The Great Khali
Khali in 2011 in Mumbai
Dalip Singh Rana[1][2]
(1972-08-27) 27 August 1972 (age 50)[1]
Dhiraina, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, India[3]
Harminder Kaur
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)
Dalip Singh[6]
Giant Singh[1]
The Great Khali[7]
Billed height
2.15 m (7 ft 1 in)[7]
Billed weight
157.5 kg (347 lb)[7]
Billed from
Trained by
All Pro Wrestling[1]
7 October 2000[1][8]
Bharatiya Janata Party (since 2022)
Dalip Singh Rana (born 27 August 1972) is an Indian professional wrestler and wrestling promoter better known by his ring name The Great Khali. [9] He is best known for his tenure in WWE where he became the first Indian-born WWE World Heavyweight Champion in history.[a]
Dalip Singh's famous achievements in WWE made him a national hero in India. In a country where cricket is the most popular sport, he created sensation by winning WWE championship in 2007, became one of the most famous athletes and a legend in India.[10][11] WWE honoured Khali by inducting him in WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.[b][12]
He made his professional wrestling debut in 2000. Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, he was an Assistant Sub-Inspector[dubious – discuss] of Punjab Police. 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.[13][non-primary source needed] He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the 2021 class. [14]
Rana was born in a Rajput Family to Jwala Ram and his wife Tandi Devi was also born in a Rajput family[15] family in the Dhiraina village of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur district.[3]
One of seven siblings in a poor family, Rana had to do odd jobs to help his family make ends meet. He suffers from acromegaly, which among other symptoms causes gigantism and chin protrusion.[16] 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.[17] Although Rana was reluctant to leave Himachal Pradesh, his brother[who?] was also offered a job in the Punjab Police, after his arrival in Punjab's Jalandhar, he trained in local gyms to become a wrestler[dubious – discuss] and soon was selected for specialised wrestling training in the United States.[18]
See also: Professional wrestling in India
All Pro Wrestling (2000–2001)
Under the ring name Giant Singh he first became a professional wrestler for All Pro Wrestling (APW) in the United States, making his first appearance in October 2000 when teaming with Tony Jones against the West Side Playaz.[1]
World Championship Wrestling (2001)
When Rana came to San Francisco, he signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and spent eight months there, until WCW was bought by their rival promotion, World Wrestling Federation (WWF).[19]
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2001–2002)
As Giant Singh, he received an offer from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) by Team 2000 leader, Masahiro Chono, along with another big man, Giant Silva.[1] They were the tallest tag team in professional wrestling history at an average height of 7 foot 1 inches and a combined weight of 805 pounds, teaming up for the first time at the Tokyo Dome in October when labelled as Club 7 by Chono defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenzo Suzuki, Wataru Inoue and Yutaka Yoshie in a handicap Match when Silva pinned Tanahashi and Inoue at the same time.[20] Singh suffered his first loss in a tag team match at Wrestling World 2002 in January 2002 after Hiroyoshi Tenzan pinned him with a cradle.[21] Singh suffered another big tag defeat during March, being pinned by Manabu Nakanishi after a German suplex pin, though 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.[1]
Various promotions (2002–2006)
Starting in 2002, he also wrestled in the Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and the Japanese promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) until 2006, when he signed with WWE.[22]
World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
Undefeated streak (2006–2007)
On 2 January 2006, Rana became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[23] He was assigned to their developmental federation, Deep South Wrestling,[1] where he wrestled under his real name.[6]
The Great Khali in 2006
With Daivari as his manager, the unnamed Singh debuted on WWE television as a villain on 7 April episode of SmackDown!, attacking The Undertaker and leaving him defenseless during his match with Mark Henry, thus causing a no contest ruling.[24] The following week on SmackDown! he was introduced as The Great Khali and Daivari explained that he finally had a client who would destroy The Undertaker (after Muhammad Hassan and Mark Henry had previously failed).[25] Khali made his in-ring debut on 21 April episode of SmackDown!, defeating Funaki.[26]
On 12 May episode of SmackDown!, Khali was John Bradshaw Layfield's hand-picked opponent against World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio (Khali had a height advantage of 21 inches and weight advantage of 250 pounds) and defeated Mysterio in a squash match.[27] In his match against The Undertaker at Judgment Day on 21 May, Khali defeated The Undertaker with a kick to the head after receiving some illegal help from Daivari.[28][29] Khali continued on a rampage for several weeks, winning handicap matches,[30] beating wrestlers up in a display of power[31][32] and mocking The Undertaker's signature pin and victory pose.[33]
Khali then challenged The Undertaker to a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash.[34] However, Khali was not medically cleared to compete in the match and was replaced by Big Show, who lost despite Khali's interference. After he was medically cleared, Khali was challenged by The Undertaker to a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam on 20 August.[35] The match was moved to the SmackDown! just prior to SummerSlam and was won by The Undertaker, giving Khali his first definite loss in WWE.[36]
The Great Khali and Daivari were moved to the ECW brand officially when they made their ECW debuts on 31 October episode of ECW on Sci Fi, when Daivari defeated "The Reject" Shannon Moore in a very quick match.[37] Afterwards, Moore was manhandled by Khali.[37] Daivari continued his ECW winning streak over the next several weeks with The Great Khali usually following up the contest with a chokebomb on Daivari's opponent. At December to Dismember on 3 December, Daivari got a victory over Tommy Dreamer following a roll-up.[38] Dreamer then chased Daivari backstage, but Khali appeared and caught Dreamer, planting him on the steel ramp with a chokebomb.
When Khali was drafted to Raw in 2007, he feuded with John Cena over the WWE Championship, but he could not win the title.
On 8 January 2007 episode of Raw, Jonathan Coachman announced that Khali had signed with Raw (without Daivari, who stayed on ECW) and would wrestle John Cena in the main event, which Khali won by disqualification after Cena took a steel chair held by Armando Estrada and hit Khali with it, though after the match he performed a chokeslam on Cena and left the ringside area, leaving Cena prone to an attack by Umaga.[39] On 19 February episode of Raw, Khali demanded better competition after easily defeating The Highlanders.[40] Four days later on SmackDown!, Khali interfered in a Falls Count Anywhere Money in the Bank qualifying match between Kane and King Booker by costing Kane the match,[41] leading to a feud culminating in a match at WrestleMania 23, which Khali won in his first appearance at WrestleMania after slamming Kane with the Khali Bomb and choking him with a hook and chain at the end of the match.[42] On 30 April episode of Raw, Khali attacked Edge, Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels (all three top contenders to the WWE Championship at the time) backstage.[43] Khali then attacked WWE Champion John Cena as well, sending a message that he wanted Cena's title.[43] The next week on Raw, Khali defeated Michaels in a number-one contender's match for the WWE Championship at Judgment Day.[44][45] At Judgment Day on 20 May, Khali lost via submission for the first time when tapping out to Cena's STFU, though Khali's foot was under the rope and unnoticed by the referee.[46] The next night on Raw, Khali expressed outrage over the outcome via his new translator and manager, Ranjin Singh.[47] At One Night Stand on 3 June, Khali lost to Cena in a Falls Count Anywhere match after he was hit with an FU off a crane bed, thus marking the first time Khali had been pinned in a singles match.[48]
World Heavyweight Champion (2007–2008)
On 11 June episode of Raw, as part of the 2007 WWE draft, Khali was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as the brand's first draft pick.[49] In July, Khali began a feud with Batista and the two were scheduled for a match at The Great American Bash.[50] However, because Edge vacated the World Heavyweight Championship due to a legitimate injury, a 20-man battle royal was held for the title on 20 July edition of SmackDown!, which Khali won after eliminating both Kane and Batista in one move, winning his first World Heavyweight Championship.[51] Khali dominated and defeated both Batista and Kane in a triple-threat match at The Great American Bash on 22 July.[52] Khali debuted a new finisher called the Khali Vise Grip (a two-handed clawhold) which he used to wear down Batista, Kane, and Ric Flair.
At SummerSlam on 26 August, Khali lost by disqualification when he used a steel chair, but retained the title.[53] Khali then began a feud with Rey Mysterio after Mysterio won a Championship Competition to become the number-one contender, leading Khali to apply his Visa Grip on Mysterio on 7 September episode of SmackDown! until Batista came to the rescue, with SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long informing Khali that he would have to defend the World Heavyweight Championship also against Batista in a triple threat match at Unforgiven on 16 September, where Khali's 61-day reign ended after receiving a spinebuster.[54] Khali challenged Batista to a rematch in a Punjabi Prison match at No Mercy on 7 October, which Khali lost by failing to escape the Punjabi Prison before Batista.[55]
In late 2007 and early 2008, Khali was put in a program with Finlay usually trying to assault Hornswoggle, but with Finlay stopping him. Khali participated in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out on 17 February, which was won by The Undertaker. At WrestleMania XXIV on 30 March, Khali participated in a 24-man battle royal to determine a challenger for ECW Champion Chavo Guerrero that evening, but the match was won by Kane. Khali then had a short feud with Big Show, culminating in a match at Backlash on 27 April, which Big Show won.[56]
In July, Khali feuded with Triple H over the WWE Championship and on 25 July episode of SmackDown he won a battle royal also involving Big Show, Jeff Hardy, Montel Vontavious Porter, Mr. Kennedy, and Umaga for the right to face Triple H at SummerSlam.[57] At SummerSlam on 17 August, Khali lost to Triple H after receiving a Pedigree. Khali was given another opportunity to win the WWE Championship when he faced Jeff Hardy to gain entry into the championship scramble at Unforgiven on 7 September, but Triple H interfered in the qualification match and aided Hardy with a chair shot to Khali, helping Hardy win and eliminating Khali from title contention.
Punjabi Playboy (2008–2011)
Khali was accompanied by his translator and manager Ranjin Singh
On 3 October, daredevil Johnny Knoxville aired an interview with Khali and his translator on his website, jackassworld.com, but when Knoxville asked about Khali's "taliwacker" he became upset and threatened to tip the interview table onto Knoxville.[58] Khali later invited Knoxville to attend 13 October episode of Raw, where Knoxville was attacked by Khali, WWE Diva Beth Phoenix and Hornswoggle. Khali then took on a more fun persona and became a fan favourite when he and Ranjin Singh hosted the weekly Khali Kiss Cam, where Singh would summon ostensibly random women from the audience to kiss Khali. In May 2009, The Great Khali feuded with Dolph Ziggler, winning by disqualification after Ziggler attacked him with a steel chair.[59] As a result, Khali began coming out to the ring during and after Ziggler's matches, in attempt to gain revenge and to stop Ziggler from cheating.[60][61] Over the next few weeks, Khali lost to Ziggler by countout and disqualification after Ziggler made it look like Khali hit him with a steel chair.[62][63] At The Bash on 28 June, Khali lost to Ziggler by pinfall after Kane returned and attacked Khali.[64] It was later revealed that Ranjin Singh was Khali's brother, while the feud with Kane resulted in matches at SummerSlam on 23 August and Breaking Point on 13 September, both of which Khali lost.[65][66]
Khali required knee surgery and Kane assaulted him with the ring steps during a match so Khali could have time off.[67] Whilst injured, Khali made a surprise appearance alongside Ranjin Singh, Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon on 2 November episode of Raw as a judge for the Raw's Got Talent segment, in which he hit Chavo Guerrero with a chop.[68][69] Khali made his official return on 14 December episode of Raw, teaming with Christian and Kane to defeat Ezekiel Jackson, Vladimir Kozlov and William Regal.
On 2 April episode of SmackDown it was announced that Khali would take time off to spend time with his family and regroup his thoughts back in India, but he made an appearance as Khaluber (Khali dressed as MacGruber) on 19 April Raw by teaming up with special guest host Will Forte (as MacGruber) in a handicap match against Vladimir Kozlov which they won by intentional countout.[70][71] As part of the 2010 WWE supplemental draft, Khali and Ranjin Singh were both drafted back to the Raw brand.[72] After returning from his hiatus the previous month, Khali was announced by John Cena to be a part of his team along with Bret Hart, Chris Jericho, Edge, John Morrison and R-Truth to face The Nexus at SummerSlam on 15 August, but on 9 August episode of Raw he was assaulted and injured by The Nexus, thus removing him from the match. Following the attack, Khali took another hiatus to compete in Big Boss, in which he was the runner up on.
Khali made his return at the 2011 Royal Rumble, but was eliminated shortly by Mason Ryan. On 14 March episode of Raw, after Khali defeated The Miz by disqualification, Miz assaulted Khali with a steel chair, injuring him. Khali won an interbrand dark match battle royal at WrestleMania XXVII on 3 April.[73] On 26 April, Khali was drafted back to SmackDown as part of the 2011 supplemental draft. Khali returned on 29 April episode of SmackDown, talking backstage with Jinder Mahal, who made his WWE debut that night. On 2 May episode of Raw, Khali dressed up as the Tooth Fairy at The Rock's birthday party. On 6 May episode of SmackDown, Mahal—unimpressed by how Khali and Ranjin Singh have been partaking in childish activities instead of winning matches—confronted Singh about his mismanagement of Khali. Mahal then interrupted a Khali Kiss Cam segment the following week on SmackDown, slapping Khali twice. On 20 May episode of SmackDown, Mahal interrupted Khali's match against Jey Uso, which led to Khali leaving the ring to confront Mahal, who then slapped Khali again, which made Khali re-enter the ring, defeat Jey Uso and then assault Jimmy Uso after the match.
On 27 May episode of SmackDown, after being defeated by Kane, Mahal came out and shoved Ranjin Singh and then Khali used his Vise Grip on Singh, thus forming an alliance with Mahal and acting as Mahal's bodyguard, assaulting Mahal's opponents after his matches. On 1 July edition of SmackDown, Ranjin Singh revealed that Mahal was their brother-in-law and that if Khali did not obey Mahal, then he would divorce Khali's sister and put his family back into poverty. On 9 September episode of SmackDown, Khali and Mahal went against WWE Tag Team Champions Air Boom (Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston) in a losing effort after Khali pushed Mahal, allowing Kingston to hit his finishing move onto Mahal and after the match he walked away from Mahal, thus ending their alliance.[74] On 23 September episode of SmackDown, Khali defeated Mahal. On 30 September episode of SmackDown, Khali was defeated by World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry, who after the match "fractured" Khali's fibula with a steel chair.
Various alliances and final feuds (2012–2014)
Khali at a WWE live event in 2013
On 29 January 2012, Khali returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble as the number 15 entrant in the Royal Rumble match, eliminating Ezekiel Jackson and Jinder Mahal before being eliminated by Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler.[75] Khali returned on 3 February episode of SmackDown, saving Justin Gabriel from Rhodes, Hunico and Hunico's bodyguard Camacho, then being announced as the replacement to Mark Henry in the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event.[76] At Elimination Chamber on 19 February, Khali failed to capture the World Heavyweight Championship after being eliminated first by Big Show.[77] On 23 March episode of SmackDown, Khali was added to Theodore Long's WrestleMania XXVIII team, but they were defeated by John Laurinaitis' team on 1 April.[78] In July it was announced that Khali was undergoing surgery for a benign tumor found in his pituitary gland due to acromegaly.[79][80] Khali returned at the SmackDown tapings on 16 October in a match taped for Saturday Morning Slam.[81]
On 26 December episode of Main Event, Khali won a 20-man battle royal to become the number one contender to the United States Championship.[82] Khali received his title shot on 2 January 2013 episode of Main Event, but was defeated by defending champion Antonio Cesaro.[83] On 27 January, Khali competed in the 2013 Royal Rumble match, but was eliminated by Daniel Bryan and Kane.[84] In late 2013, Khali began teaming with Santino Marella and resumed being managed by Hornswoggle after they defeated Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal on 27 September episode of SmackDown, but at Battleground on 6 October they were defeated by Cesaro and Jack Swagger. On 26 January 2014, Khali participated in the 2014 Royal Rumble match, but was eliminated by The Shield.[85]
At WrestleMania XXX on 6 April, Khali competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but failed to win.[86] Khali participated in the Intercontinental Championship battle royal at Battleground on 20 July, but the match was won by The Miz.[87] On 31 October edition of SmackDown, Khali was defeated by Rusev in what would be his final match in WWE until 2017. On 13 November, his contract expired and he left WWE.[88]
Sporadic appearances (2017–2021)
On 23 July 2017, Khali returned to WWE at Battleground as a Heel to assist WWE Champion Jinder Mahal in a Punjabi Prison match for the WWE Championship. He helped Mahal by preventing Randy Orton from escaping from the cage, thus Mahal escaped first and retained the title.[89][90][91]
Khali returned on 27 April 2018 at The Greatest Royal Rumble match, entering at number 45, and lasted for less than a minute, before being eliminated by Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley. This was his final match for WWE so far.[92]
He was indicted into prestigious WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.[12]
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.[93] In February 2016, he won the CWE World Heavyweight Championship.[94] His students such as Dilsher Shanky and Kavita Devi got signed with WWE. As of 25 October 2022, Shanky is part of the main roster, while Kavita's contract is ended. Both of them wrestled in Khali's promotion and won CWE championship.[95]
CWE is the largest professional wrestling promotion in India, with over 4.38 million YouTube subscribers and 1.31 billion video views.[96][97][citation needed]
Death of Brian Ong
On 28 May 2001, Brian Ong died after receiving a flapjack wrestling move from Singh.[1] 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 protective gear or supervision by All Pro Wrestling (APW) staff and this second concussion ultimately proved fatal for him. As Singh inadvertently caused his death, Ong's family brought a lawsuit against APW.[1] APW was found liable for recklessness after less than a day of deliberations, awarding the Ong family for damages of over $1.3 million.[1]
Television and films
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2022)
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.[98] 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".[99]
Rana has been described as "extremely religious".[100][101] He meditates every day and "abhors" alcohol and tobacco.[102] He was a disciple of Indian spiritual guru Ashutosh Maharaj.[103]
It is said that Rana suggested the ring name The Great Khali after the Hindu goddess Kali, who is associated with eternal energy.[23][104] However he himself rejected the fact and said that the name was given to him randomly by WWE in an interview given to India TV for their show Aap Ki Adalat.[105]
Rana's training schedule consists of two hours of weight training, morning and evening, every day, but his diet is unclear, as in some interviews it was claimed he maintains his size on a vegetarian diet[106] and in other interviews it was claimed he consumes vast quantities of chicken.[107] He has since clarified that he loves vegetarian food, but also consumes meat.[108]
On 26 July 2012 it was reported that Rana underwent a brain surgery due to a tumor on his pituitary gland.[109]
Rana became a naturalised U.S. citizen on 20 February 2014.[110][111]
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on 10 February 2022.[112]
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
2009 Aap Ki Adalat Himself -
2010 Bigg Boss Himself 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 Himself Season 1, episode 165
Comedy Nights Bachao Himself Season 1, episode 43
Championships and accomplishments
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)[94][113][114]
Teisen Hall Six-Man Tournament (2002) – with Masahiro Chono and Giant Silva[115]
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Ranked No. 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2008[116]
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Most Overrated (2007)[117]
Worst Gimmick (2008)[117]
World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[118]
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2021)[119]
7-man Royal Rumble (2007)
Slammy Award (1 time)
"Damn!" Moment of the Year (2008) Khali hosts the Kiss Cam on SmackDown, 7 November[120]
^ The Great Khali won 'WWE World heavyweight championship' in 20 man battle royale match in 2007. He was the last standing superstar in the ring. Thus became the first professional wrestler from India who WWE championship belt.
^ The Great Khali got inducted in WWE Hall of Fame (2021) also called as WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021.
Bansal, Vinit K.; Khali, The Great (2017). The Man who Became Khali. New Delhi, India: Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-342623-3.
Nasrin, Taslima (2014). Khali Khali Lage. New Delhi, India: Ananda Publications. ISBN 9788177561883.
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 – Overview of Indian martial arts
List of articles about professional wrestling of India
List of Indian professional wrestlers
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The Great Khali". CANOE. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
^ "Khali still employed with Punjab police". The Indian Express. 25 December 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
^ 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.
^ "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.
^ "Khali's wife gives birth to daughter in US". 26 February 2014.
^ a b "Khali at OWOW". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ a b c "The Great Khali". WWE. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
^ "Breaking New Ground". WWE.
^ "'Never thought I would become a global icon': Khali". 29 September 2021.
^ "The Great Khali Hall of Fame".
^ "WWE: India legend The Great Khali to be inducted into Hall of Fame".
^ a b "The Great Khali Hall of Fame".
^ "Official website of Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE)". Cweindia. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
^ "Kane's red-hot speech helps set WWE's historical Hall of Fame Class of 2020 and 2021 induction ablaze". WWE. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
^ "Khali says i am rajput" – via YouTube. 0:13 where says 'I am a Rajput' in Hindi
^ "WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed". ABC News. 29 July 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
^ Mullick, Rohit (30 March 2008). "Khali still on Punjab police pay rolls". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
^ "8-FT-HIGH DOORS AWAIT 'THE GREAT KHALI' IN NATIVE VILLAGE". Daily News and Analysis. 5 May 2008. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
^ "The Great Khali: From WWE ring to Jalandhar's akhada". The Pioneer (India).
^ "Indicate of Next results". Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
^ "Wrestling World 2002 results". Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments. Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
^ Philip Kreikenbohm. "AJPW 2ND WRESTLE-1". cagematch.net.
^ a b Ray, Shantanu Guha (6 May 2006). "Giant wrestler finds fame in India". BBC. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
^ "SmackDown results – 7 April 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 14 April 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 12 May 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "Judgment Day 2006 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ Williams, Ed III (21 May 2006). "The Great Khali makes Undertaker rest in peace". WWE. Retrieved 5 January 2008.
^ "SmackDown results – 16 June 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
^ "SmackDown results – 2 June 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
^ "SmackDown results – 7 July 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 4 August 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 18 August 2006". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ a b Tello, Craig (31 October 2006). "Tricks and treats". WWE. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts". Wrestling's historical cards. Kappa Publishing. 2007. p. 122.
^ "RAW results – 8 January 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "RAW results – 19 February 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 23 February 2007". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
^ "WrestleMania results – 1 April 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ a b "RAW results – 30 April 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ Elliot, Brian. "WWE just passes on Judgment Day". SLAM Sports!. Retrieved 27 March 2009.
^ "RAW results – 7 May 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "Judgement Day results 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "RAW results – 21 May 2007". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "One Night Stand 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "RAW results – 11 June 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 6 July 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SmackDown results – 20 July 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "The Great American Bash 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "SummerSlam 2007 results". Online World of Wrestling.com. Retrieved 23 September 2007.
^ "Unforgiven 2007 Results". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 16 September 2007.
^ "No Mercy 2007 results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
^ Clayton, Corey (27 April 2008). "Big Show wins mammoth matchup". WWE. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2008.
^ "SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn". World Wrestling Entertainment. 25 July 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2008.
^ "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer – Interviewing the Great Khali". Retrieved 25 December 2019.
^ McNamara, Andy (8 May 2009). "Smackdown: Hardy's hot, Edge is not". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ Waldman, Jon (16 May 2009). "Smackdown: re-writing a good show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ McNamara, Andy (22 May 2009). "Smackdown: Edge talks tough, but Hardy delivers". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ Waldman, Jon (13 June 2009). "Smackdown: Contenders and conflict". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ McNamara, Andy (19 June 2009). "Smackdown: Jericho outsmarts Mysterio". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
^ Elliott, Brian (29 June 2009). "Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 27 July 2009.
^ Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009). "Results:Diabolical destruction". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 23 August 2009.
^ Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009) Results: Diabolical destruction. WWE.
^ "The Great Khali Keen surgery". PWTorch. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
^ Plummer, Dale (3 November 2007). "RAW: Superstars ride a Crazy Train with Ozzy". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
^ "Jerishow punish Cena on RAW". Sky Sports. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
^ Gardner, James (20 April 2010). "MacGruber to the Rescue for Ash Kicked WWE". NBC New York. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
^ 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.
^ "2010 WWE Supplemental Draft results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 27 April 2010.
^ "Results:The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved 5 April 2011.
^ Burdick, Michael. "SmackDown results: From dreamer to something meaner". WWE.
^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
^ Melok, Bobby (3 February 2012) SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match. WWE.
^ Giannini, Alex (19 February 2012). "World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match". WWE. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
^ Burdick, Michael (23 March 2012). "Zack def Swagger". WWE. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
^ "PWTorch.com – WWE News: ABC News report – What led to Great Khali's tumor surgery, can he wrestle again?, WWE at fault?". pwtorch.com.
^ Harish, Alon (29 July 2012). "WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed". ABC News.
^ "WWE News: Wrestler returns to the ring following a medical leave". prowrestling.net.
^ "PWTorch.com – CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 12/26: Who won a Battle Royal to face Cesaro next week?, 3 MB in "main event" slot". pwtorch.com.
^ "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.
^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results 1/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Punk vs. Rock, 30-man Rumble". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
^ "Batista won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match". WWE. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
^ 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.
^ Powell, John (21 July 2014). "Cena, Usos survive Battleground". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
^ "GREAT KHALI UPDATE | PWInsider.com". pwinsider.com.
^ "The Great Khali makes a shocking return during the Punjabi Prison Match". WWE. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
^ Benigno, Anthony. "WWE Champion Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton (Punjabi Prison Match)". WWE. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ "FORMER WWE STAR PRODUCES FIRST ALL-INDIAN WRESTLING PRODUCTION IN INDIA". PWInsider.com.
^ a b "In pics: 'The Great Khali' bounces back from injury to win in Dehradun". Hindustan Times. Dehradun. 29 February 2016.
^ "Shanky".
^ "CWE India - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
^ "CWE India's YouTube Stats (Summary Profile) - Social Blade Stats". socialblade.com. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
^ "Why The Great Khali is looking forward to Bigg Boss" Rediff, 15 October 2010
^ Medalis, Kara A. (16 April 2011) The Great Khali on "Pair of Kings". WWE
^ "The Great Khali Speaks On WWE Career, His Diet, Religion, More". Rajah. 27 March 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
^ "Great Khali Appreciates Iskon", Iskcon Mauritius, 16 March 2011, Archive
^ Guha-Ray, Shantanu. "Giant wrestler finds fame in India", BBC News, 6 May 2008, Archive
^ "The man who made the Great Khali". dna.
^ Raymond, Khali (19 April 2019). Khali V. Khali. Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp Print Us. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-1-79859-023-2.
^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "The Great Khali In Aap Ki Adalat (Part 2) – India TV" – via YouTube.
^ "South Asia – Giant wrestler finds fame in India". BBC. 6 May 2008.
^ t2 (25 May 2010). "Gentle Giant". The Telegraph, Calcutta, India. p. 1. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
^ 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.
^ "Wrestling star Great Khali has tumor removed at UPMC". TribLIVE. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
^ "The Great Khali becomes a U.S. Citizen".
^ "The Great Khali becomes a U.S. citizen: photos". WWE. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
^ "Dalip Singh Rana, known as The Great Khali, joins BJP". The Indian Express. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
^ "Great Khali, foreign wrestlers entertain audience in Ludhiana". Hindustan Times. Dehradun. 7 March 2016.
^ Kreikenbohm, Philip (24 February 2018). "CWE Encounter '18". Cagematch.net. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
^ "New Japan Pro Wrestling tournaments". Archived from the original on 3 August 2009.
^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008". Retrieved 4 February 2015.
^ 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.
^ "The Great Khali's first World Heavyweight Championship reign". WWE. Archived from the original on 4 October 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2008.
^ "Great Khali will be Inducted into Hall of Fame: #WWENowIndia Exclusive". Instagram. WWE. Retrieved 24 March 2021. [non-primary source needed]
^ "Slammy Award Winners". World Wrestling Entertainment. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 19 April 2009.
The Great Khali on WWE.com
Dalip Singh at IMDb
The Great Khali's profile at Cagematch.net, Wrestlingdata.com, Internet Wrestling Database
Dalip Singh at Indian Body building Federation
Dalip Singh at Wikipedia's sister projects
World Heavyweight Champions
Triple H
Chris Benoit
King Booker
Jeff Hardy
Jack Swagger
Dolph Ziggler
Daniel Bryan
Sheamus
WWE Hall of Fame inductees
André the Giant
Arnold Skaaland
Bobo Brazil
Buddy Rogers
Chief Jay Strongbow
Freddie Blassie
Gorilla Monsoon
James Dudley
Antonino Rocca
Ernie Ladd
The Fabulous Moolah
George Steele
The Grand Wizard
Ivan Putski
Pedro Morales
Jimmy Snuka
Johnny Rodz
Killer Kowalski
Lou Albano
Mikel Scicluna
Pat Patterson
Valiant Brothers
Jimmy Valiant
Johnny Valiant
Vincent J. McMahon
Big John Studd
Superstar Billy Graham
Bobby Heenan
Don Muraco
Greg Valentine
Harley Race
Junkyard Dog
Sgt. Slaughter
Bob Orton Jr.
The Iron Sheik
Jimmy Hart
Nikolai Volkoff
The Blackjacks
Blackjack Mulligan
Blackjack Lanza
Eddie Guerrero
Gene Okerlund
Sensational Sherri
Tony Atlas
Verne Gagne
Dusty Rhodes
Mr. Fuji
Nick Bockwinkel
The Sheik
Wild Samoans
The Brisco Brothers
Gerald Brisco
Jack Brisco
Eddie Graham
Gordon Solie
Mae Young
Peter Maivia
Rocky Johnson
Bill Watts
The Funk Brothers
Dory Funk Jr.
Howard Finkel
Koko B. Ware
Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Von Erich Family
Chris Von Erich
David Von Erich
Fritz Von Erich
Kerry Von Erich
Kevin Von Erich
Mike Von Erich
Antonio Inoki
Bob Uecker
Gorgeous George
Mad Dog Vachon
Stu Hart
Ted DiBiase
Wendi Richter
Abdullah the Butcher
Bob Armstrong
Drew Carey
Jim Duggan
Road Warrior Hawk
Road Warrior Animal
Arn Anderson
Barry Windham
J. J. Dillon
Tully Blanchard
Mil Máscaras
Ron Simmons
Bob Backlund
Booker T
Bruno Sammartino
Carlos Colón
Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Paul Bearer
The Ultimate Warrior
Alundra Blayze
The Bushwhackers
Connor Michalek*
Larry Zbyszko
Randy Savage
Rikishi
Tatsumi Fujinami
Big Boss Man
Ed Lewis
The Fabulous Freebirds
Michael Hayes
Buddy Roberts
Jimmy Garvin
Terry Gordy
Frank Gotch
George Hackenschmidt
Joan Lunden*
Lou Thesz
Mildred Burke
Sailor Art Thomas
Stan Hansen
Bearcat Wright
Beth Phoenix
Diamond Dallas Page
Dr. Jerry Graham
Eric LeGrand*
Haystacks Calhoun
Judy Grable
June Byers
Luther Lindsay
Martin Burns
Rick Rude
Rikidōzan
The Rock 'n' Roll Express
Ricky Morton
Robert Gibson
Theodore Long
Toots Mondt
Boris Malenko
Cora Combs
Dara Singh
Dudley Boyz
Bubba Ray Dudley
D-Von Dudley
Hillbilly Jim
Hiro Matsuda
Jarrius "JJ" Robertson*
Jim Londos
Lord Alfred Hayes
Rufus R. Jones
Sputnik Monroe
Stan Stasiak
Bruiser Brody
Brutus Beefcake
Buddy Rose
D-Generation X
Road Dogg
Billy Gunn
X-Pac
Harlem Heat
Stevie Ray
The Hart Foundation
Jim Neidhart
Hisashi Shinma
The Honky Tonk Man
Joseph Cohen
Luna Vachon
Primo Carnera
Professor Toru Tanaka
S. D. Jones
Sue Aitchison*
Wahoo McDaniel
(*) denotes Warrior Award recipient
Baron Michele Leone
Brie Bella
Brickhouse Brown
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Jushin "Thunder" Liger
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan
Sean Waltman
"Dr. Death" Steve Williams
Titus O'Neil*
Dick the Bruiser
Eric Bischoff
Ethel Johnson
Molly Holly
Paul Boesch
"Pistol" Pez Whatley
Rich Hering*
Queen Sharmell
Shad Gaspard*
The Steiner Brothers
Rick Steiner
Indian professional wrestlers
21st-century professional wrestlers
American male professional wrestlers
Indian male professional wrestlers
21st-century Indian male actors
Professional wrestlers from Punjab, India
Sportspeople from Himachal Pradesh
Male actors from Himachal Pradesh
People from Sirmaur district
Indian emigrants to the United States
Naturalized citizens of the United States
American Hindus
Indian Hindus
Wrestlers with acromegaly
World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)