The Great Khali confirms retirement from in-ring competition, leaves door open for WWE Royal Rumble cameo

Former WWE World Champion The Great Khali has officially confirmed that he has retired from in-ring competition, ending years of speculation about whether the WWE star would return for another match. During a recent appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Khali was directly asked whether he had retired from professional wrestling.

The WWE Hall of Famer gave a straightforward response, confirming that he is officially retired from active competition.

As per reports, the last time Khali played was in 2018 as part of the 50-man Greatest Royal Rumble match.

The Great Khali confirms his retirement from WWE, says there’s no possibility of playing full-time

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion The Great Khali has officially confirmed that he has retired from in-ring competition, putting an end to speculation about a potential full-time return to the squared circle. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that his wrestling career is over, although he didn't completely dismiss the possibility of making a one-off appearance if WWE ever came calling.

When he was asked if he could come back, the WWE star stated, “Never know but I don’t want to go. Maybe WWE asking, ‘will you come one day?’ then I can go. But just one two day not full time. Never. I because my bad knee, so I can’t go full time.”

He further spoke about his knee replacement surgeries, and he explained that his busy schedule has delayed the procedures and the extent of pain and impact on daily activities stating, “I just want to take a break a little bit then I want to (get) surgery but I’m just every day busy, busy, busy.

First I want to first do one then maybe later maybe you know.”Khali further added, “I’m sitting and no pain when I especially take the stairs, there’s pain and long time straining and pain otherwise I’m fine. This is okay. I can do exercise. I can do anything only when I walk and just take the stairs.”While Khali has officially retired from in-ring action, he left the door slightly open for a surprise Royal Rumble appearance, noting that a short cameo remains a possibility if WWE extends an invitation.

Throughout his career, he feuded with top stars including The Undertaker, John Cena, Batista, Triple H, and Kane, establishing himself as one of the company's most recognizable international superstars. The former WWE star Khali became a household name during his WWE run from 2006 to 2014, due to his overtowering presence in the ring. As per reports, he captured the only World Heavyweight Championship in 2007, holding the title for nearly two months. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.