The basketball career of Shaquille O’Neal has been nothing less than stellar. He’s a four-time NBA Champion and also a 3-time NBA Finals MVP. However, he has never been shy about his interest in professional wrestling.
The NBA Veteran made his first appearance in pro wrestling in 1994 when he presented the prestigious WCW Championship to then-champion, Hulk Hogan. Consequently, his special appearances around different promotions such as TNA, always kept going.
Similarly, in 2016, the former Los Angeles Lakers star made a crowd-popping appearance in the 3rd annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32. Fans, as well as professionals, were on the verge of their seats at the AT&T Stadium as Shaq was about to brawl with the likes of some of the top WWE superstars.
As the Big Aristotle made his way into the ring, he fixed his eyes on The Big Show. A few years ago, in his last appearance in WWE, Shaq confronted The World’s Largest Athlete, by grabbing him by his throat. Hence, the old feud again got fueled as they saw each other in the ring.
🙁 Sorry Shaq. #Wrestlemania
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 4, 2016
The two started with the war of words, however, Kane became their first victim. All the other superstars in the match tried getting their hands on the two giants, however, the two were too much for them. After eliminating a couple of superstars, Shaquille O’Neal and The Big Show again held each other by their throats.
When the situation became intense between The Big Show and Shaq, the other participants realized the opportunity and with full strength, eliminated both from the Battle Royal together. After getting out over the top rope, in lieu of brawling, the two showed each other respect and walked out of the ringside peacefully.
When did Shaquille O’Neal make his last pro wrestling appearance?
In 2021, the Big Aristotle teamed up with Jade Cargill to compete in a mixed tag match against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite: The Crossroads. The match met up with some breathtaking moments such as Shaq going through a couple of tables after a running crossbody from The American Nightmare.
Although the match ended in favor of Shaquille O’Neal as Jade Cargill pinned Red Velvet to seal the victory, the NBA Veteran was put onto a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance during the commercial break because he was not able to get up.