Former WWE star The Great Khali officially confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling. He made the announcement during a recent appearance on “Insight” with Chris Van Vliet.
Khali explained that his decision to step away is due to ongoing knee issues. He said he does not want to compete full-time anymore. He mentioned that he might consider a short appearance if WWE asks, but only for one or two days. He made it clear he can never return to a full-time schedule because of his bad knee.
He also shared details about his knee problems. He plans to undergo knee replacement surgery on possibly both legs. He said he experiences pain even while walking or climbing stairs. He feels fine when sitting, but walking and using stairs cause discomfort. He plans to get surgery after taking a short break.
His last appearance in the ring was at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in 2018. Since then, he has not competed as a wrestler. He now works as a coach and runs a wrestling school called Continental Wrestling Entertainment in Jalandhar, India. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
How Vince McMahon Ruined The Great Khali
After achieving massive success in WWE, including winning the World Heavyweight Championship, Khali wanted to explore other opportunities. He was interested in films and business ventures outside wrestling. If Khali was leaving, McMahon wanted to reduce his commercial value. WWE did not want a monster superstar leaving with enormous fame and influence to promote other ventures.
During his peak from 2006 to 2008, Khali was an unstoppable monster heel. He debuted as a terrifying force and feuded with top stars like The Undertaker, Rey Mysterio, and Batista. In 2007, he won a 20-man battle royal and became the World Heavyweight Champion. However, once Vince learned Khali wanted out, he instructed creative to turn him into a comedy act.
The turning point came when Khali became the Punjabi Playboy. Infamous moments included Kiss Cam segments, where the terrifying giant participated in cheesy dating skits. He also played the Tooth Fairy at The Rock’s birthday celebration in 2011. Khali later admitted this was very embarrassing.
Khali was WWE’s biggest asset in the Indian market. People across India were watching him. Vince knew that if Khali left as a humiliated clown, his heroic aura in India would fade. WWE did not want that valuable market resource walking away with a superstar who had defected.
Despite everything, Khali holds no ill will toward Vince McMahon personally and has even called him a good man. He believes other people may have influenced these creative decisions. The character was killed, but the man has moved forward with his life. He now runs a wrestling school in India and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.
The Great Khali Claims WWE Changed His Character After He Decided to Leave
The Great Khali recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet on the Insight show. In the interview, he shared his thoughts on why his WWE character changed towards the end of his time with the company. He also gave an update on his health and his future as a wrestler.
Khali claimed that WWE changed his character after they found out he wanted to leave the company. He said the company turned him into a comedy wrestler to weaken his reputation. He believes this was done intentionally to hurt his character. This was a deliberate move by the management.
The 53-year-old former World Heavyweight Champion also spoke about his knee problems. He plans to get knee replacement surgery on both legs. He experiences pain when walking or climbing stairs. He feels fine when sitting, but everyday movement causes discomfort. He said he is busy and has not had the surgery yet.
He confirmed that he is retired from professional wrestling. He mentioned that he might consider a short appearance if WWE asks, but only for one or two days. He made it clear that a full-time return is not possible because of his knees. He ruled out even a Royal Rumble appearance. His last match was at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018.
FAQs
Q. Why did The Great Khali retire from wrestling?
A. The Great Khali retired because of serious knee problems.
Q. Will The Great Khali wrestle again?
A. The Great Khali said he may return for a short appearance only.
Q. What surgery does The Great Khali need?
A. The Great Khali plans to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Q. What did Khali say about his WWE character?
A. The Great Khali claimed WWE changed his character after he decided to leave.
Q. What does The Great Khali do now?
A. The Great Khali runs a wrestling school in Jalandhar and coaches wrestlers.
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