10 Reasons Why You Need To Respect The Great Khali
3. The Dead Man
In May 2001, California independent group All Pro Wrestling ran a training session in which prospect Brian Org took a flapjack from fellow trainee Khali, but landed head first from a great height on the unforgiving canvas.
He was dead on arrival at hospital, and his family successfully sued APW for $1.3million in damages on a 'reckless behaviour' charge when it emerged that Org was already nursing prior concussions. It was yet another heartbreaking and unnecessary ending to a life in wrestling, but became a cross Khali had to bare for the remainder of his career.
Earning wealth beyond his wildest dreams and shouldering iconic status amongst his countrymen in a way Jinder Mahal can probably only dream of, Khali was truly able to make it beyond anybody's expectations, but will do so carrying the burden of deep regret for actions earlier in his life.
Few wrestling tragedies are linked to one individual mistake and this was no different, but the horror scene he will have witnessed following the errant throw must surely stick with him to this day. That he manages to maintain his quality of life under such a cloud is a testament to his mental health and emotional strength.