The Great Khali Was Under Contract To WCW?, Talks Vince McMahon Asking Him To Join WWE

Did you know The Great Khali was under contract to WCW at one point? In an interview promoting a talent search in India, Khali claimed he was when the company was bought by WWE in 2001.

“After six months there (in the U.S.), I signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling. 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,” he said.

“After training for a few more months, I got an offer from New Japan Pro Wrestling and I wrestled there for three years. And it should be noted that most of the famous WWE wrestlers have been involved in Japan at some point. I feel the Japanese wrestling is tougher in all respects including the physical aspect. It is tougher too and there is a lot more bloodshed.”

Khali joined WWE in 2005 after Vince McMahon asked him in person.

“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,” Khali.

Khali also addressed steroids in wrestling.

“Some people do take steroids to circumvent injuries but as compared to yesteryears, it has reduced considerably,” Khali said. “So around 12-13 years ago, usage of steroids was much higher but it is lesser now.”