Indian wrestling sensation Dalip Singh Rana aka The Great Khali spoke about his time in the WWE during a recent interview with the Daily Pioneer, along with a range of other topics and issues in the world of wrestling – reports Wrestlinginc.com.
Also read: The Great Khali: How a Road worker went on to become WWE champion
Rana opened up about his time with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and how the franchise helped make him a star, saying: "After six months there, I signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
There I continued to learn the trade and to fight but then Vince McMahon, chairman of WWE, bought the company. It left me disappointed because only in 7-8 months that I was there, the company was bought. I was not sure how things would transpire now and what would happen to my career."
It didn’t take long for WWE head honcho Vince McMahon to get wind of his talent, and Khali himself was surprised at the length McMahon went to acquire his services, and stated: "I signed the contract in 2005. McMahon sent a limousine to get me from the premiere of The Longest Yard in New York and he wanted to see me in person.
Normally he doesn't do that but in my case he made an exception. He asked if I wanted to work with WWE and I gladly said yes."
The 43-year-old also spoke about the use of steroids, which has plagued wrestling over the years, and was of the opinion that steroid usage is at an all-time low.
"Yes some people do take steroids to circumvent injuries but as compared to yesteryears, it has reduced considerably. So around 12-13 years ago, usage of steroids was much higher but it is lesser now."
Rana, who stands at 7 ft tall, originally hails from Himachal Pradesh and started his professional wrestling career with All Pro Wrestling back in 2001, after which he moved to various franchises including New Japan Pro Wrestling, Lucha Libre as well as All Japan Pro Wrestling, before getting his big break in WWE on January 2nd, 2006.
The wrestler remained with WWE for eight years, before leaving the franchise when his contract expired in November last year.
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