Shaquille O’Neal’s Kids Bring Back Core WWE Memory Ahead of Royal Rumble

The Big Aristotle’s WWE appearances have always been marquee events. From 1994, when he shared the ring with WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. Then, in 2016, when he had his WrestleMania moment as he locked horns with The Big Show at André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. That love for pro wrestling seemed to have seeped into Shaquille O’Neal kid’s minds as well. Although they are yet to make their debut in the ring, one of the kids shared a throwback photo.

Shareef O’Neal tagged Myles on his Instagram story and wrote, “Ice cream 2006.” The photo shows them in the crowd during a WWE Raw show. The former G-League star is a huge fan of pro wrestling! If you don’t believe us, check his Instagram profile picture. It doesn’t feature the 25-year-old but a WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, from the time when he was ‘Mankind’. Even Shaquille O’Neal’s other son previously shared his love for another top superstar. 

Back in October, Myles O’Neal shared a post on his IG showing him ringside during a SmackDown episode. His seats were special, as he was sitting right behind the commentary team to enjoy the show. In his carousel post, DJ Myles even ‘acknowledged’ The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns by raising his ones (finger pointing) in the sky. Plus, the caption of the post was “Nothing like this for real! .” So, we know who the DJ will be supporting in the upcoming Royal Rumble at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

To hype the event even more, they have replaced street signs with the names of WWE superstars. And the Pacers hosted ‘WWE Night’ last night when they blew out the Pistons 133-119. The team even got WWE-Style Entrance During the game, from the iconic Stone Cold vs. The Rock WrestleMania 17 “My Way” video package and Austin’s legendary theme song. The seeds for this were planted last year when NBA all-stars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton took their basketball rivalry to the squared circle inside Madison Square Garden.

So, the story from Shareef coincided perfectly as the NBA’s love continues for WWE. Speaking about continuing, Shaquille O’Neal has some unfinished business in the squared circle,

Shaquille O’Neal is undefeated against the WWE Champion

The Big Shamrock has made multiple appearances for his love of pro wrestling. And it doesn’t stop with WWE, but even with the rival promotion. Forbes ranked AEW overall 3rd Most Valuable Combat Sports Promotions 2024 at $2 Billion behind only WWE ($6.8B) and UFC ($11.3B). For the Jacksonville-based promotion, Shaquille O’Neal turned up to face the ‘American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes.

It was not a regular one-on-one bout; Shaq teamed up with Jade Cargill, another once-in-a-generation athlete. “I’m honored to be her partner and help her get her first win.” And Shaquille O’Neal did exactly that as they came out as victors, but the 4x NBA champion did not stand tall at the end. As Rhodes, with his top rope cross-body dive, took out the 7-foot phenom who ended up going through two tables. 

Even though he ended up being down and out, Tony Khan, owner of AEW, dubbed Shaquille O’Neal as “the greatest celebrity wrestler in wrestling history.” That clip of the Lakers legend has earned over 2.2 million views on YouTube. Not only Rhodes is part of WWE now but is also the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion. So, Shaq certainly has some unfinished business in the squared circle.

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