Sophia Michaels
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The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh Rana, is a figure of both remarkable achievements and profound challenges. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 1 inch, he was hard to overlook in the WWE arena, often facing criticisms for his extraordinary size and its impact on his wrestling style. Despite the fame and wealth that came with his career, Rana faced significant hurdles, including persistent public scrutiny and the personal battles that shaped his journey to becoming a professional wrestler.
Born into poverty in India, Rana’s turning point came in 2006 when he defeated The Undertaker, a legend in hardcore wrestling. Throughout his career, he battled notable figures like Kane, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair, ultimately earning the title of World Heavyweight Champion — a groundbreaking achievement for an Indian wrestler. Though he retired in 2014, Khali’s complex legacy continues to resonate. This article delves into the poignant real-life journey of The Great Khali.
The Great Khali’s Humble Beginnings
Dalip Singh Rana’s story is a classic rags-to-riches narrative. Growing up poor in Himachal Pradesh, India, he was one of seven siblings. In his autobiography, “The Man Who Became Khali,” he recounts his family’s struggle for survival, highlighting how they were often reliant on fortunate weather for their crops. When a drought hit, his parents could not afford his school fees when he was just eight years old.
He wrote about the summer of 1979, when financial struggles forced him to drop out of school after constant pressure from the principal for unpaid fees. In his youth, he attempted various jobs, including stone cutting, to support his family. Eventually, after becoming a police officer in Punjab, he bought his first television, allowing him to discover his passion for wrestling, setting the stage for his future in the sport.
A Heartbreaking Event in His Career
Sadly, Rana’s career was marred by a tragic incident that led to the death of his training partner. In 2001, while training at All-Pro Wrestling in California, he was paired with Brian Ong, a newcomer only four months into training. The size difference between them was stark, as Ong was substantially shorter at 5 feet 7 inches.
Due to the lack of formal training and language barriers, their practice sessions were fraught with risk. In an attempt to master a wrestling move called the Spinebuster, a tragic accident occurred when Ong was injured fatally during execution. The impact of this incident not only affected his career but also left a heavy emotional mark on him.
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and started to groan.
After attempting to exit the ring, Ong unfortunately vomited and then collapsed. He was quickly taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Medical professionals later determined that he had experienced an acute and subdural hemorrhage due to head injuries.
