In a recent candid conversation on the Marking Out podcast, WWE star MVP opened up about some of the most painful finishers he endured during his career and placed The Great Khali at the very top of that list—for all the wrong reasons. MVP asserted that the massive Indian giant may have even given him a concussion, and described Khali as the worst in-ring opponent he has ever faced.
MVP’s Harsh Assessment of The Great Khali’s In-Ring Work
MVP, known for his sharp insight and no-nonsense commentary on wrestling, shocked fans by revealing the physical toll that wrestling The Great Khali took on him. The sheer size and power of Khali translated into some extremely rough moments inside the ring, MVP recounted.
According to MVP, “The Great Khali’s finisher was one of the harshest I ever took. I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up with a concussion after some of those blows.” He added that Khali’s wrestling style—largely reliant on brute force and towering presence—made him not only painful to work with but also one of the least technically skilled opponents, hence calling him the “worst in-ring opponent” he ever faced[6].
The Great Khali’s Reputation: Enormous Size, But Mixed Reviews
Dalip Singh Rana, better known as The Great Khali, debuted in WWE in 2006 with a rapid push as a dominant giant capable of toppling legends like The Undertaker. His imposing 7-foot-1 stature and massive frame gave him an unmatched visual aura inside the squared circle.
However, Khali’s in-ring performance often drew criticism for being overly rigid with limited agility or finesse. His style, though intimidating, was reportedly tough to work with for many wrestlers. Experiences like the one MVP described highlight how Khali’s matches could be grueling not just for opponents but also for himself[2][6].
A WWE insider familiar with backstage opinions shared, “Khali’s size was a double-edged sword. On one side, he was a showstopper and a great attraction, but on the other, his lack of fluid technique and stiffness in the ring made working with him a challenge. Some guys got hurt or at least seriously roughed up.”
Past Controversies Shadowing The Great Khali’s Career
Khali’s controversial reputation is also tied to a tragic incident during his early wrestling career before WWE, when a training partner, Brian Ong, died following a botched spinebuster move practiced with Khali. While Khali was cleared of any wrongdoing—the accident was officially blamed on the victim’s improper technique—this incident left a lasting stain on Khali’s wrestling image[4][5].
Despite this, Khali went on to build a respectable career in WWE, facing off against some of the company’s biggest stars and eventually being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021[2].
The Toll of Wrestling Giants: Real Risks Behind The Spectacle
MVP’s remarks shed light on the often overlooked physical dangers wrestlers face when sharing the ring with gargantuan opponents like Khali. Wrestling at such an elite level requires not only cooperation but also trust in each other’s skill to minimize injury. When one participant lacks technical precision, it increases the risk significantly.
MVP’s concussion claim is a reminder of how even top-level professionals endure serious trauma. According to sources close to WWE medical staff, concussions caused by stiff impacts in matches influence career longevity and quality of life post-retirement. These health risks often go unspoken in public interviews but are well known backstage.
WWE’s Historical Use of The Great Khali and His Departure
Khali’s WWE tenure lasted around eight years, during which he was initially positioned as an unstoppable force but later relegated to secondary roles. His matches were a mix of attraction-based spectacles and sometimes brief squash bouts meant to elevate other stars. After suffering a fractured fibula and multiple storyline absences, Khali reportedly parted ways with WWE[1].
Industry observers note that while Khali brought significant international attention, especially from the Indian market, his limited in-ring skillset and stiff wrestling style probably contributed to WWE gradually phasing him out.
A Backstage Perspective: Balancing Star Power and Safety
An anonymous WWE veteran commented, “It’s a difficult balance. You have talent like Khali who is a unique physical specimen and can draw crowds, but they also need to be safe to work with. Wrestlers remember who’s safe and who isn’t, and that affects locker room dynamics.”
This sentiment echoes MVP’s public remarks, reinforcing that in-ring safety and chemistry are as critical as star appeal.
The candid assessment from MVP of The Great Khali’s in-ring abilities and the potential concussion he endured adds a rare insider glimpse into the complexities and physical realities of professional wrestling. While Khali will always be remembered as one of WWE’s giant icons, these revelations underscore the challenges behind the spectacle, both for performers and fans.