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Revision as of 20:51, 15 April 2006 by McPhail (talk | contribs) (rv. We have a free alternative, so the free use argument does not apply.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Dalip Singh | |
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| File:Longestyardsingh.jpg.JPG | |
| Born | August 27, 1972 Dhirana |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Giant Singh, The Great Khali |
| Billed height | 7 ft 3 in (220 cm) |
| Billed weight | 420 lb (191 kg) |
| Billed from | India |
| Trained by | APW Boot Camp |
| Debut | October 7, 2000 |
Dalip Singh (born August 27, 1972 in Dhirana, Himachal Pradesh) is an Indian powerlifter and professional wrestler. Singh is currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment in the United States of America on its SmackDown! brand under the ring name The Great Khali. Before embarking on his professional sports career, Singh, who stands 7 foot 3 inches tall and weighs 420 pounds, was a officer in the Punjab state police, champion bodybuilder, and a Pehlwan athlete.
Biography
Dalip Singh was born into a poor family in the village of Dhirana in Himachal Pradesh, and is the third of eight siblings. At a young age, he earned a daily wage as a roadside stone breaker to help provide for his family.
In 1993, Singh was still working as a road laborer in the Himalya Hills when his life's circumstances began to change. By this time he had tried his hand at many sports. He excelled in all of them, but showed exceptional talent in bodybuilding. The Director General of the Punjab Police Department took notice of Dalip and helped him join the police force. The change in employment allowed Singh to further his body building training and he subsequently won titles of Mr. India in 1997 and 1998. His success and hard work led him to train as a wrestler in the United States of America in 1999, where he developed the skills necessary to compete on a global stage, enabling him to win numerous wrestling titles in Japan, where he is currently a very popular figure. Singh's training schedule consists of two hours of weight training, morning and evening, every day. His chest measures at 65 inches and he weighs in at approximately 400 lbs. Maintaining his size requires a strict and intimidating daily dietary regimen: one gallon of milk, five chickens and two dozen eggs, along with chapatis, juice and fruit.
Dalip Singh said that other members in his family, including his parents and seven siblings, were all of normal height, though his grandfather was very tall.
Professional wrestling career
Under the ring name "Giant Singh", Dalip Singh became a pro wrestler for All Pro Wrestling in the United States of America, making his first appearance in October, 2000, when teaming with Tony Jones against the West Side Playaz 2000. On May 28, 2001, Brian Ong volunteered to 'receive' a flapjack from Dalip Singh, a wrestler being specially trained by All Pro Wrestling. Singh inadvertedly caused the death of trainee wrestler Brian Ong. When performing the move, Ong was fatally injured. He had a previous concussion and the second consecutive concussion proved fatal for Ong. All Pro Wrestling lost a lawsuit brought by Ong's family over his death, and were forced to award damages of over $1.3 million to his parents.
In August 2001, Singh was brought into New Japan Pro Wrestling by Team 2000 leader, Masahiro Chono, along with another big man, Giant Silva. The two teamed for the first time at the Tokyo Dome in October, labelled "Club 7" by Chono, and they defeated Yutaka Yoshie, Kenzo Suzuki, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Wataru Inoue in a Handicap Match when Silva pinned Tanahashi Inoue at the same time. Singh suffered his first loss in a tag match at the Tokyo Dome in January 2002, being cradled by Hiroyoshi Tenzan. He suffered another big tag defeat during March, being pinned by Manabu Nakanishi, and falling to a German suplex hold. His most critical loss came in August at Tokyo Nippon Budokan though, when, after a falling out, he was pinned by Silva in a singles match.
World Wrestling Entertainment
On January 2, 2006, Singh was signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment and assigned to the Deep South Wrestling developmental territory for training. With Daivari by his side, Singh debuted on WWE television on the April 7, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, attacking The Undertaker in the course of his match with Mark Henry. On the April 14, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, Singh was identifed as "The Great Khali".
Finishing and signature moves
Acting career
Singh played the role of "Turley" in the 2005 remake of the film The Longest Yard.
References
- Dalip Singh at AllProWrestling.com
- Dalip Singh at Cagematch.de
- Dalip Singh at ObsessedWithWrestling.com
- Deep South Wrestling results at ObsessedWithWrestling.com
- Himachal's towering Dalip has 200 WWF titles in his belt
- Indian wrestler debuts in Hollywood film
- Mortal Combat
- WWF Mania Grips 'Giant' Punjab Cop