WWE Hall of Fame 2021 Inductee: The Great Khali
When many people think of The Great Khali, they might not think WWE Hall of Fame. However, there are times what you do outside of the ring is more important than what you do inside the ring. The Great Khali began is journey in pro wrestling in 2000. He wrestled for All Pro Wrestling, WCW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL. He is also responsible for pro wrestling becoming a huge success in India and part of that success was due to Khali opening up his own wrestling and promotion called Continental Wrestling Entertainment. Khali has also survived surgery to remove a tumor from his brain, which is heroic in its own right.
Before appearing on WWE programming in 2006, Khali had already become well known for his role in The Longest Yard remake, which feature other wrestling superstars like Goldberg, Steve Austin and Kevin Nash. His presence and interactions with Adam Sandler in the movie are very memorable. In 2006, Khali made his debut on WWE television and immediately feuded with The Undertaker. The feud lasted a good five months, but it was only just the beginning for Khali. In 2007, he won a 20-Man Battle Royal to the World Heavyweight Championship. Once he won the Championship, he engaged in a long rivalry with Batista that last throughout the summer of 2007. Khali also feuded with John Cena and Triple H during is time in WWE. Khali’s full time run ended in 2014, but he has often come back and made appearances such as aiding Jinder Mahal in his WWE Championship run or competing in the Greatest Royal Rumble.
Even though The Great Khali didn’t win a lot of championships or get a lot of accolades in WWE, he is a pop culture icon in India. He helped bring pro wrestling to the forefront in his home country, where it continues to grow and thrive today. The impact you make in wrestling doesn’t necessarily have to be inside the ring. The things you accomplish outside of the ring are just as important. With that in mind, Congratulations to the Great Khali on being inducted into the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame.
