10 Hidden Meanings Behind WWE Superstar Names

5. The Great Khali

Great Khali Goddess Kali
WWE/Raja Ravi Varma [Public domain]

Though it's easy to assume The Great Khali's name was a typical case of WWE rent-a-culture, it was actually suggested by the man himself. After an agonising brainstorming session, during which 'Big Bhima', from the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, and Lord Shiva - deemed potentially insensitive - were rejected, devout Hindu Dalip Rana finally piped up with 'Kali'.

He picked the name after the Hindu goddess Khali, most commonly associated with death, time, and the apocalypse - ideal for near eight foot monster Rana. She's also the goddess of motherly love and fertility, which is as good an explanation as any for Singh's later, terrible, 'Punjabi Playboy' schtick.

 
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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.