Ex-WWE Star Set for In-Ring Return After 7 Years

The Great Khali is stepping back into the ring — but not in WWE.

Khali’s CWE Academy took to Instagram to reveal that the 7-foot-1 legend will be wrestling for the first time since 2018. He’s set to compete at Maithan Mania: Ultimate Show of Strength on January 25, 2026, in Dhanbad, India, where he’ll go one-on-one with Parker Boudreaux.

“Watch the Great Khali take on the challenge of Parker Boudreaux in the ring! – Will The Great Khali save the nation’s honour in the face of this absurd dare? find out at the maithan mania, ultimate show of strength – 25th January, 2026 in Dhanbad.”

It’s a surprising change, especially since Khali previously told Rewind, Recap, Relive that a full-on WWE return was off the table. At the time, he made his stance clear:

“I don’t think so, going back to WWE. I’m doing so many things. CW, I have a restaurant business. I have lots of commercials. So many events in India. I’m busy all the time. I don’t want to come back to WWE.”

Still, he did leave the door open for something short and sweet:

“I want to come and just say, ‘Hello. Hi.’ Check in a little bit. Royal Rumble. Not permanently. Permanently? No.”

Clearly, that “check in” now involves an actual match. And while it’s not happening under the WWE banner, fans are still getting a chance to see the giant throw down one more time—this time on his home turf, against the dangerous Boudreaux.

What do you think of The Great Khali’s return to the ring after 7 years? Can he still dominate like he used to—or is Parker Boudreaux about to send a message to a legend? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you.