“Ever Since the Times of Hulk Hogan..”: Shaquille O’Neal Has Wrestling Roots as Deep as the NBA

It is a secret to none that Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Apart from basketball, Shaquille O’Neal is also familiar with the professional wrestling world. The NBA legend even stepped inside the ring to take on some top pro wrestlers in the last decade, but his interest in pro wrestling has not developed in this time span.

This interest has been present inside Shaq for years. During an episode of Shaq Life, the NBA legend revealed his wrestling roots while talking about his AEW match.

Shaquille O’Neal said, “Not a professional wrestler. But I have been wrestling ever since the times of Hulk Hogan and André the Giant. Me and my cousins, me and my boys, we used to do it all the time.”

“So when Cody challenged me, I have been dreaming about this all my life Cody. I am ready for you,” he added. Further, O’Neal talked about his AEW tag team partner, Jade Cargill.

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Jade Cargill and Shaq defeated Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in 2021 in Shaquille O’Neal’s only match in AEW. But that was not the first time the legendary basketball player competed in a pro wrestling match. In 2016, Shaquille O’Neal took part in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32.

Did Shaquille O’Neal appear alongside Hulk Hogan in professional wrestling?

Hulk Hogan and Shaquille O’Neal are good friends. They even have some pictures together. But some of you might not be aware that the NBA legend appeared alongside Hulk Hogan in WCW in the 1990s.

At the 1994 Bash at the Beach, Hogan captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and celebrated his victory alongside Shaq.

Read More: Will Shaquille O’Neal Ever Wrestle in WWE?

Shaq is friends with a lot of professional wrestlers

Shaquille O’Neal is a popular name among pro wrestlers. He appeared in a single frame alongside top WWE stars like Dwayne Johnson, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, and The Great Khali.

Thus, it is clear that the NBA legend has a strong interest in professional wrestling. And who knows, we might see him once again competing in a match inside the squared circle.