Editing Shaquille O'Neal (section)

===Professional wrestling===
[[File:WrestleMania WrestleMania 32 April 2016 (4x5 cropped).jpg|thumb|O'Neal (left) facing [[Big Show]] during the [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania 32]] in [[Arlington, Texas]], in April 2016]]
A lifelong [[professional wrestling]] fan, O'Neal has made numerous appearances at televised events over the years for four different promotions.<ref name= shaqaewdebut>{{cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-shaq-first-appearance-aew-dynamite-ends-brandi-rhodes-throwing-water-video/|title=Watch: Shaq's First Appearance on AEW Dynamite Ended Badly|first=Connor|last=Casey|publisher=Comic Book.com|date=December 9, 2020|access-date= December 9, 2020|archive-date= December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210020646/https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-shaq-first-appearance-aew-dynamite-ends-brandi-rhodes-throwing-water-video/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/shaquille-oneal-cody-rhodes-aew/|title=Shaquille O'Neal Wants To Wrestle Cody Rhodes In AEW|work=[[Pro Wrestling Sheet]]|first=Ryan|last=Satin|author-link=Ryan Satin|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118015241/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/shaquille-oneal-cody-rhodes-aew/|url-status=live}}</ref> His favorite wrestlers are [[Tony Atlas]], [[Junkyard Dog]], [[André the Giant]], and [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/shaq-attack-oneal-ready-to-rumble-in-tag-match-for-aew|title=Shaq Attack: O'Neal ready to rumble in tag match for AEW|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[National Basketball Association]]|first=Dan|last=Gelston|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303174432/https://www.nba.com/news/shaq-attack-oneal-ready-to-rumble-in-tag-match-for-aew|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, O'Neal made several appearances in [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), including at the [[Bash at the Beach (1994)|Bash at the Beach pay per view]], where he presented the title belt to the winner of the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] match between [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/sports/heres-a-portrait-of-shaquille-oneal-and-hulk-hogan-in-new-york-city-on-911|title=Here's A Portrait Of Shaquille O'Neal And Hulk Hogan In New York City On 9/11|date=October 24, 2012|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404021336/http://uproxx.com/sports/heres-a-portrait-of-shaquille-oneal-and-hulk-hogan-in-new-york-city-on-911/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2009, O'Neal served as the guest host for a live broadcast of [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE)'s ''[[Monday Night Raw]]''. As part of the show, O'Neal got into a physical altercation with seven-foot-tall wrestler [[Big Show]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hosts-Monday-Night-Raw-gets-?urn=nba,179212|title=Shaquille O'Neal hosts 'Monday Night Raw,' gets physical|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908065310/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hosts-Monday-Night-Raw-gets-?urn=nba,179212|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2012, O'Neal made a guest appearance on [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA)'s ''[[Impact Wrestling (TV series)|Impact Wrestling]]'' program, where he had a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_65371.shtml#.VwwO2fkrKM8|title= Shaq one-segment appearance, TV Title status, next week's theme, more|website= pwtorch.com|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424231528/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_65371.shtml#.VwwO2fkrKM8|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2016, O'Neal participated in his first-ever match, when he was a surprise celebrity entry in the [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania 32]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/article/shaquille-oneal-wrestlemania-32-battle-royal|title=Shaquille O'Neal entered the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114184332/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/article/shaquille-oneal-wrestlemania-32-battle-royal|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal eliminated [[Damien Sandow]], and had another confrontation with Big Show before being eliminated himself by most of the other wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/from-the-network-wwe-wrestlemania-32|title=Diot's WWE WrestleMania 32 Review |website= 411mania.com|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306060642/http://411mania.com/wrestling/from-the-network-wwe-wrestlemania-32/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July at the [[2016 ESPY Awards]] on the red carpet, Big Show and O'Neal had another brief confrontation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/7/13/12184782/big-show-challenges-shaq-wrestlemania-33-match-espy-awards|title=Show challenges Shaq to a match at WrestleMania 33|first=Geno|last=Mrosko|date=July 13, 2016|website= Cageside Seats| access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114185022/https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/7/13/12184782/big-show-challenges-shaq-wrestlemania-33-match-espy-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> A match was proposed for [[WrestleMania 33]], which O'Neal accepted.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/07/14/shaquille-oneal-accepts-wrestlemania-challenge-from-big-show/|title=Shaquille O'Neal accepts WrestleMania challenge from Big Show|last=Bieler|first=Dan|newspaper= [[The Washington Post]]|date=July 16, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822072656/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/07/14/shaquille-oneal-accepts-wrestlemania-challenge-from-big-show/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wsvn.com/entertainment/wwes-big-show-talks-to-deco-teases-wrestlemania-33/|title=WWE's Big Show talks to Deco, teases WrestleMania 33|date=November 16, 2016| last=Van Vliet| first= Chris|work= [[WSVN]].com |access-date=January 10, 2017|author-link=Chris Van Vliet|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112175544/http://wsvn.com/entertainment/wwes-big-show-talks-to-deco-teases-wrestlemania-33/| url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017, the two began calling each other out on social media, posting workout videos of themselves preparing for the potential match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/shaquille-oneal-challenges-big-show-2017?sf50055059=1|title=Shaquille O'Neal calls out Big Show|date=January 10, 2017|work=WWE|access-date=January 10, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112185420/http://www.wwe.com/article/shaquille-oneal-challenges-big-show-2017?sf50055059=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/big-show-new-physique-prepares-for-wrestlemania?sf51049510=1|title=Big Show tweets out his incredible physique as he prepares for WrestleMania|date=January 15, 2017|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325042559/http://www.wwe.com/article/big-show-new-physique-prepares-for-wrestlemania?sf51049510=1|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks of discussion, the match was cancelled. According to [[Dave Meltzer]] of ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'', the match was canceled due to monetary reasons, as both parties could not agree on a deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/2017/03/14/reason-why-wwe-canceled-shaq-vs-big-show-at-wrestlemania-33/|title=Reason why WWE canceled Shaq vs Big Show at WrestleMania 33|date=March 14, 2017|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|work=Gerweck.net|access-date=March 20, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824012157/http://www.gerweck.net/2017/03/14/reason-why-wwe-canceled-shaq-vs-big-show-at-wrestlemania-33/|url-status=live}}</ref> Big Show later stated it was scheduling issues on O'Neal's part that caused the cancellation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/prowrestling/big-show-wwe-interview-destiny-2-braun-strowman/5/|title=Big Show Thinks Braun Strowman Will Be One Of The All-Time Greats|date= January 12, 2018|access-date= January 14, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232018/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/big-show-wwe-interview-destiny-2-braun-strowman/|url-status= live}}</ref>

On the November 11, 2020 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'', [[Jade Cargill]] interrupted [[Cody Rhodes]] and teased the arrival of O'Neal in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jade-cargill-makes-debut-aew-dynamite-teases-arrival-shaquille-o-neal|title=Jade Cargill Makes Debut On AEW Dynamite, Teases The Arrival Of Shaquille O'Neal|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date= November 11, 2020|access-date= November 11, 2020|archive-date= November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035537/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jade-cargill-makes-debut-aew-dynamite-teases-arrival-shaquille-o-neal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941|title=Shaquille O'Neal AEW debut teased on Dynamite|work= [[Figure Four Online]]|first=Ethan|last= Renner|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date= November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031820/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941|url-status=live}}</ref> He made a cameo appearance on ''[[Being The Elite]]'' and it was later confirmed that O'Neal had been appearing backstage at recent AEW tapings, including [[Full Gear (2020)|Full Gear]].<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Mv-30qYoQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/b6Mv-30qYoQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title="Full Gear Fall Out" – Being The Elite Ep. 229|publisher=[[Being The Elite]]|website= [[YouTube]]|date=November 9, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|time=21:50–22:00}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/shaquille-oneal-was-backstage-at-aew-full-gear/|title=Shaquille O'Neal Was Backstage At AEW Full Gear|first=Louis|last=Dangoor|publisher=WrestleTalk|date=November 12, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113071452/https://wrestletalk.com/news/shaquille-oneal-was-backstage-at-aew-full-gear/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1211568-shaquille-oneal-young-bucks-standing-ovation-aew|title=The Young Bucks: Shaq Gave Us A Standing Ovation For FTR Match, His AEW Appearance Will Bring New Fans|work=Wrestlezone|first=Bill|last=Pritchard|date=November 29, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129163312/https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1211568-shaquille-oneal-young-bucks-standing-ovation-aew|url-status=live}}</ref> He appeared on the December 9 episode of ''AEW Dynamite'' and addressed AEW in a sit-down interview with [[Tony Schiavone]] and [[Brandi Rhodes]].<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=AEW|number=1336158927881383940|title=BREAKING NEWS @Shaq addresses #AEW with @tonyschiavone24! Watch #AEWDynamite this Wednesday night on @TNTDrama 8e/7c or http://AEWPlus.com by @FiteTV for our International fans. #AEWonTNT|author=All Elite Wrestling|author-link=All Elite Wrestling|date= December 7, 2020|access-date= December 7, 2020}}</ref> At the end of the interview, O'Neal got water thrown on him by Brandi after telling her to get pointers from Cargill, who had broken Brandi's arm several weeks ago.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=BleacherReport|number= 1336854621541736454|title=.@SHAQ's first appearance on AEW was comedy Rolling on the floor laughing *NSFW*|author=Bleacher Report| author-link= Bleacher Report|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191|title=Brandi Rhodes throws water, swears at Shaq on AEW Dynamite|work=[[Figure Four Online]]|first=Josh|last=Nason|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217063725/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 3, 2021 episode of ''AEW Dynamite'' titled [[List of AEW Dynamite special episodes|The Crossroads]], O'Neal teamed with [[Jade Cargill]] to defeat [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Red Velvet (wrestler)|Red Velvet]]. During the match, O'Neal paid tribute to [[Brodie Lee]] with his signature gesture and powerbomb and was driven through two tables by Cody, who hit O'Neal with a flying crossbody tackle as O'Neal was standing on the ring apron, knocking O'Neal through the tables that were set up at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/watch-shaq-goes-through-tables-wins-in-mixed-tag-team-match-on-aew-014337212.html|title=Watch: Shaq goes through tables, wins in mixed tag-team match on AEW|work=[[Yahoo]]|first=Anthony|last=Sulla-Heffinger|date=March 3, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174212/https://www.yahoo.com/now/watch-shaq-goes-through-tables-wins-in-mixed-tag-team-match-on-aew-014337212.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/shaquille-oneal-on-aew-shaq-goes-through-a-table-and-picks-up-a-win-in-his-all-elite-wrestling-debut/|title=Shaquille O'Neal on AEW: Shaq goes through a table and picks up a win in his All Elite Wrestling debut|work=[[CBS Sports]]|first=Shanna|last=McCarriston|date=March 3, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304022526/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/shaquille-oneal-on-aew-shaq-goes-through-a-table-and-picks-up-a-win-in-his-all-elite-wrestling-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref>