Anyone who is a WWE fan could not forget the name – The Great Khali. But do you know why he is called by this name? Of course, his enormous height and body structure are the reason but there’s one more fact about the Great Khali you didn’t know.
Dilip Singh Rana aka Khali’s popularity is also not limited to the ring. He has been everywhere where he could possibly make a huge impact including the heart of the biggest female wrestlers.
What Every Fan Should Know About The Great Khali?
1. Khali Was Mr. India
Did you know that Dalip Singh Rana had won the Mr.India contest twice? He received the title for the years 1995 and 1996. He was only 23 years old then.
2. An Actor Before Wrestler
The world knows him after his WWE debut in 2006 but very few know that he appeared in Hollywood before entering the ring. Although he did not get a bigger role, his character in “The Longest Yard” earned appreciation.
He has done 6 films including Hollywood and Bollywood and even appeared on the famous TV reality show Big Boss. But before being a wrestler and an actor, Dalip Singh Rana was a police officer in Punjab Government.
3. A Punjabi Playboy
The Great Khali’s wrestling skills are still the talk of the town but his on-screen chemistry with wrestler Natalya made big headlines then. She has talked about their bonding during several interviews and once said “I was super close to him.”
This is one of the reasons why his wife Harminder wanted him to return to India and leave WWE.
4. Not The Tallest Wrestler
via:thespun
The height of Great Khali amazes everyone but he was not the only walking giant in the ring. The tallest wrestler in WWE history to date is Jorge Gonzalez who was 8 ft tall. Khali is 4th tallest after French wrestler Andre The Giant and ex-basketball player Giant Silva.
Also Read: 5 Unknown Facts About Triple H
5. Brian Ong Died After Getting Khali’s Punch
via:whatculture
Khali has done several fights and matches but none of his opponents experienced fatal injuries. However, Brian Ong’s bad luck caused his death soon after his encounter with Khali.
All-Pro Wrestling Federation found that Ong was not wearing any protective gear during the fight. Despite this APW received a lawsuit from his family and had to pay around $1.3 million for the damage.
6. Hall Of Fame
He is chosen as the Hall of Fame for the year 2021
7. Who Gave The Title Of Khali To Rana?
via:dnaindia
Few believe that this title was not given by any other than Khali himself. His name is closely associated with Goddess Kali. However, he has denied this fact saying the name was given randomly.
Also Read: 5 Wrestlers Who Are Making India Proud Globally
8. Khali Suffers From A Strange Disease
via:dnaindia
There’s a reason behind The Great Khali’s height and face structure is acromegaly. It is a disease that results in facial abnormalities.