"The Big Aristotle" is eager to step back inside the squared circle, and next year's WrestleMania at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., may be a prime spot to do it.
Soon-to-be Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal shocked the wrestling world at WrestleMania 32 on Sunday when he emerged as a surprise entrant in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He stood in the middle of the ring in a face-to-face confrontation with WWE superstar Big Show, but the remaining participants dumped both giants over the top rope early in the bout, ending their respective shots at earning the prestigious trophy.
During a recent edition of "Inside the NBA," Shaq thanked the McMahon family for inviting him to participate, as he is a life-long wrestling fan who had always wanted to appear at "The Showcase of the Immortals."
He then proceeded to tease a one-on-one match with "The World's Largest Athlete" at WrestleMania 33 on April 2, 2017.
"Next time when I fight Big Show and body slam him over a table, there ain’t gonna be nothing to talk about ... that's going down next year, in Orlando," Shaq said.
The 15-time All-Star and former member of the Orlando Magic wouldn't be the first professional athlete to compete in a high-profile match at WrestleMania. Boxing champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather and NFL linebacker Lawrence Taylor have also taken part in the past.
