Tony Khan open to bringing back 7-foot giant to AEW
Tony Khan recently addressed the prospect of bringing a 7-foot giant back to AEW. The star in question is none other than Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal is regarded all over the world as a basketball legend. He played for several teams in course of his nineteen-year long career, representing the LA Lakers, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics, among others. Outside of the court, O'Neal has been associated with professional wrestling for some time now. He had even made an appearance at WCW in 1994. More notably, however, O'Neal was featured in WWE in 2009 and then later in 2016 as a participant in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32.
In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal made his debut in AEW on the December 9 episode of Dynamite, sparking off a feud with Cody and Brandi Rhodes. He teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in a mixed tag match on the March 3, 2021, episode of the Wednesday-night show. The tag bout saw The American Nightmare tackle O'Neal through the ring ropes into two tables that had been set up at ringside in a major spot.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Tony Khan revealed his interest in bringing Shaquille O'Neal back to AEW. He praised the 52-year-old legend as one of the all-time greats of basketball, and also dubbed him the best celebrity wrestler in the history of the sport.
“I would love to have Shaq back in AEW any time he’s available. He’s one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, and he’s extremely talented on-air in a number of roles. Shaq is also the greatest celebrity wrestler in wrestling history."
Khan went on to compliment Shaq for his backstage conduct during his appearances in All Elite Wrestling, claiming O'Neal had been respectful and supportive of talent in the company.
"But what people didn’t see is what happened backstage. When he wrestled in AEW, he went around backstage and showed respect to all the wrestlers. He told the wrestlers, ‘I want to make you look good.’ It was unbelievable. That’s the most recognizable athlete on the planet doing that.” [H/T - Sports Illustrated]
Tony Khan announced the AEW debut of Stephanie Vaquer
Stephanie Vaquer will put her NJPW Women's Strong Title on the line against TBS Champion Mercedes Mone in a title-for-title match at Forbidden Door 2024. Ahead of the pay-per-view, La Primera will make her AEW debut on Collision.
Tony Khan recently took to X/Twitter to reveal that Stephanie Vaquer will take on Lady Frost on the upcoming June 29, 2024, episode of Collision. The Saturday-night show will emanate from the KeyBank Center at Buffalo, New York.
It remains to be seen whether The CEO can become a double champion in the UBS Arena at Forbidden Door 2024.