The Tragic Real-Life Story Of The Great Khali

The Great Khali, born Dalip Singh Rana, rises above a challenging upbringing in India, embodying the essence of perseverance and resilience! This towering figure in the wrestling world stands at an astonishing 7 feet 1 inch, making him a recognizable name in WWE history. However, behind this imposing stature lies a story filled with struggles, triumphs, and the harsh realities of fame.

Growing up in a poor family in Himachal Pradesh, Khali faced numerous obstacles, including financial hardships and a lack of educational opportunities. His journey from a small village to the grand stages of wrestling is nothing short of inspiring, as he broke barriers and became a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes in India.

Throughout his career, Khali has fought against not only his opponents in the ring but also against prejudices and stereotypes that come with being a giant in a sport often critiqued for its entertainment value. His legacy, entwined with both success and tragedy, offers valuable lessons on resilience and the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• The Great Khali Grew Up Extremely Poor
• Involved in a Tragic Accident
• Living with a Rare Medical Condition
• Had Knee Surgery
• Experienced Racism in WWE
• Bullied Behind The Scenes
• Called 'The Most Uncomfortable Wrestler to Watch'
• Constantly Trolled on Instagram
• Mother Passed Away

Biography

The Great Khali Grew Up Extremely Poor

The Great Khali's story is truly one of rags to riches, as he grew up in a poor family and was one of seven siblings. His autobiography, "The Man Who Became Khali," reveals the struggles his family faced, often relying on uncertain agricultural yields for survival. As a child, Khali encountered significant obstacles when his parents could not afford his school fees due to poor harvests.

In his autobiography, he shares, "It was the summer of 1979; the monsoon was awaited and there wasn’t any money left for the fees since the crops had dried out." This situation led him to drop out of school at just eight years old, forcing him to pursue odd jobs to support his family.

As a young boy, Khali took on various labor-intensive jobs, such as stone cutting and working on plantations. Eventually, he secured a position as a police officer in Punjab, which allowed him to buy his first television. This pivotal moment sparked his interest in wrestling, setting him on the path to becoming a professional wrestler.

Involved in a Tragic Accident

In 2001, Khali experienced a devastating incident during training that would haunt him throughout his career. While practicing a wrestling move known as the Spinebuster, his partner, Brian Ong, tragically died due to a fatal injury sustained during the attempt. This accident marked a dark chapter in Khali's life, leaving him with guilt and sorrow.

The lack of formal training for both Khali and Ong contributed to the accident, which involved a miscalculation during the move. Ong, who was significantly shorter than Khali, suffered severe head trauma, resulting in his death shortly after being rushed to the hospital.

This incident left a lasting impact on Khali, showcasing the inherent dangers of wrestling and the responsibility that comes with such a physically demanding sport. It serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change within the wrestling ring.

Living with a Rare Medical Condition

Khali's remarkable size is not just a genetic blessing but also a result of a medical condition known as acromegaly. This condition occurs when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone, leading to extraordinary physical characteristics. In Khali's case, he developed a benign tumor on his pituitary gland, which resulted in excessive growth.

Although he underwent surgery to remove the tumor in 2012, the effects of acromegaly still pose health risks, including heart problems and diabetes. Khali's situation echoes that of other wrestlers, like André the Giant, who suffered similar fates due to the condition.

Despite these challenges, Khali has remained resilient, using his story to inspire others facing health challenges. His journey highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of such medical conditions in the realm of professional sports.

Had Knee Surgery

In 2006, after an intense match against The Undertaker, Khali was forced to undergo double knee surgery. The exact nature of his injuries remains undisclosed, but it sidelined him for several months. His commitment to wrestling and the toll it took on his body exemplifies the sacrifices athletes make for their craft.

Even after his second surgery in 2009, Khali did not let his injuries keep him down. He famously attended his brother's wedding in India, stating, "Doctors have advised me to avoid wrestling, not dancing." This shows his deep appreciation for family and the joy of celebrating life's moments, despite physical challenges.

Khali's recovery journey was not easy, as he faced difficulties in walking and traveling. Nevertheless, his spirit and determination to engage with his family during special occasions highlight his unwavering resilience.

Experienced Racism in WWE

During his career in WWE, Khali faced numerous challenges, including what he described as rampant racism within the industry. In a 2016 interview, he expressed discontent with how WWE often portrayed India and its culture through stereotypical storylines. One such storyline depicted him as a villainous character, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Khali also faced humiliating setups, particularly during Punjabi Prison Matches, which were designed to reflect his heritage but were criticized for being insensitive. Despite these challenges, he maintained a pragmatic outlook, stating, "Who cares! Log mera bill pay nahi karte (People don’t pay my bills)," indicating that he focused on his career rather than public perception.

His experiences shed light on the broader issues of representation and cultural sensitivity in professional wrestling, highlighting the need for change in how diverse cultures are portrayed in mainstream media.

Bullied Behind The Scenes

In addition to facing racism, Khali also experienced bullying within the WWE locker room. He shared a locker room with fellow wrestler Hornswoggle, who, despite being significantly shorter, made it his mission to make Khali feel uncomfortable. This dynamic highlights the complexities of relationships in professional wrestling, where size and stature do not always dictate interactions.

Hornswoggle later admitted to bullying Khali, showcasing a stark contrast between their characters in the ring and their real-life interactions. This revelation opens a dialogue about the culture within wrestling organizations and the importance of promoting respect and camaraderie among wrestlers.

Such experiences remind us that even those who appear invincible in the ring can face personal struggles and insecurities outside of it, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in competitive environments.

Called 'The Most Uncomfortable Wrestler to Watch'

Throughout his career, Khali faced criticism regarding his wrestling style, with some deeming him "The Most Uncomfortable Wrestler to Watch." Critics pointed out that his unique physique made it challenging for him to perform fluidly like his peers, leading to calls for his retirement due to concerns about his health and performance.

Despite the backlash, Khali continued to perform, displaying a commitment to his craft that many fans admired. His journey reflects the resilience of athletes who persevere despite external pressures and expectations, reminding us that every wrestler has a unique story to tell.

In November 2014, as his contract with WWE expired, Khali transitioned to other wrestling promotions, proving that his time in the spotlight was not defined solely by criticism