https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1367283397224202241
MANILA, Philippines—Shaquille O’Neal has always been a man of many talents and the gigantic figure proved once more that his skills can translate to the wrestling ring.
A longtime wrestling fan, O’Neal had his first match with All Elite Wrestling Thursday (Manila time) when he teamed up with Jade Cargill to take on Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in Dynamite in the first physical altercation in the feud.
O’Neal and Rhodes had been simmering their beef for around a week and the 7-foot-1 giant cut a promo with the American Nightmare on NBA on TNT’s Postgame Show the night before the tag team match.
His first match under the AEW banner was also not too shabby as O’Neal took considerable bumps including a chair shot from one of the members of the Nightmare Family and a two-table spot after Rhodes’ crossbody above the top rope much to the delight of the albeit limited crowd.
The Basketball Hall of Famer’s offense was also much to be praised, as WWE legend Mick Foley did on his Twitter page, utilizing his size against the 6-foot-2 Rhodes.
BIG TIME powerbomb from @SHAQ with a scoop slam return by @CodyRhodes! Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/5xbNGdOZbx
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 4, 2021
O’Neal hit Rhodes with a ear-stinging chop and a beautiful powerbomb that left legendary commentator Jim Ross in awe.
“What a powerbomb! Shaquille O’Neal slammed it home!” proclaimed Ross.
O’Neal was also seen getting carried away in an ambulance after the table spot but managed to escape as commentator Tony Schiavone was reporting.
.@SHAQ takes out the #NightmareFamily at ringside!
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama pic.twitter.com/I2LDPTTDcq— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 4, 2021
This wasn’t O’Neal’s first foray into professional wrestling as he’s appeared in WWE, WCW, and Impact Wrestling before.
His last official wrestling match was in WWE’s Wrestlemania 32 in 2016 when he joined the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.