Personal Information
Full Name | Dalip Singh Rana |
Date of Birth | August 27, 1972 |
Nationality | India |
Birth Place | Dhiraina village, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh |
Height | 7 ft 1 in |
Weight | 157.5 kg (347 lb) |
Theme Song | Land of Five Rivers |
Debut | October 7, 2000 |
Nickname | The Giant Singh; The Punjabi Playboy |
Family | Harminder Kaur |
The Great Khali Videos
The Great Khali: A Brief Biography
Dalip Singh Rana is an Indian professional wrestler best known for his for with WWE as The Great Khali. He is a former world champion and a WWE Hall of Famer.
Professional Wrestling Career
Early Years (2000-2006)
Before breaking out as The Great Khali, Rana came to the United States to pursue as a wrestler. He worked with several major promotions in the world, such as WCW, NJPW, CMLL, and AJPW, before signing with WWE.
WWE (2006-2021)
Undefeated Streak and World Champion (2006-2008)
In 2006, Rana was signed with WWE and started wrestling for SmackDown. They renamed him as The Great Khali and defeated several notable superstars such as The Undertaker, Kane, Rey Mysterio, Ric, Flair, and Batista during his time on SmackDown.
Khali had an undefeated streak which was broken by The Undertaker at SummerSlam in a last-man-standing match. After the feud, Khali spent the rest of the year in ECW. In 2007, they drafted Khali to RAW, where he began feuding with Kane. At WrestleMania XXIII, he defeated Kane.
After Mania, he challenged John Cena for the WWE Championship. John Cena defeated him on two different occasions for the WWE Championship. During the draft, Khali went to SmackDown. In a 20 man battle royal on SmackDown, Khali eliminated Kane and Batista to win his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Khali lost the title to Batista in a Punjabi Prison match at No Mercy. After losing the title, Khali had several minor feuds with Finaly and Big Show, which he lost. At SummerSlam, Khali faced Triple H for the WWE Championship and lost.
Punjabi Playboy and Hall of Fame (2009-2021)
Khali adopted a new person called as The Punjabi Playboy where he hosted a kiss cam for the audiences attending the show. Khali spent the next few years in various appearances and matches but did not win any championship. He was paired with Natalya as an on-screen couple for a few months. Khali spent his last few years taking part in royal rumble matches and various tag team matches.
Khali was also drafted between RAW and SmackDown during these years. Khali made a few sporadic appearances for NXT. In 2017, Khali's contract expired, and was released from the company. Khali made a shocking return at Battleground and assisted Jinder Mahal to retain his WWE Championship. In 2021, Khali was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Khali appeared at WrestleMania and RAW. In 2015, Khali opened his own wrestling school in Punjab and is currently working as a promoter.
Also Read: What is the Great Khali's net worth?
Filmography
Year | Title | Role |
2005 | The Longest Yard | Turley |
2008 | Get Smart | Dalip |
2010 | MacGruber | Tug Phelps |
2010 | Kushti | Ramakrishna |
2010 | Ramaa: The Saviour | Vali |
2012 | HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami | Bolo |
Championships and Accomplishments
Championship | Number of Times |
CWE Heavyweight Championship | 2 |
World Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
WWE Hall of Fame | 1 |