AEW Star Paul Wight (F.K.A. Big Show in WWE) has been wanting to face NBA legend Shaq in a one-on-one match since 2016 when they had their stare-down at WWE’s WrestleMania 32 when O’Neal made his in-ring debut as an entrant in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. It was then discussed that Shaq and AEW’s Paul Wight will be facing each other in a Singles Match at WrestleMania 33, but that never came into fruition.
The NBA legend then competed in his AEW debut match this past March, when he teamed with Jade Cargill to beat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in a Mixed Tag Team Match. Paul Wight, on the other hand, has been competing in 3-On-1 Handicap Matches on Dark: Elevation and he has even defeated QT Marshall at AEW’s All Out Event. Wight recently spoke with Inside The Ropes on how his match against Shaq in WWE almost happened, but they had lack of communication until Shaq became really busy.
Paul Wight also said that the biggest concern was having WWE and Shaq agree on the same thing on what they wanted for their match and WrestleMania is usually a busy time for Shaq, but in AEW things are a lot easier and since the NBA legend has already competed in All Elite Wrestling, a match between Shaq and himself is closer to happening.
This is what Paul Wight said:
“Absolutely. It got very close to happening.” “I think we dropped the ball a little bit on communication. Shaq’s a real busy dude, he’s got a lot going on, a lot of brands. I think the biggest thing was aligning WWE and Shaq for what WWE’s vision was of the match they wanted us to have.”
“Around WrestleMania season it’s usually a tough time for Shaq because there’s basketball going on and a lot of things that occupy his time. I think with AEW we don’t have as much red tape. I mean, Shaq’s already competed in AEW. I think this is an opportunity for us to have that spectacle match and have some fun with it. Honestly, I think it’s closer to happening than it’s ever been.”
Paul Wight then talked about how the biggest pressure is to give the fans a really good match between himself and Shaq if it does happen as he has been prepared for a while now and he’s sure that Shaq is too.
This is what Paul Wight said:
“So now the big problem will be all the pressure that everybody wants to see this, it better be really damn good. If not, I better burn my boots, move to Tibet, and become a monk or something. I mean, I’ve already shaved my head! So there’s a little bit of pressure to make that happen. I’m ready for it. I’m sure Shaq is, too.”
“I know the last time I saw him, he’s been training a lot, working out in the gym, which gives me a little bit of an identity crisis. I’m used to being the big guy and I’m like, ‘Holy crap. He’s going to have like 20 pounds on me now, I’ve got to get my ass in the gym!’”
