The Great Khali is often regarded as the first ever Indian Wrestler to wrestle in WWE. But it is not true. The first ever Indian wrestler to wrestle in WWE was Tiger Jeet Singh. He was performed in the WWE in the 70s. He even wrestled Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Championship (WWE championship) twice.
But this story is not about Tiger Jeet Singh, it is about the first Indian world champion in WWE The Great Khali. In 2007 he made history when he won a Battle Royal who win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the Battle Royale included the likes of Kane and Batista.
The Great Khali Looks Back At His Debut
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion The Great Khali has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2021 along with the likes of Molly Holly, Eric Bischoff, former WWE champion Rob Van Dam and former three times WWE World Champion Kane.
Recently, while speaking to Rewind Recap Relive The Great Khali revealed what the Boss Vince McMahon told him about his debut. He said;
“Vince said, ‘I want to debut you’ but he didn’t say who is my opponent. He gives me a call and says, ‘come to TV after WrestleMania.’ Same day, Michael Hayes said, ‘You have a big day. You need to go out during Mark Henry and fighting and you need to ‘Kill the The Undertaker.’ I was so happy. ‘He tried to explain and Vince said, ‘Yes! Kill him hard! Not easy.’ That moment was really great. All the world knew who was Great Khali. I want to thank Vince McMahon and WWE for making Great Khali. I appreciate Vince McMahon and WWE.”
Khali’s debut was one of the most shocking debuts of all time. It was the Smackdown after WrestleMania 22, Undertaker was having a rematch with his WrestleMania opponent of that year Mark Henry on the main event of the show. Suddenly, a huge man came out leaving everyone in that arena spellbound. The big man completely destroyed the Undertaker.
That big man was revealed to be The Great Khali who won the WWE World Heavyweight Champion the very next year. Khali’s victories over the likes of the Undertaker, Kane, John Cena were still considered huge. The man indeed was a big deal back then.
Using the likes of Khali and Jinder Mahal. WWE cashed pretty well in India. Speaking of Jinder Mahal, it looks like he is becoming even more famous in WWE with a WWE championship run already and with his return last week and a clean victory on Jeff Hardy, it seems like WWE is planning a high push for the Indian-Canadian wrestler again.
H/T to Fightful