Former WWE Champion ‘Officially Retired’, Addresses Possibility Of One-Off Return

A former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has revealed that they are open to a potential one-off return, ruling out a full-time run.

Last seen in action at WWE Greatest Royal Rumble back in April 2018, The Great Khali has retired as an in-ring talent.

Khali would confirm his retirement during a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, but didn’t rule out the possibility of a limited return.

With Van Vliet asking if he could see a chance to return at the Royal Rumble or a similiar such appearance, Khali would respond:

“You never know. Maybe WWE will ask me one day if I can go. Just 1-2 days, not full-time, never, because of my knee, so I can’t go full-time.”

Khali would confirm that he still experiences pain in his knee when sitting for extended periods or taking the stars, but can continue to exercise, among other activities.

The first Indian professional wrestler to sign a WWE contract, Khali remained with the company from January 2006 until November 2014 when his contract expired.

He would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021.

Size Matters

At a billed height of 7 ft 1 in (2.15m), there were few WWE stars as imposing as Great Khali, with the star being a true spectacle of his time.

WWE’s history has seen a myriad of giant stars make their way down the ramp over the decades, with varying degrees of success.

For many, Andre The Giant is probably one of the first to come to mind, with the 7ft 4in star being christened “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and dominating throughout his storied career. More recently, Omos has been an instantly recognizable presence, just an inch shorter than the aforementioned legendary star.

A past feature on the WWE website lists a number of stars over the 7ft mark, showing the sheer breadth of talent demarcated by something that can’t necessarily be taught.

Kane, Big Show, and Big Cass (who may be returning to WWE after departing AEW) are all listed at 7ft, with the list topped by Giant Gonzales, an 8-ft giant of a star.

Height isn’t a factor that necessarily plays into ability, as can be seen in that aforementioned list, but it can be something that is recognized when it comes to a star brought out simply as a spectacle, potentially playing into the David vs. Goliath story of old.

For some giant stars, their legacy in WWE will be equally as huge. For others, they may be forgotten, regardless of the shadow they cast at the time.

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