Camp]]
|debut=[[October 7]] [[2000]]
}}
|image = Great Khali.jpg
|caption = Khali in 2011
|image_size =
|birthname = Dalip Singh Rana<ref name="SLAM!" /><ref name="The Indian Express">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/khali-still-employed-with-punjab-police/|title=Khali still employed with Punjab police|work=The Indian Express|access-date=13 September 2014|date=25 December 2010}}</ref>
|height = 2.15 m<ref name="WWEbio" />
|weight = 157.5 kg<ref name="WWEbio" />
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|8|27|df=y}}<ref name="SLAM!" />
|birth_place = [[Dhiraina]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], India<ref name="FP" />
|death_date =
|death_place =
|spouse = {{marriage|Harminder Kaur|2002}}
|children = 2
|billed = [[Punjab, India]]<ref name="WWEbio" />
|trainer = [[All Pro Wrestling]]<ref name="SLAM!" />
|debut = 7 October 2000<ref name="SLAM!" /><ref name="Matches">{{cite web |title=Great Khali - Matches |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2011&page=4&s=700 |website=Cagematch |access-date=23 June 2023}}</ref>
|retired = 27 April 2018
|module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes
|party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (since 2022)
}} <!-- end of Infobox person -->
}} <!-- end of Infobox professional wrestler -->
 
'''Dalip Singh Rana'''<ref name="IMDb"/> (born [[27 August 27]] [[1972]]) is an [[India]]n [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] and [[actor]], better known by his ring name '''The Great Khali'''. He, is currentlyan signedIndian-born toAmerican former [[WorldProfessional Wrestlingwrestling|professional Entertainmentwrestler]], wrestlingpromoter, onand itsactor. He is best known for his tenure with ''[[WWE]], Fridaywhere Nighthe SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]''became the first Indian-born [[WWEWorld Brandchampionships Extensionin WWE|brandworld champion]]. BeforeStanding embarkingover on7 hisfeet professionaltall sportsdue careerto [[acromegaly]], heKhali wasgained anattention officerfor inhis theimposing [[Punjabstature (India)|Punjab]]and statewas police,prominently afeatured championin [[bodybuilder]],WWE andstorylines athroughout [[Pehlwan]]the mid-2000s to early athlete2010s.
 
Rana began his professional wrestling career in 2000, competing in the United States for [[All Pro Wrestling]] (APW), followed by appearances in [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), and other international promotions. He signed with WWE in 2006, where he was involved in high-profile feuds with [[The Undertaker]], [[John Cena]], [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], and [[Triple H]], and participated in major events such as [[WrestleMania]] and [[SummerSlam]]. Outside the ring, Khali appeared in films including ''[[The Longest Yard (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]'' (2005) and ''[[Get Smart (film)|Get Smart]]'' (2008), and finished as runner-up on the reality television show ''[[Bigg Boss (Hindi TV series) season 4|Bigg Boss 4]]'' in 2011.
==Early career==
Under the ring name "Giant Singh", Dalip Singh became a pro wrestler for All Pro Wrestling in the United States of America, making his first appearance in October 2000, when teaming with Tony Jones against the West Side Playaz 2000.
 
In 2015, Rana founded [[Continental Wrestling Entertainment]] (CWE) based in [[Jalandhar|Jalandhar, Punjab]]. Khali was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2021)|WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2021 and continues to make occasional appearances for the company.
On May 28, 2001, [[Brian Ong]] died after receiving a [[Professional wrestling throws#Flapjack|flapjack]] from Singh. Ong had suffered a previous concussion during the session, but the trainers gave him a lower evaluation for not avoiding injuries and told him to continue training. In addition, it was proven that Ong did not receive any protective gear or supervision by APW staff. This second concussion ultimately proved fatal for him. As Singh inadvertently caused his death, Ong's family brought a lawsuit against All Pro Wrestling, who were found liable for recklessness after less than a day of deliberations, awarding the Ong family for damages of over $1.3 million.<ref>[http://www.hershlaw.com/caseinv/ci_oth_cp.html Hershlaw.com (second article on page)]</ref>
 
==New JapanEarly Prolife Wrestling==
Rana was born into a [[Hindu]] [[Rajput]] family to parents Jwala Ram and Tandi Devi in the village of [[Dhiraina]], located in the [[Sirmaur district]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Khali says i am rajput | date=9 March 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpaxh3bStSQ |via=YouTube |quote=0:13 where says 'I am a Rajput' in Hindi}}</ref><ref name="FP">{{cite news |date=10 February 2022 |title=Punjab Assembly Elections 2022: Ex-WWE wrestler 'The Great Khali' joins BJP in political debut |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/punjab-assembly-elections-2022-ex-wwe-wrestler-the-great-khali-joins-bjp-in-political-debut-10363911.html |access-date=19 February 2022 |work=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=22 June 2021 |title=WWE star The Great Khali's mother no more, wrestler himself carried her to hospital |url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/wwe-star-the-great-khalis-mother-no-more-wrestler-himself-carried-her-to-hospital-2370905/khalis-early-struggles-in-life-2370908 |access-date=26 May 2023 |work=Zee News}}</ref> He was one of seven siblings in a financially struggling household and worked various odd jobs in his youth to support his family.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |date=29 July 2012 |title=WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/star-wrestler-great-khali-tumor-removed-caused-size/story?id=16874060 |access-date=14 March 2016 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>
In [[August 2001]], Singh was brought into [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] by Team 2000 leader, [[Masahiro Chono]], along with another big man, [[Giant Silva]]. They were the tallest tag team in pro-wrestling history at an average height of 7 ft 2 in, and a combined weight of 805 lb. The two teamed for the first time at the Tokyo Dome in October, labeled "Club 7" by Chono, and they defeated Yutaka Yoshie, [[Kenzo Suzuki]], [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and Wataru Inoue in a Handicap Match when Silva pinned Tanahashi and Inoue at the same time. Singh suffered his first loss in a tag match at the [[Tokyo Dome]] in [[January 2002]], being cradled by [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]. He suffered another big tag defeat during March, being pinned by [[Manabu Nakanishi]], and falling to a German suplex hold. His most critical loss came in August at Tokyo Nippon Budokan when, after a falling out, he was pinned by Silva in a singles match.
 
Rana has [[acromegaly]], a hormonal disorder that results in abnormal growth, including [[gigantism]] and pronounced facial features such as jaw protrusion.<ref name=":1" /> While working as a security guard in [[Shimla]], he was noticed by a police officer{{Specify|date=October 2022}} from the neighbouring state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. The officer, known for mentoring athletes within the Punjab Police, facilitated Rana’s recruitment into the Punjab Police force in 1993, where he began training in sports and physical fitness at a more serious level.<ref name="indiatimes">{{cite news |last1=Mullick |first1=Rohit |date=30 March 2008 |title=Khali still on Punjab police pay rolls |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2910680.cms |access-date=15 June 2008 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="QPol">{{cite web |last1=Lashand |first1=Ricky |title=Officers towered by The Great Khali |url=https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/southbrisbane/2018/10/25/officers-towered-by-the-great-khali/ |access-date=25 April 2025 |website=Queensland Police}}</ref>
==World Wrestling Entertainment==
====SmackDown!====
On [[January 2]], [[2006]], Singh was signed to a contract by WWE and assigned to the [[Deep South Wrestling, LLC|Deep South Wrestling]] developmental territory for training.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dalip-singh.html</ref> With [[Daivari]] by his side, the un-named Singh debuted on WWE television on the [[April 7]], [[2006]] episode of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'', attacking [[The Undertaker]] and leaving him out cold during his match with [[Mark Henry]], and thus causing a no-contest.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060407.html</ref>
 
== Professional wrestling career ==
The next week he was introduced as "The Great Khali". [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060414.html] Daivari explained that he now finally had a client that would destroy the Undertaker (after [[Mark Copani|Muhammed Hassan]] and Mark Henry had failed previously). Khali made his in-ring debut on the [[April 21]], [[2006]] edition of ''SmackDown!'', defeating [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]].<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060421.html</ref>
 
=== Early career (2000–2006) ===
On the [[May 5]], [[2006]] edition of ''SmackDown'', Khali signed a contract to face The Undertaker at [[WWE Judgment Day#2006|Judgment Day]] on [[May 21]], [[2006]].<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060505.html</ref> Later that night, he interrupted a [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] #1 Contender's Triple Threat Match between [[Super Crazy]], [[David Cash|Kid Kash]] and [[James Maritato|Nunzio]], and attacked all three men, as well as [[Vito LoGrasso|Vito]].
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.<ref name="SLAM!" />
 
APW trainee Brian Ong died on 28 May 2001 after sustaining a serious injury a few days prior in a training session following a botched [[Professional wrestling throws#Flapjack|flapjack]] maneuver from Singh. Although Singh was not held personally liable, Ong’s family filed a lawsuit against APW in which he was found to be a contributing factor. A jury found the promotion liable for recklessness and awarded the Ong family $1.3 million in damages.<ref name="SLAM!" /><ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Khali and Brian Ong |url=http://www.greatkhali.net/the_great_Khali_and_brian_ong.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223035010/http://www.greatkhali.net/the_great_Khali_and_brian_ong.htm |archive-date=23 December 2009 |access-date=17 January 2010 |publisher=greatkhali.net }}</ref>
On the [[May 12]], [[2006]] edition of SmackDown, JBL put Khali against then [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Champion]] [[Oscar Gutierrez|Rey Mysterio]]. Khali had a height advantage of almost two feet and a weight advantage of 250 pounds, and gained an easy victory over Mysterio.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060512.html</ref> In his match against The Undertaker at [[WWE Judgment Day#2006|Judgment Day 2006]], Khali landed a series of blows on his opponent, and finally defeated The Undertaker with a kick to the head after receiving some illegal help from Daivari during the phase when the Undertaker had him under control. Khali continued on a rampage for several weeks, winning handicap matches, beating superstars up in a display of power, and mocking the Undertaker's signature pin and victory pose. At [[WWE Judgment Day#2006|Judgment Day 2006]], Khali pinned Undertaker with his foot on top of him thus handing out Undertaker a humiliating loss.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday06.html</ref>
 
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 [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), in March 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Khali: From WWE ring to Jalandhar's akhada |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sports/the-great-khali-from-wwe-ring-to-jalandhars-akhada.html |work=The Pioneer (India)}}</ref>
He also helped [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] beat down [[the Undertaker]] (who was challenging Show for the [[ECW World Championship]]) with a [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Double chokeslam|Double Chokeslam]] through the announcer's table, continuing his feud with The Undertaker.
 
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indicate of Next results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#1001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718171901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#1001 |archive-date=18 July 2007 |access-date=10 February 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> Singh suffered his first recorded loss at [[Wrestling World 2002]] in January during a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wrestling World 2002 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#0102 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718171901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#0102 |archive-date=18 July 2007 |access-date=10 February 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> 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.<ref name="SLAM!" />
Khali then challenged the Undertaker to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Punjabi Prison match|Punjabi Prison Match]], and the two were scheduled to meet in such a match at [[The Great American Bash#2006|The Great American Bash]], but Khali was removed from the match due to elevated liver enzymes and replaced by [[Paul Wight|Big Show]].<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/greatamericanbash06.html</ref> (In the [[kayfabe|storyline]], [[Theodore Long]] replaced Khali with [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] as punishment for an attack on [[The Undertaker]] shortly before the match.)
 
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).<ref>{{cite web |author=Philip Kreikenbohm |title=AJPW 2ND WRESTLE-1 |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16564 |publisher=cagematch.net}}</ref>
Khali later received a clean bill of health, and the [[August 4]], [[2006]] episode of SmackDown would see Khali being challenged by The Undertaker to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] at [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]]. However, the match was moved to the SmackDown just prior to SummerSlam and won by the Undertaker, giving Khali his first loss in the WWE.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060811.html</ref>
 
=== World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE ===
On [[August 29]], [[2006]], it was reported that Khali would be out of action for several months due to surgery on both knees.
 
====ECW Dominance (2006–2008) ====
[[File:Greatkhali.jpg|thumb|upright|The Great Khali in 2006]]
By October of that year news came that Khali would return, along with Daivari, to WWE to join its [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|revived ECW brand]].
On 2 January 2006, Rana became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE).<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |author=Ray, Shantanu Guha |date=6 May 2006 |title=Giant wrestler finds fame in India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7384920.stm |access-date=6 May 2008 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> He was assigned to their developmental territory, [[Deep South Wrestling]], where he competed under his real name.<ref name="SLAM!" /><ref name="OWOW" />
 
The Great Khali made his television debut accompanied by [[Shawn Daivari|Daivari]] on 21 April episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', where he attacked [[The Undertaker]], beginning a storyline rivalry.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 7 April 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060407.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> Two weeks later, he competed in his first televised match, decisively defeating [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]].<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 21 April 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060421.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> In May, Khali continued to be presented as a dominant force, defeating [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Rey Mysterio]] in a non-title bout.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 12 May 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060512.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> On 21 May at [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day]], he gained a notable victory over The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web |author=Williams, Ed III |date=21 May 2006 |title=The Great Khali makes Undertaker rest in peace |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848443/results/ |access-date=5 January 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Khali was scheduled to face The Undertaker in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Punjabi Prison match|Punjabi Prison match]] at [[The Great American Bash (2006)|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 16 August episode of ''SmackDown!'' in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] against The Undertaker.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 18 August 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref>
On the [[October 31]] [[2006]] edition of ''ECW'', Khali and his manager Daivari made their on-screen debuts, with Daivari defeating [[Shannon Moore]], while Khali took on the role as Daivari's enforcer for the match. Khali then assaulted Moore after the match. Khali continued manhandling Daivari's opponents after Daivari had defeated them.
 
Khali began a short feud with [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] in early 2007, culminating in a victory at [[WrestleMania 23]] on 1 April.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 23 February 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070223.html |access-date=2 May 2012 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WrestleMania results – 1 April 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania23.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> 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 ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.<ref name="april30">{{cite web |title=RAW results – 30 April 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070430.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RAW results – 7 May 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070507.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> Khali was defeated by Cena at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Judgement Day results 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> The next night on ''Raw'', [[Ranjin Singh]] was introduced as Khali's new manager and translator.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAW results – 21 May 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070521.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> Their rivalry continued at [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]] on 3 June, where Khali once again lost to Cena in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere match]].<ref>{{cite web |title=One Night Stand 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref>
Khali then feuded with [[Tommy Dreamer]], where Khali would assault Dreamer and choke drop him on a regular basis. Sometimes it would be on the steel entrance stage, a steel chair, or the padded floor outside the ring.
 
Khali won the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by emerging victorious in a 20-man [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] on 20 July episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 20 July 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070720.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> He went on to successfully defend the title against [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] and Kane in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Non-elimination matches with three competitors|triple threat match]] at [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The Great American Bash 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/greatamericanbash07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> and again against Batista at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] on 26 August, retaining the championship despite losing the match by disqualification.<ref>{{cite web |title=SummerSlam 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}</ref> Khali’s reign ended at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]] on 16 September, where he lost the title to Batista in a triple threat match also involving Rey Mysterio.<ref>{{cite news |title=Unforgiven 2007 Results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/ |access-date=16 September 2007 |newspaper=Wwe |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The following month, he challenged Batista for the championship in a Punjabi Prison match at [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]], but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web |title=No Mercy 2007 results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011001325/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/ |archive-date=11 October 2007 |access-date=8 October 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref>
On the [[December 19]] [[2006]] edition of ECW, Khali faced Shannon Moore in his first match in ECW. Khali easily defeated Moore, but it was on a disqualification. Tommy Dreamer came in to interfere, but ended up being choke dropped by Khali onto the steel steps. Khali finally faced Tommy Dreamer on the January 9, 2007 edition of ECW in an Extreme Rules match. He easily defeated Dreamer, which turned out to be Khali's last ECW match.
 
In late 2007 and early 2008, Khali was involved in a storyline with [[Fit Finlay|Finlay]], frequently attempting to intimidate or attack [[Hornswoggle]], only to be thwarted by Finlay. He participated in the [[Elimination Chamber|Elimination Chamber match]] at [[No Way Out (2008)|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 World Heavyweight Championship|ECW Championship]] but was unsuccessful. Khali then entered a brief feud with Big Show, culminating in a match at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] on 27 April, where Big Show secured the win.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayton |first=Corey |date=27 April 2008 |title=Big Show wins mammoth matchup |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6842782/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501145517/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6842782/results/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=1 May 2008 |access-date=26 July 2008 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
====RAW====
On the [[January 8]] [[2007]], episode of ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'', [[Jonathan Coachman]] announced that Khali's contract with [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW]] had expired, he had signed with RAW (without his manager Daivari), and would battle [[John Cena]] in the main event. Khali won by disqualification after Cena took a steel chair held by [[Hazem Ali|Armando Estrada]] and hit Khali with it. After the match, Khali choke slammed Cena to the mat and left the ringside area, leaving Cena prone to an attack by [[Eddie Fatu|Umaga]].<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070108.html</ref>
 
In July, Khali began a rivalry with [[Triple H]] over the WWE Championship. On 25 July episode of ''SmackDown!'', he won a battle royal to become the number one contender for the title at [[SummerSlam (2008)|SummerSlam]].<ref name="SD-July-25">{{cite web |date=25 July 2008 |title=SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/ |access-date=26 July 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At the event on 17 August, Khali was defeated by Triple H.
On the [[February 23]] [[2007]] episode of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'', the Great Khali interfered in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere]], [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money In The Bank]] qualifying match between [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] and [[Booker Huffman|King Booker]]. Khali cost Kane the match, leading to a match at ''[[WrestleMania]]''. In his first appearance at the event, Khali defeated [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] at ''[[WrestleMania 23]]'' after slamming him with a [[Chokeslam#Two handed chokeslam|choke drop]]. Right after the match, Khali beat and choked Kane with his own hook and chain.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania23.html</ref>
 
==== Punjabi Playboy (2008–2014) ====
On the [[April 30]] [[2007]] edition of ''RAW'', The Great Khali attacked [[Shawn Michaels]], [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] and [[Randy Orton]]. He attacked [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] as well, sending a message that he wanted Cena's title. The next week on ''RAW'', Khali defeated Michaels in a No. 1 contender's match for the WWE Championship at [[WWE Judgment Day#2007|Judgment Day]]. At the event, Khali's efforts came up short as he lost via submission for the first time ever, tapping out to John Cena's STFU. However, at Judgment Day, Khali's foot was under the rope when he tapped out, but the referee didn't see this.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html</ref> The next night on RAW, Khali expressed his outrage via his translator over the outcome. At [[WWE One Night Stand#2007|One Night Stand]], Khali lost to John Cena after he was FU'd off a crane bed. This would be the first time that The Great Khali had ever been pinned.<ref>http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand07.html</ref>
[[File:The Great Khali (9401098694).jpg|thumb|right|upright|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.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Great Khali storms off Jackassworld.com's set |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/khalijackass |work=WWE |date=3 October 2008 |access-date=5 May 2025}}</ref> 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 [[Face (professional wrestling)|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 [[WWE The Bash|The Bash]] on 28 June. He was defeated following interference from Kane, sparking a subsequent rivalry between the two.<ref>{{cite web |last=Elliott |first=Brian |date=29 June 2009 |title=Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143632/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html |archive-date=29 June 2012 |access-date=27 July 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> This culminated in matches against Kane at [[SummerSlam (2009)|SummerSlam]] on 23 August and [[WWE Breaking Point|Breaking Point]] on 13 September, both of which Khali lost.<ref name="KhaliKane">{{cite web |last=Raymond |first=Katie A. |date=23 August 2009 |title=Results:Diabolical destruction |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/9352646/results/ |access-date=23 August 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100410063254/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/9352646/results/ Results: Diabolical destruction]. ''WWE''.</ref> Shortly afterward, he was written off television to undergo knee surgery.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Khali Keen surgery |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_35358.shtml |access-date=4 October 2009 |publisher=PWTorch}}</ref> While recovering, Khali made a surprise appearance alongside on 2 November episode of Raw, joining [[Sharon Osbourne|Sharon]] and [[Ozzy Osbourne]] as a guest judge for the "Raw's Got Talent" segment.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=3 November 2007 |title=RAW: Superstars ride a Crazy Train with Ozzy |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/03/11612636.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731063620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/03/11612636.html |archive-date=31 July 2012 |access-date=2 May 2012 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=3 December 2009 |title=Jerishow punish Cena on RAW |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14203_5671623,00.html |access-date=24 December 2009 |publisher=[[Sky Sports]]}}</ref> He returned to in-ring competition in December. On 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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=James |date=20 April 2010 |title=MacGruber to the Rescue for Ash Kicked WWE |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/ashwwe-91586634.html |access-date=10 May 2010 |publisher=[[WNBC|NBC New York]]}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-0509">{{cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jacques |date=9 May 2010 |title=Celebrity Guest Hosts Find Fans, and Some Fun, in 'Raw's' Ring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/business/media/10wrestle.html |access-date=10 May 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
====Return to SmackDown!====
On the [[June 11]] edition of ''RAW'', as part of the [[WWE Brand Extension#June 2007 (Draft Lottery)|WWE Draft]], Khali was drafted from ''RAW'' to ''SmackDown!'' as ''SmackDown!'s'' first draft pick. His first match on his 2nd stint on Smackdown was a win against, ironically, another person who got drafted to Smackdown!, [[Nick Dinsmore|Eugene]] in a [[Squash (professional wrestling)|squash match]]. On the July 6th edition of Smackdown after an assault on Jimmy Wang Yang, the Great Khali offered an open challenge to anyone at The Great American Bash, he says that if no one accepts he will continue on his path of destruction. Accepting Khali's challenge was the Animal, [[Batista]] who made an intense entrance to the ring facing The Great Khali eye to eye.The Great Khali will face Batista in a singles match at [[The Great American Bash#2007|The Great American Bash]]. [http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/]
 
At [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on 3 April 2011, Khali won a pre-show battle royal.<ref name="UnitedStates">{{cite web |title=Results:The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal |access-date=5 April 2011 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> 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 [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]], leading to the end of their alliance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |title=SmackDown results: From dreamer to something meaner |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-05-27/25018171 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The following year, Khali competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match at [[Elimination Chamber (2012)|the namesake event]] in February but was unsuccessful.<ref name="SmackDown">{{cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |date=19 February 2012 |title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012 |access-date=19 February 2012 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXVIII]], he took part in a 12-man tag team match, which his team lost.<ref>{{cite web |author=Burdick, Michael |date=23 March 2012 |title=Zack def Swagger |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-23/results/page-5 |access-date=18 March 2012 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> He competed in the inaugural [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania XXX]] on 6 April 2014, but did not win.<ref>{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |title=WWE Wrestlemania 30 live coverage & results: The Streak is over, Daniel Bryan's reign begins |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701230803/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=10 April 2014 |work=[[Wrestling Observer]]}}</ref> Khali's contract with WWE expired on 13 November 2014, after which he departed the company.<ref>[http://www.pwinsider.com/article/89572/great-khali-update.html?p=1 "GREAT KHALI UPDATE | PWInsider.com"]. ''pwinsider.com''.</ref>
==In wrestling==
*'''Finishing and signature moves'''
**'''[[Chokeslam#Two handed chokeslam|Two handed choke drop]]
**'''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Overhead chop|Brain chop]]
**'''[[Powerbomb#Release powerbomb|Powerbomb]]''' - [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]
**'''[[Chokeslam]]''' - New Japan Pro Wrestling
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Headbutt|Headbutt]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big boot|Big boot]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|Clothesline]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Spin kick|Spin kick]]
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Back elbow|Corner back elbow strike]]
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Scoop slam|Delayed scoop slam]]
**[[Leg drop]]
 
=== Later career (2015–present) ===
*'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
In February 2015, Khali founded Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE), a professional wrestling promotion and training academy based in Jalandhar, Punjab.<ref>{{cite web |title=FORMER WWE STAR PRODUCES FIRST ALL-INDIAN WRESTLING PRODUCTION IN INDIA |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/98404/former-wwe-star-produces-first-allindian-wrestling-production-in-india.html |publisher=PWInsider.com}}</ref> The promotion held its first event on 12 December 2015. Among its trainees, [[Shanky|Dilsher Shanky]] and [[Kavita Devi (wrestler)|Kavita Devi]] later signed with WWE, marking CWE as a significant stepping stone for Indian talent.
**[[Shawn Daivari|Daivari]]
**Runjin Singh
*'''Nicknames'''
**The Punjabi Giant
**The Indian Collossus
**The Guardian of the East
 
Since 2017, Khali has made occasional appearances for WWE. He returned at [[Battleground (2017)|Battleground]] on 23 July 2017, assisting WWE Champion Jinder Mahal in defeating [[Randy Orton]] during a Punjabi Prison match.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=23 July 2017 |title=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 |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-live-review-jinder-mahal-vs-randy-orton-punjabi-prison-match-wwe-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-u-s-championship-john-cena-vs-rusev/ |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In April 2018, he took part in the [[Greatest Royal Rumble]] match in [[Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]], but was eliminated.<ref name="GreatestRR">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=27 April 2018 |title=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 |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-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-ww/ |access-date=27 April 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> In recognition of his contributions to the company, he was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2021)|WWE Hall of Fame]] in 2021.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=24 March 2021 |title=The Great Khali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/wwe-hall-of-fame-2021/article/great-khali-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-2021 |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=WWE}}</ref> Khali made another special appearance at [[WWE Superstar Spectacle]] in 2023.
==Filmography==
In 2005, Singh starred in the film ''[[The Longest Yard (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]'' as Turley, one of the prison's inmates. On [[March 16]] [[2007]], it was announced that Singh is set to begin shooting ''[[Get Smart (film)|Get Smart]]'', a movie based on the 1960s classic TV show, alongside [[The Rock (entertainer)|The Rock]].<ref name="Khali goes Hollywood">[http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/khaligoeshollywood Khali ready to make giant mark on Hollywood]</ref>
 
== Television and film ==
==Personal information==
From October 2010 to January 2011, Khali appeared as a contestant on the Indian reality television show [[Bigg Boss (Hindi TV series) season 4|''Bigg Boss'' (season 4)]], where he finished as the first runner-up. Due to his size, the show made special accommodations for him, including a custom-built bed.<ref>[http://movies.rediff.com/interview/2010/oct/15/why-khali-is-looking-forward-to-bigg-boss-tv.htm "Why The Great Khali is looking forward to Bigg Boss"] Rediff, 15 October 2010</ref> In 2011, he made guest appearances on international television, including a brief cameo in episode 18 of NBC’s ''[[Outsourced (TV series)|Outsourced]]'', and as Atog, a rock-smashing giant, in the Disney Channel series ''[[Pair of Kings]]''.<ref>Medalis, Kara A. (16 April 2011) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110419065854/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/great-khali-pair-of-kings The Great Khali on "Pair of Kings"]. ''WWE''</ref>
Dalip Singh was born in the village of [[Dhirana]] in the state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] in [[India]], the third of eight children in the Rana family. He worked as a roadside stone breaker in order to earn bread for his family. In 1993, Singh was working in the Himalaya hills when his life's circumstances began to change. By this time he had tried his hand at many sports. He excelled in all of them, but showed exceptional talent in [[bodybuilding]]. The Director General of the Punjab Police Department took notice of Dalip and helped him join the police force. The change in employment allowed Singh to further his body building training and he subsequently won titles of Mr. India from 1997 through 1998.
 
Khali has also made appearances on various Indian comedy and talk shows, including ''[[Aap Ki Adalat]]'', ''[[Comedy Nights with Kapil]]'', ''[[Comedy Nights Bachao]]'', and ''[[The Kapil Sharma Show]]''.
He married Harminder Kaur on [[February 27]], [[2002]].<ref name="IMDb"/>
 
In addition to television, Khali has acted in several films, both in Hollywood and Indian cinema. He made his film debut in 2005 as Turley in ''[[The Longest Yard (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]'', followed by roles in ''[[Get Smart (film)|Get Smart]]'' (2008), ''[[MacGruber (film)|MacGruber]]'' (2010), and the Indian films ''[[Kushti (film)|Kushti]]'' (2010), ''[[Ramaa: The Saviour]]'' (2010), and ''[[Houba! On the Trail of the Marsupilami|HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami]]'' (2012). In 2023, he appeared in the Bangladeshi action thriller ''[[MR-9: Do or Die]]''.
Dalip Singh's goal in life is to support his family and aid the entire village that is his home. He is an active mentor to young people in [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], encouraging them to stay away from drugs and urging them to find discipline, health and success by taking up sports.<ref>[http://www.khali.info Personal Information about The Great Khali]</ref>
 
== Personal life ==
Singh has a 18EEEE size shoe.
Rana married Harminder Kaur in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 March 2016 |title=The Great Khali is head over heels in love with his wife, Harminder Kaur, who he has been married to since 2002. |url=https://hitberry.com/the-great-khali-is-head-over-heels-in-love-with-his-wife-harminder-kaur-who-he-has-been-married-to-since-2002/ |access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref> The couple has two children: a daughter, born in February 2014, and a son, born in November 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kalra |first1=Shalender |date=26 February 2014 |title=Wrestler Khali's wife gives birth to daughter in US |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/wrestler-khali-s-wife-gives-birth-to-daughter-in-us/story-or1gGSG6frdxwF0qYhcStO.html |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dhakite |first1=Akash |date=17 November 2023 |title=Congratulations to WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-congratulations-wwe-hall-famer-the-great-khali |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Sportskeeda |language=en-us}}</ref>
 
He has been described as deeply spiritual and a follower of Indian spiritual leader Ashutosh Maharaj.<ref name="Rajah">{{cite web |date=27 March 2008 |title=The Great Khali Speaks On WWE Career, His Diet, Religion, More |url=http://rajah.com/base/node/11832 |access-date=28 March 2008 |publisher=Rajah}}</ref><ref>[http://iskconmauritius.com/node/1399 "Great Khali Appreciates Iskon"], ''Iskcon Mauritius'', 16 March 2011, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121011040903/http://iskconmauritius.com/node/1399 Archive]</ref> Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Rana meditates daily and abstains from alcohol and tobacco.<ref name="BBC1">Guha-Ray, Shantanu. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7384920.stm "Giant wrestler finds fame in India"], ''BBC News'', 6 May 2008, [https://web.archive.org/web/20111022204657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7384920.stm Archive]</ref><ref name="Guru">[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/special-the-man-who-made-the-great-khali-1163493 "The man who made the Great Khali"]. ''dna''.</ref> He originally suggested the ring name "Khali" as a reference to the Hindu goddess [[Kali]], associated with eternal energy,<ref name="bbc" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Raymond |first=Khali |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajyXxAEACAAJ |title=Khali V. Khali |date=19 April 2019 |publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp Print Us |isbn=978-1-79859-023-2 |pages=7–8 |language=en}}</ref> but later stated that WWE gave him the full ring name "The Great Khali".<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/SmLjwkPfFW0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140217164101/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=SmLjwkPfFW0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |title=The Great Khali In Aap Ki Adalat (Part 2) – India TV |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmLjwkPfFW0&list=PLrPV4CIjXWRrCW6cf6fDJ_ifDqFnYJlP9&index=2 |via=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
==References==
 
Rana has followed a rigorous training regimen, including weightlifting twice a day. In the early stages of his career, he maintained a mostly vegetarian diet, later adding chicken and other meats to meet his nutritional requirements.<ref>{{cite news |date=6 May 2008 |title=South Asia – Giant wrestler finds fame in India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7384920.stm |publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=t2 |date=25 May 2010 |title=Gentle Giant |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100525/jsp/entertainment/story_12482840.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019233940/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100525/jsp/entertainment/story_12482840.jsp |archive-date=19 October 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |publisher=The Telegraph, Calcutta, India |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Balderson |first=Keelan |author2=Rajat Sharma |date=22 February 2010 |title=Great Khali Debeats With Indian Media About How Fake Wrestling Is |url=http://wrestlingtruth.com/news/great-khali-debeats-with-indian-media-about-how-fake-wrestling-is/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224054111/http://wrestlingtruth.com/news/great-khali-debeats-with-indian-media-about-how-fake-wrestling-is/ |archive-date=24 February 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |publisher=wrestlingtruth.com |page=1}}</ref> On 26 July 2012, he underwent surgery to remove a [[Benign tumor|benign tumour]] from his [[pituitary gland]], a condition linked to his diagnosis of [[acromegaly]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Harish, Alon |date=29 July 2012 |title=WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/star-wrestler-great-khali-tumor-removed-caused-size/story?id=16874060#.UBXAEd_iUtn |work=ABC News}}</ref>
 
He became a naturalised citizen of the United States on 20 February 2014, and also holds an [[Overseas Citizenship of India]] card.<ref name="wwecit">{{cite web |title=The Great Khali becomes a U.S. citizen: photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/the-great-khali-us-citizen-photos#fid-26236125 |website=WWE |access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Khali becomes a U.S. Citizen |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-great-khali-becomes-a-u-s-citizen}}</ref><ref name="oci">{{Cite news |title=EC moved over 'The Great Khali' campaigning for BJP |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/04/29/ec-moved-over-the-great-khali-campaigning-for-bjp/ |work=[[The Shillong Times]] |agency=Agencies |date=29 April 2019 |access-date=18 May 2024}}</ref> On 10 February 2022, Rana joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).<ref name="oci"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2022 |title=Dalip Singh Rana, known as The Great Khali, joins BJP |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/wrestler-the-great-khali-joins-bjp-7765870/ |access-date=10 February 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
 
== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:The Great Khali.png|thumb|upright|Khali is a former World Heavyweight Champion, and the first Indian wrestler to win a World Title in WWE.]]
 
* '''Continental Wrestling Entertainment'''
** CWE Heavyweight Championship (2 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/great-khali-foreign-wrestlers-entertain-audience-in-ludhiana/story-dqtQRE6ecFSnzqYGCUxWvI.html|title=Great Khali, foreign wrestlers entertain audience in Ludhiana|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=7 March 2016|___location=Dehradun}}</ref>
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** Teisen Hall Six-Man Tournament (2002) – with [[Masahiro Chono]] and [[Paulo César da Silva (fighter)|Giant Silva]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling tournaments|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803125751/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|archive-date=3 August 2009}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2008<ref>{{cite web|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2008.html|access-date=4 February 2015}}</ref>
* '''''[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Overrated|Most Overrated]] (2007)<ref name="WON2010">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=26 January 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|___location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593|author-link=Dave Meltzer|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Gimmick|Worst Gimmick]] (2008)<ref name="WON2010" />
* '''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE]]'''
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|1 time]])<ref name="WHC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/5079750|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004033428/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/5079750|archive-date=4 October 2007|access-date=4 July 2008|title=The Great Khali's first World Heavyweight Championship reign|work=WWE }}</ref>
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2021)|Class of 2021]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Khali will be Inducted into Hall of Fame: #WWENowIndia Exclusive |url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMzdtghAu7Y/ |website=Instagram |publisher=WWE |access-date=24 March 2021}}{{Primary source inline|date=October 2022}}</ref>
** [[Slammy Award]] (1 time)
*** "Damn!" Moment of the Year ([[2008 Slammy Awards|2008]]) {{small|Khali hosts the Kiss Cam on ''[[SmackDown Live|SmackDown]]'', 7 November}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|title=Slammy Award Winners|access-date=19 April 2009|date=8 December 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
 
== Bibliography ==
* {{Cite book|last1=Bansal|first1=Vinit K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NtHMAQAACAAJ|title=The Man who Became Khali|last2=Khali|first2=The Great|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|year=2017|isbn=978-0-14-342623-3|___location=[[New Delhi]], India}}
 
== See also ==
{{Portal|Biography|India|Sports}}
 
* [[Sport in India]] – Overview of sports in India
* [[Professional wrestling in India]] – Overview of professional wrestling in India
* [[WWE in India]]
* [[Wrestling in India]]
* [[Martial arts in india|Martial arts in India]] – Overview of Indian martial arts
* [[:Category:Professional wrestling in India|List of articles about professional wrestling of India]]
* [[:Category:Indian professional wrestlers|List of Indian professional wrestlers]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
 
== External links ==
{{Sister project links|collapsible=no|display=Dalip Singh|wikt=no|c=Great Khali|commonscat=yes|n=no|q=no|s=no|author=no|b=no|voy=no|v=no|d=Q44482|species=no|species_author=no|m=no|mw=no}}
*[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/thegreatkhali/ WWE Profile]
* {{wwe superstar}}
*{{imdb name|id=1724637|name=Dalip Singh}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Dalip Singh}}
*[http://www.khali.info Extended Information about Dalip Singh]
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
*[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/dalip-singh.html Online World of Wrestling Profile]
* {{URL|http://ibbfindia.com/dalip-singh-the-great-khali/|Dalip Singh at Indian Body building Federation}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Dalip}}
 
{{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
 
{{Authority control}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Great Khali}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian bodybuildersmale professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:IndianAmerican filmmale actorsprofessional wrestlers]]
[[Category:IndianProfessional policewrestlers officersfrom Punjab, India]]
[[Category:IndianSportspeople professionalfrom wrestlersHimachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:PunjabiMale peopleactors from Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:PowerliftersPeople from Sirmaur district]]
[[Category:PeopleIndian fromemigrants Himachalto Pradeshthe United States]]
[[Category:RajputsNaturalized citizens of the United States]]
[[Category:American sportspeople of Indian descent]]
 
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
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[[Category:People who lost Indian citizenship]]
[[fr:The Great Khali]]
[[itCategory:DalipAmerican SinghHindus]]
[[nlCategory:DalipIndian SinghHindus]]
[[Category:American expatriates in India]]
[[ja:ダリップ・シン]]
[[Category:People with Overseas Citizenship of India]]
[[no:The Great Khali]]
[[Category:Wrestlers with acromegaly]]
[[pa:The Great Khali]]
[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)]]
[[pt:Dalip Singh]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[fi:Dalip Singh]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[sv:The Great Khali]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[tr:The Great Khali]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[bat-smg:Dalip Singh Rana]]
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