WWE Hall of Fame: The Great Khali revealed as 2021 inductee

The Great Khali will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month.

The towering superstar – who was the first Indian wrestler to hold a championship in the company’s history – will be honoured for his career in Vince McMahon’s promotion, and he is grateful for the recognition.

His former on-screen manager Ranjin Singh revealed the news to Khali during a joyous video call with his daughter and wife on WWE Now India.

He said: ‘You’re going into the 2021 Hall of Fame Class!’ ‘Congratulations Khali, you are one of the next inductees into the 2021 WWE Hall of Fame. I’m so happy and so proud to give you this news!’

Khali cheered the news, before giving a brief statement in Indian as he thanked WWE for the honour.

He added: ‘I would like to thank everyone for nominating me.’

The former Punjab Police officer was with the company from 2006 to 2014, which saw him debut with an undefeated streak eventually ended by John Cena at One Night Stand 2007.

He won the World Heavyweight Championship the following year, and showed his comedic skills as the Punjabi Playboy.

The Hall of Fame ceremony takes place April 6 on the WWE Network for fans outside the United States – with US fans tuning in on Peacock – with Kane, Bischoff, Molly Holly and Kane joining last year’s planned class.

The likes of John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield, the Bella Twins, the British Bulldog and the nWo will take their rightful places.

However, wrestler turned Hollywood star Dave Bautista – known to WWE fans as simply Batista – won’t be joining them as planned, and he will instead be inducted some time in the future.

He tweeted this week: ‘To the @WWEUniverse Unfortunately due to previous obligations I am unable to be a part of the @WWE #HOF this year.

‘By my request they have agreed to induct me at a future ceremony where I’ll be able to properly thank the fans and people who made my career possible #DreamChaser’.

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