Former WWE talent Parker Boudreaux, who wrestled under the name Harland, recently discussed his journey through professional wrestling, touching on his recent experiences in India and his interaction with the legendary Great Khali. Since joining WWE in 2021, Boudreaux’s tenure was brief, but he quickly gained momentum across the independent circuit, performing in countries such as Japan and Mexico, as well as in AEW. After parting ways from AEW, he traveled to India, where he clinched the CWE World Heavyweight Championship by defeating JT Baba on January 25. During a significant encounter with The Great Khali, Boudreaux found himself “jailed” in a symbolic gesture following their match.
Oh what an honor. I didn’t defeat the Great Khali, he actually threw me in jail at the end of the match. But I did win thge CWE World Heavyweight Title. So what an honor. What a privilege to not only represent CWE but represent India as as as a whole. And I I can’t wait to come back and show the people why I am the World Heavyweight Champion.
Boudreaux emphasized the pride he feels representing both CWE and India on the global wrestling stage, underscoring his eagerness to return and display why he holds the World Heavyweight Title.
Details on the Dramatic Jail Segment with The Great Khali
When questioned about his escape from the “jail” at the hands of The Great Khali, Boudreaux remained tight-lipped but shared intriguing insights.
I can’t tell you all that, I can’t give out those secrets. It was me showing the man that I can do anything I want in India. I am the new monster of India and you know, I interrupted that party. Obviously my presence was known right away. I threw him in the cold [water]. It was freezing. It was below freezing water. Threw him in the cold. He literally went into shock. Everybody rushed and tried to save him. I just had to show the people, you know, right before the BFD with the Rumble and the CWE World Heavyweight Title, and going against The Great Khali, I just had to show the people before y ou know I mean exactly what the BFD is all about.
This moment highlighted Boudreaux’s intent to establish himself as a dominant force in India’s wrestling scene, igniting excitement before the buildup to the Royal Rumble and his CWE title defense.
Speculation Surrounding Parker Boudreaux and WWE’s Royal Rumble Event
When asked about potential appearances at the WWE Royal Rumble, Boudreaux offered an enigmatic response that left fans hopeful about his return.
Anything, anything is possible in professional wrestling. Just remember that. I really can’t say much anything else, but just always remember that.
His statement suggests possible involvement in the event, aligning with rumors that he might reenter WWE’s sphere in some capacity during a major showcase.
Experiences and Sentiments About Wrestling in India
Boudreaux described his time wrestling in India as both humbling and transformative, emphasizing the warmth and admiration he received.
This experience was not only humbling for me but what a privilege, what an honor to go to India, and to receive the treatment that I did. It was unbelievable. It was eye opening and I’m forever thankful and grateful. Indian has a special place in my heart because what they showed me over there was unreal. I am grateful to be the World Champion now and I will honor this title. I promise to always make the Indian people happy and just represent them in a humbling, grateful manner.
His connection with the Indian wrestling community runs deep, and the respect he has earned continues to motivate him as he holds an international title.
The Bonds Boudreaux Has Formed with Indian Wrestlers and The Great Khali
Speaking on the relationships forged during his stint in India, Boudreaux expressed profound gratitude for the camaraderie and support he experienced from local talents.
The entire roster showed me so much love and so much grace. I love every single person that I’ve met, because they’re all my brother[s] now. I told every single one of them, ‘You’re my Indian forever now.’ If there’s anything, or if you need to talk to somebody ’cause I know how life can get, call me. And I told every single one of them, that if they’re in the USA, I’m going to take care of them. I’ll try to be as good as how they treated me.Obviously I want to shoutout the Great Khali for just the opportunity to represent India as a whole and for everything that he’s done.
Boudreaux’s appreciation for The Great Khali also highlights the role the WWE legend has played in supporting the growth of wrestling talent within India and internationally.
A Meaningful Farewell Moment with The Great Khali
Before departing India, Boudreaux shared a heartfelt exchange with The Great Khali.
It was right when I was going back to the airport and he said that he was hosting another CWE show and he asked my how I liked India. I told him, ‘Wow, India what amazing country and even more amazing people. I told him what an honor it was to be here, and gave him a big hug and he told me he loved me.
This moment underlines the deep respect and affection between these two wrestlers, marking a significant milestone in Boudreaux’s international career.
Addressing Comparisons to Brock Lesnar and Defining His Own Identity
Boudreaux opened up about the ongoing comparisons between himself and WWE legend Brock Lesnar, clarifying his desire to be recognized on his own terms.
I don’t know if we talked about this the last, When I was 15, 16 they started comparing me to Brock [Lesnar]. At the moment when I was super young, Sophomore in High School, it was cool, but now I’m a different beast as well. I’m my own person, I’m my own character. I wrestle differently. Yes, we’re both addressive, we’re so strong and super athletic and there’s many similarities, like same height, same weight, but also many differences. When people compare me to him, it’s still a blessing to me because he’s one of the greatest wrestlers ever. So if people want to compare me to him, that’s great, but I’m my own person. I’m not the next Brock Lesnar, I’m the first Parker, the first and only Parker Boudreaux. When I went to Japan in 2025, Mr Suzuki, the president calling me the greatest fighter coming out of Japan and going to India and winning that title and over a billion people in India, like this is a massive deal. Like the people that showed up at the show, like so much love as well. Just thankful, like I said earlier.
This perspective indicates Boudreaux’s confidence in his unique style and his ambition to carve out a distinct place within the wrestling world.
Plans for Improving Craft and Aspirations to Return to WWE
Looking ahead, Boudreaux detailed his focus on personal development and his goal to regain a spot in WWE while building on recent successes.
Right now I want to get better every single day whether that whether that’s in the ring teaching younger people in the gym, doing film work, doing character work, promo work, character work outside the ring. I just want to focus on continuing to get better but also winning world titles – become undeniable. I haven’t lost in the USA in the last 2 years. I just want to continue building the momentum, while also keep inspiring people and give back as much as possible.
Boudreaux noted that with nearly five years of experience, including performing as Harland in WWE where he was the enforcer for Joe Gacy’s faction, he feels more confident and skilled now compared to earlier years.
Well yeah, when I was in WWE you get your character, especially when I was so new, I learned how to wrestle within a couple months on being on TV. When it comes to that they give you the character and obviously I’m not going to say no especially if I’m going to get on TV and getting thrown in the fire. That’s what helped me learn so fast, in terms of camera work, footwork, ring work. A lot of people don’t get to go on TV in 3 years or 5 years. Much different now, it’s been 4 and a half, 5 years. definitely wrestle way better. Even in the world title match, 25-minute match, we were slamming each other on metal railings and taking some insane bumps. We were both literally bleeding. I had to get 6 stitches right here. I got beat by The Great Khali with the chair and gave me the Great Khali chop and my head was swollen, and threw me in jail but still won the world title. What an awesome experience man. I cut multiple in-ring promos. People never got to see me do in-ring promos in WWE and AEW. And after winning the CWE World Heavyweight Title, what a show!! I got to do so many things. Put on a pedestal so high, like the Indian people were so cool and so happy for me.
Thoughts on Gunther Ending John Cena’s WWE Career
Boudreaux weighed in on the controversial topic of John Cena’s WWE retirement and Gunther’s role in that storyline.
I think it was the right decision. You know it’s the pro wrestling business you want things to be hyped and you want people to talk about it. The fact that people talk about it to this day, makes it honestly work. If it was something else, and if they stopped talking about it after a week or two, maybe it wouldn’t even be a thing. There have obviously been other storylines where people have retired and maybe it didn’t go as good, where you know, people are still questioning it, like ‘Why did Gunther win?’ I completely understand it now.
Boudreaux sees the sustained conversations around the retirement angle as a measure of its success and understands the reasoning behind the booking.
The Wrestling Giants Who Inspire Parker Boudreaux
When asked about his personal Mount Rushmore of big men in wrestling, Boudreaux paid tribute to several legendary figures.
The Great Khali, number one now obviously for me. Like I said, special place in my heart. Number one for him. Maybe, Steven Williams. I loved Steve Williams when he was All Japan. That really inspired me to want to go to Japan and try to be like him. When I walked out for the Rumble, it’s kind of like dedicated to Steve Williams, it’s kind of like blue instead of red. Stan Hansen, I’ve really liked a lot. He was like really old school. Terry Gordy as well. I love Terry Gordy. I’m more of a old school hard-hitting guy. Junkyard Dog, because that was maybe the first wrestler that my dad showed me when I was little. That’s what he grew up on. His whole thing was really cool to me.
This list reflects Boudreaux’s admiration for hard-hitting, traditional wrestling styles and acknowledges the personal impact of his father’s influence in fostering his wrestling passion.
Dream Matches: AEW and WWE Stars Parker Boudreaux Wants to Face
Regarding current competitors on the wrestling landscape, Boudreaux revealed some of the matchups he’s most eager to pursue, mentioning key individuals from both AEW and WWE.
I would probably say Swerve Strickland because he was a mentor when I was in AEW and I have grown so much since AEW even and I think a match with him would be cool. Bron Breakker, he’s still my good buddy to this day. Really good guy, I love him. If it was me versus him, or me joining something with him would be very very nice. Me doing something against Brock Lesnar, I think everyone in the world would like to see something like that. That would be like a sold out match immediately.
Boudreaux highlighted his past mentorship under Swerve Strickland and friendship with Bron Breakker, while also recognizing the universal appeal of a showdown with Brock Lesnar.
Ambitions Regarding the Wyatt Sicks Faction in WWE
Looking at future WWE prospects, Boudreaux expressed enthusiasm for reconnecting with former ally Joe Gacy and potentially engaging with the Wyatt Sicks stable.
Joe Gacy, what a mentor he was and I was so new to wrestling and he was a great mentor to have. Obviously that would be like a full circle moment, I could fit in with them. I could do something against them. I would love to do something with him as well, because I am just very very happy for him and what he’s accomplishing as well. He’s doing very well over there.
This reveals Boudreaux’s admiration for Gacy’s guidance and an openness to narrative opportunities either alongside or opposing the faction within WWE programming.
What Lies Ahead for Parker Boudreaux
Currently enjoying success internationally, especially after winning the CWE World Heavyweight Title in India, Parker Boudreaux continues to build momentum with a combination of in-ring skill and character development. His candid reflections on his time in WWE, AEW, and the independent circuit demonstrate a wrestler committed to growth and eager for opportunities to make a lasting impact. With hints about potential involvement in WWE’s Royal Rumble and plans to return to the company, fans await his next chapter with anticipation. Whether challenging top stars like John Cena, reconnecting with mentors, or thriving as a global champion, Boudreaux’s journey is one to watch closely.
