The Great Khali (Indo-US-Westler)

Dalip Singh Rana (Punjabi: ਦਲੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਾਨਾ) (born August 27, 1972) better known by his ring name The Great Khali, is an Indian professional wrestler, actor, and former powerlifter who won Mr. India in 1995 and 1996. He is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its SmackDown brand. Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, he was a police officer in the Punjab state police.

In WWE, Singh is a one-time World Heavyweight Champion, and has appeared in the films The Longest Yard[1] (2005) and Get Smart (2008).

Under the ring name Giant Singh, Dalip Singh 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.

In August 2001, Singh was brought into New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) by Team 2000 leader, Masahiro Chono, as Giant Singh, along with another big man, Giant Silva. They were the tallest tag team in professional wrestling history at an average height of 7 foot 2½ inches, and a combined weight of 805 pounds. The two teamed up for the first time at the Tokyo Dome in October, labeled "Club 7" by Chono, and 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 in January 2002 after Hiroyoshi Tenzan pinned him with a cradle. He suffered another big tag defeat during March, being pinned by Manabu Nakanishi after a German suplex pin. 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.

On January 2, 2006, Singh became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE); he was assigned to their developmental federation, Deep South Wrestling, where he wrestled under his real name.

With Daivari as his manager, the unnamed Singh debuted on WWE television on the April 7, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, attacking The Undertaker and leaving defenseless during his match with Mark Henry, and thus causing a no-contest. The next week he was introduced as The Great Khali. Daivari explained that he now finally had a client that would destroy The Undertaker (after Muhammed Hassan and Mark Henry had previously failed).Khali made his in-ring debut on the April 21 edition of SmackDown!, defeating Funaki.

On the May 12 edition of SmackDown!, Khali was John "Bradshaw" Layfield hand-picked opponent against World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio. Khali had a height advantage of two feet and a weight advantage of 250 pounds, and defeated Mysterio in a squash match.[16] In his match against The Undertaker at Judgment Day, Khali defeated The Undertaker with a kick to the head after receiving some illegal help from Daivari. 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.

Khali then challenged The Undertaker to a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash.However, Khali was not medically cleared to compete in the match, and was instead replaced by Big Show, who would end up losing to The Undertaker despite interference from Khali. After he was medically cleared, Khali would be challenged by The Undertaker to a Last Man Standing match at SummerSlam.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.

Daivari and The Great Khali were moved to the ECW brand officially when they made their ECW debuts on the October 31, 2006 edition of ECW on Sci Fi. Daivari beat "The Reject" Shannon Moore in a very quick match.Daivari's original theme music was used as well as his Persian rants on the microphone. Afterwards, Moore was manhandled by The Great Khali.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, Daivari got a victory over Tommy Dreamer following a roll-up.Dreamer then chased Daivari backstage; The Great Khali appeared and caught Dreamer, planting him on the steel ramp with a chokebomb.


* Finishing moves
o Brain chop – 2006; Used as a regular move from 2007–present
o Khali Vise Grip (Two handed skull vise) – Late 2007, 2008–present
o Punjabi Plung / Khali Bomb (Two handed chokeslam)

* Signature moves
o Big boot
o Clothesline
o Delayed scoop slam
o Headbutt
o Chokeslam
o Leg drop
o Nerve hold
o Repeated back elbow strikes to a cornered opponent
o Short–arm clothesline
o Spin kick to an oncoming opponent

* Managers
o Masahiro Chono
o Daivari
o Ranjin Singh

* Nicknames
o "The Punjabi Nightmare"
o "The Punjabi Playboy" (Bestowed upon by Ranjin Singh)
+ The Prince of the Land of Five Rivers (2009-)

* Entrance themes
o "Da.ngr" by Jim Johnston (2006–2008)
o "Land Of Five Rivers" performed by Panjabi MC (2008–present)


* New Japan Pro Wrestling
o Teisen Hall Six-Man Tournament (2002) – with Masahiro Chono and Giant Silva

* Pro Wrestling Illustrated
o PWI ranked him #83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2008

* World Wrestling Entertainment
o World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
o Slammy Award for "Damn!" Moment of the Year (2008)

* Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
o Most Overrated (2007)
o Worst Gimmick (2008)



Filmography

* The Longest Yard (2005) as Turley
* Get Smart (2008) as Dalip

On May 28, 2001, Brian Ong died after receiving a 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 protective gear or supervision by All Pro Wrestling (APW) staff. This second concussion ultimately proved fatal for him. As Singh inadvertently caused his death, Ong's family brought a lawsuit against APW.[1] They were found liable for recklessness after less than a day of deliberations, awarding the Ong family for damages of over $1.3 million.


Personal life

Singh was born to Jwala Ram (father) and Tandi Devi (mother); he is one of seven siblings – Inder Singh and Mangat Singh Rana.Singh married Harminder Kaur on February 27, 2002. He says he abhors tobacco and alcohol.

Singh suggested the ringname "The Great Khali" after the Hindu goddess Kali, who is associated with eternal energy.Although his parents are of normal stature, his grandfather was well over 6 ft 6 inches.

Singh’s training schedule consists of two hours of weight training, morning and evening, every day. Maintaining his size requires a strict and intimidating daily dietary regimen: one gallon of milk, five chickens and two dozen eggs, along with chapatis, juice and fruit.