The world of wrestling and the NBA have always shared a healthy relationship. Whether it was wrestlers repping their team’s jerseys or NBA stars attending shows, the two worlds have existed in harmony. Years ago, WWE even dedicated the main event of its flagship show to promote the Western Conference Finals. Who doesn’t remember the immortal image of LeBron James recording Stone Cold Steve Austin on a flip phone? While these relations have always existed, no one exemplified the partnership more than Shaquille O’Neal.

One of the few NBA players to actively take part in a match inside the ring, Shaq’s gigantic frame left even wrestlers impressed.

Shaquille O’Neal: A giant even in the world of giants

The WWE has always promoted wrestlers with a larger-than-life persona. Whether it was Hulk Hogan or the aforementioned Austin, their aura made the product famous. For decades, the wrestling sphere in America featured giants. From Andre the Giant to the Undertaker, men with large bodies were a major attraction. So, for wrestlers, being around giants was par for the course. However, for Steve Lombardi, meeting Shaq was still a huge shock.

Standing at 7’2, and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaquille O’Neal is a giant in every sense of the word. So, when the Brooklyn Brawler met the Los Angeles Lakers big man, he was stunned at the man’s stature. Recently, the multi-time Tag Team Champion shared a picture of his time meeting the giant. He captioned the pic, “I’m 6ft tall and feel like a little kid next to Shaq.”

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While O’Neal’s size helped him become one of the greatest players in NBA history, a career in wrestling might have been elite as well. Over the years, Shaq has made numerous appearances for the brand. Whether as a host in 2011 or competing at WrestleMania, the 7-footer has made a name in the wrestling world as well.

But, away from basketball, he’s enjoyed the most success in the entertainment industry. Speaking of entertainment and the WWE, what bigger name than Dwayne The Rock Johnson, whose father once fought our famous brawler from Brooklyn?

The Brooklyn Brawler vs Rocky Johnson

In the early stages of his career, Lombardi faced off against the likes of Big John Studd, Iron Mike Sharpe, and, of course, Rocky himself. Father to perhaps the most influential wrestler, from a mainstream perspective, Johnson was a big name in the early 80s.

Further, Rocky even complimented Steve specifically in his autobiography, calling him a stand-up wrestler. A little-known fact, however, the Brawler was also responsible for the debut of Dwayne himself, on the March 10th taping of WWF Superstars.

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For a man whose career spanned over 2 decades, the Brawler remains a popular name, even today. With him giving Shaq his stamp of approval, perhaps a short stint in pro wrestling isn’t out of the equation for the big man.