The Great Khali still remains the best example of success from the subcontinent in the American circuit, to date. He has featured in various wrestling promotions including his own in India but the stint with WWE is a standalone that earned him worldwide fame. He is the first world heavyweight champion from India in the history of WWE.
The debut of The Great Khali in 2006 was something that left a terrorizing impact on the Smackdown roster. He debuted on WWE television as a villain on the 7 April episode of SmackDown, attacking none other than The Undertaker, leaving him defenseless during his match with Mark Henry, as the match was ruled no-contest.
Being the greatest creation by Vince McMahon, The Undertaker has never denied putting WWE Superstars over whenever needed. The list included the likes of The Great Khali, who was able to make a very impactful debut in WWE against The Deadman.
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Vince McMahon wanted to unleash The Great Khali over The Undertaker
In a recent appearance of Rewind Recap Relive, The Punjabi Playboy recalled the bizarre advice Vince McMahon gave him before his WWE debut. The WWE Chairman apparently told him to go and ‘kill The Undertaker hard’ (obviously in a kayfabe manner)
“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 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,” The Great Khali recalled.
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The night after Wrestlemania on Raw and Smackdown has always been special in WWE history. The Great Khali’s inclusion to the WWE roster was conducted on such a night in 2006 that made an ever-lasting impact. A new giant was born who could go toe-to-toe with behemoths like Taker, Kane, or The Big Show.
The Great Khali’s feud with The Undertaker would run through the spring of 2006 leading to the summer. At the Judgement Day event, Khali picked up his first PPV win over Taker in May. The feud would continue till the Summerslam week where Taker would finally get his revenge by defeating his adversary on Smackdown in a Last Man Standing match.
