Satnam Singh: India’s first NBA player makes the leap into pro wrestling

The first ever Indian to be drafted into the NBA has reinvented himself in the world of pro wrestling under the AEW banner

Satnam Singh wouldn't hurt a fly. Unless, of course, it was his wrestling opponent for a match in front of a cheering All Elite Wrestling crowd. Then, he might give the insect a little love tap or two. Still, though, Singh would inevitably play nice. No tearing off wings, no smashing under a frying pan. The 7ft 4in and 360lb former professional basketball player and current professional wrestler is as gentle a giant as they come in daily life. Singh is kind, considerate. Easily likable. Patience, he says, is a prized virtue. At the same time, he knows the magnificent power that's in just his two hands. They could, without hyperbole, terminate someone in a blink - let alone a buzzing fly. Singh knows the strength of his hands from experience. Back in India where he was born, he lost his temper one day on the basketball court as a youth. He struck a then-smack-talking friend with what Singh says was merely 5% to 10% of his strength. A simple slap across the face. But his friend was knocked out cold and wouldn't immediately wake up. In that moment, Singh knew he had to be careful. He's never been in a skirmish since.

No, never in my life," Singh tells the Guardian in his low, cavernous voice. Because I know who I am and how much power I have in my body, in my hands. So, I don't want to use it outside of the ring. Because if I did, I'm sure, I'm 100% sure someone would be injured so bad."