Shaq may be headed to AEW in new deal with TNT

The former Los Angeles Lakers big man could be entering the squared circle with new contract

Ever since retiring from the NBA in 2011, former big man Shaquille O’Neal has had great success as an analyst for TNT’s popular “Inside the NBA” program. On Monday, reports indicated that O’Neal has signed a “multi-year” contract with TNT, but it isn’t limited to just his regular analyst role. The new deal allows O’Neal to produce his own projects for Bleacher Report, create his own show for NBA TV and hold an on-air role during CNN’s “New Year’s Eve” coverage. But, that apparently isn’t all that’s included in his lucrative contract.

During his interview with The Athletic, Shaq hints that he could be making appearances with TNT’s All Elite Wrestling. To be specific, O’Neal called out AEW vice president and wrestler Cody Rhodes for a match.

“I’d love to fight Cody,” said O’Neal, via The Athletic. “Write it. Print it. Text it to him. Call AEW up and tell them.”

Shaq throws down the gauntlet

It’s no secret that O’Neal is a die-hard wrestling fan, as he made a variety of appearances on programs over the years.

Shaq awarded the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Hulk Hogan after defeating “Nature Boy” Ric Flair at World Championship Wrestling’s Bash at the Beach pay per view in 1994. In 2009, O’Neal served as the guest host for WWE’s Monday Night Raw, where he got into a physical altercation with the Big Show. Then in 2016, Shaq made his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 32 as a surprise entrance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

O’Neal is setting his targets high up the food chain, as Rhodes is one of the best wrestlers in the industry today. Shaq could’ve made an interesting open challenge option, had the “American Nightmare” not just dropped the AEW TNT Championship this past Saturday against Brodie Lee.

A singles match for O’Neal was years in the making, and it appears that AEW could be the company to give him that opportunity. Of course, that’s all dependent on if Rhodes responds to Shaq’s challenge.

If O’Neal does step inside the squared circle, he’ll have to meet the standard set by former NFL punter Pat McAfee, who impressed the masses in his debut match against Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver 30.