“It Will Die Soon Enough”: Fans Join Shaquille O’Neal In Bidding Farewell to 41 Year Long WWE Stint of $4.8 Billion Rich Family

A new era is set to begin at WWE. Even Shaquille O’Neal is sad about it. Vince McMahon’s dominance in the wrestling world will soon come to an end. One of the longtime wrestling fans who grew up with McMahon’s WWE is NBA legend Shaq. He is one of the few celebrities who had the opportunity to cross over into the wrestling business, and he’s personally acquainted with the 78-year-old.

WWE Raw wrapped its final broadcast under Vince McMahon’s reign on Monday, September 11. Ahead of it, Shaq reminded his Instagram followers to not miss the historic event. Fans couldn’t miss reacting to this major change in the wrestling space along with the basketball legend.

Shaquille O’Neal and fans deal with changes at WWE

Starting Tuesday, McMahon and his family won’t be directly involved in the operations. Vince McMahon has been a dominant figure in sports entertainment since he took over from his father in 1982. For over four decades, WWE fans have grown up on the $4.8 billion worth family-managed wrestling show. Shaq shared a reminder on his Instagram stories to not miss McMahon’s last Raw broadcast.

“The #WWE and Endeavor deal will finally be completed tomorrow. This means that this week’s episode of #MondayNightRAW will be the last-ever edition of a McMahon-owned RAW. The end of an era,” the original post read.

It is a known fact that the aura of O’Neal cannot be confined within the realms of the NBA itself. The basketball legend has made quite a number of appearances in the squared circle for WWE as well as other promotions. Shaq is always hungry for success and he wanted to entertain the WWE Universe to the fullest. Thus, while prepping for his 2016 WrestleMania appearance, the 7 feet 1inch NBA legend wanted the 6’1  WWE superstar, Road Dogg, to choke slam him through a table.

However, McMahon completely shut the requests down. He also requested for a showdown with The Big Show, which was scrapped as well. Nevertheless, like O’Neal, several wrestling fans had mixed reactions to the changing times.

Watch This Story | Eyes Set on Buying Florida-Based NBA Team, Millionaire Shaquille O’Neal Now Linked With 3 Billion Dollar Deal

Fans remain nostalgic about WWE: “They better go out with a bang”

One user got nostalgic: “good memories of the raw era havnt watched in years tho.” Another fan found the timing of the announcement, “interesting day to have done…”

“Step 2 for Vince idk what’s the long game but he’ll win like always,” said another, commenting on the 78-year-old’s future. A fan chimed in, writing, “Well then they better go out with a bang then if you ask me.”

One user stated that it was the end of an era, “Oh wow, that’s definitely the end of an era,” while another fan expressed concerns about the future of WWE, commenting, “If Vince ain’t running it, it will die soon enough.” After all, he has been associated with the promotion for the longest time and many can’t think of WWE without McMahon. He was with the promotion for almost 41 years.

There was one fan who didn’t seem to be very happy about the merger: “I’m done watching thank you for the memories creative will be garbage.”

READ MORE: Despite Heartbreaking FIBA Loss, Luka Doncic’s Iconic Feat Gains Shaquille O’Neal’s Silent Approval

Apart from WWE, Shaq has ventured into other wrestling promotions as well. He made his debut in 1994, after appearing in a promo alongside Hulk Hogan. He later presented the Hulkster with the belt after he won against Ric Flair at Bash at the Beach PPV. His other appearances include a 2013 backstage segment in Impact Wrestling and 2020 AEW Dynamite.

Do you think WWE will retain their flair in the post-McMahon era? Do let us know.