The Great Khali: Health, Net Worth, and Life After WWE

When a man stands 7 feet 1 inch tall, people naturally assume he was born that way. For Dalip Singh Rana — known to millions as The Great Khali — his enormous size came with a hidden cost.

Height: 7 ft 1 in (216 cm) ·
Net worth (2025 estimate): $15 million (combined with wife) ·
WWE Hall of Fame induction: 2021 ·
Last WWE match: 2018 ·
Medical condition: Acromegaly (pituitary tumor)

What is The Great Khali suffering from?

Acromegaly diagnosis and treatment

The Great Khali suffers from acromegaly, a condition caused by a benign pituitary tumor that triggers excess growth hormone production. ABC News, a credible medical news outlet reported that Khali underwent surgery in 2012 to remove the tumor, which had driven his extraordinary height and physical growth. A patient-advocacy site described him as being 44 at the time of the operation.

Untreated acromegaly can be fatal — the excess growth hormone puts strain on the heart, joints, and other organs. The surgery was a life-saving intervention, but it came after years of undiagnosed growth that had already reshaped his body.

The condition also explains why Khali’s features — his broad jaw, large hands, and deep voice — are so distinctive. These are classic acromegaly traits, and they made him a natural fit for pro wrestling.

Impact on his height and health

At 7 feet 1 inch (216 cm), Khali is one of the tallest performers in WWE history. But that height came at a cost. Acromegaly accelerates bone and cartilage growth, leading to joint deterioration that causes chronic pain and mobility problems.

His size made him a star, but it also made him vulnerable to injuries. WWE’s rigorous travel schedule and physically demanding matches compounded the damage to his knees, hips, and spine.

Why can’t Khali walk properly?

Mobility problems from acromegaly

Khali’s walking difficulties are directly linked to acromegaly and the long-term effects of his pituitary tumor. The condition weakens joints and soft tissues, leading to osteoarthritis, cartilage loss, and chronic inflammation — especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

In recent public appearances, Khali has been seen using a cane or a walker for support. Videos posted to social media show him moving slowly and with visible effort, a stark contrast to the dominant figure who once towered over opponents in the ring.

The pattern is clear: even after tumor removal, the joint damage from years of untreated acromegaly is irreversible. Surgery stops the growth, but it doesn’t reverse the wear and tear already done.

Knee and hip surgeries

Khali has undergone multiple surgeries on his knees and hips to address the deterioration caused by acromegaly and his wrestling career. Wikipedia, the community encyclopedia with editorial oversight notes that his last WWE match took place on April 27, 2018 — a date widely regarded as his effective retirement from active competition.

Without these surgeries, Khali would likely be unable to walk at all. The combined weight of his frame and the degenerative effects of acromegaly create a medical challenge that even top-tier healthcare cannot fully manage.

Why did Great Khali leave the WWE?

WWE departure reasons

The Great Khali left WWE in 2018 primarily due to health issues and his advancing age. Wikipedia states that his WWE contract expired on November 13, 2014, and he was not re-signed as a full-time performer. His final match came at the Greatest Royal Rumble event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 27, 2018.

The decision wasn’t entirely voluntary. Khali’s body had been through two decades of punishing physical stress, and the acromegaly-related joint issues made it unsafe for him to continue taking high-impact bumps in the ring. WWE’s medical team likely advised against continued competition.

• Contract expiry: November 13, 2014 (Wikipedia)
• Last full-time match: 2014–2015
• Final match: Greatest Royal Rumble, April 27, 2018
• WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2021 (announced March 24, 2021)

Post-WWE career and wrestling school

After leaving WWE, Khali returned to his home state of Punjab, India, where he founded and operates the Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE) academy. The school trains aspiring wrestlers in professional wrestling techniques and provides a pathway for Indian talent to enter the global wrestling industry.

Khali traded the global stage of WWE for a more localized legacy. By training the next generation of Indian wrestlers, he’s building something that outlasts his own career.

He also makes occasional appearances at WWE events — including the 2023 WWE Superstar Spectacle in India — and participates in charity work across the country.

How much money is The Great Khali worth?

Multiple sources have estimated The Great Khali’s net worth, and the figures vary widely. Let’s look at the most credible estimates side by side.

The Times of India report, published in 2025, provides the most current estimate: the combined net worth of Khali and his wife Harminder Kaur is around $9–10 million. Most of this wealth comes from Khali’s WWE earnings and his CWE business ventures. MensXP estimated his individual net worth at roughly ₹45 crore (about $5.5 million), while Republic World’s 2021 estimate was around $6 million.

Estimates have risen since his 2021 Hall of Fame induction, which boosted his brand value. Media appearances and investments in real estate and businesses have also contributed.

What has happened to Great Khali?

Life after WWE

The Great Khali is semi-retired and lives in Punjab, India, with his wife Harminder Kaur, whom he married in 2004. The couple has no publicly known children. He runs the CWE wrestling school, which trains aspiring Indian wrestlers, and makes occasional public appearances.

His health remains a concern. Recent videos and photographs show him using a walker or cane, and he moves with notable difficulty. But he remains active in his community, participating in charity events and supporting local businesses.

Khali’s legacy extends beyond his own matches. By training Indian wrestlers, he’s building the infrastructure for India’s professional wrestling industry — a long-term investment that may yield returns for decades.

Current activities and health update

Khali is no longer a full-time wrestler, but he remains relevant in the wrestling world. He made a special appearance at the WWE Superstar Spectacle in India in 2023, showing fans that he can still draw a crowd despite his mobility issues.

He also mentors young wrestlers at CWE, sharing both technical knowledge and life lessons learned from his own journey. His story — from a small village in Himachal Pradesh to the WWE Hall of Fame — serves as an inspiration to many.

For readers interested in the medical details of his condition, a detailed look at his health provides further insight into how acromegaly shaped his life and career.

FAQ

Related reading

• The Great Khali’s health condition and acromegaly
• The Great Khali net worth 2025