Shaquille O’Neal will wrestle for AEW, but it won’t be on pay-per-view. The company made the big announcement during Beach Break that Shaq will team with Jade Cargill to take on Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on March 3rd, days prior to their Revolution pay-per-view. That caused some questions.
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During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that Shaq can’t work the March 7th pay-per-view because it conflicts with the NBA All-Star game. They needed to make a consideration for that commitment, so AEW booked his match for the go-home episode of Dynamite prior to the pay-per-view.
“March 7th is the All-Star game, so he couldn’t do the pay-per-view because it’s the same day as the All-Star game, so it’s gonna be on Dynamite. If nothing else one would think this would draw a good television rating.”
It was noted that Shaq’s previous AEW appearances “have done very well.” It will be interesting to see how much involvement Shaq has in a match like this. The mixed tag element will obviously provide a much larger spotlight for the women in the match.
WWE passed on Shaquille O’Neal vs The Big Show because they didn’t feel as though Shaq was serious about it. Now AEW has the chance to book him in a very interesting match that is sure to bring extra eyeballs to the product.
Transcription by Ringside News