The world of wrestling and basketball often go hand in hand. Over the years, many NBA stars have made the move from the court to the mat, birthing various iconic moments. One such iconic moment was during the 1998 NBA finals when Dennis Rodman took a 48-hour vacation and ended up on Monday Night Nitro! Rodman even teamed up with the legend Hulk Hogan. The duo took down fellow NBA star Karl Malone and wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. Another star with an affinity for wrestling is Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal.

The big man has made various appearances across multiple promotions, ranging from WCW, WWE and most recently with AEW. The NBA legend has always appreciated the world of entertainment wrestling. And with the love going both ways, Hulk Hogan once invaded Michael Jordan’s territory to help the big man.

Hulk Hogan comes to Shaq’s rescue after beating WCW monster

During an NBA game between the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls in the May of 1995. WCW star Hulk Hogan made an appearance in the Orlando Arena.  Fresh off his victory over 6’5 monster Vader in WCW, Hogan made his presence known to the Florida crowd as he took the microphone for a monologue. Explaining his reasons for being in the building in the most Hulk Hogan manner, the Immortal replied, “Well, you know something brother I just saw Shaq dunk that ball brother. And that’s why I am here brother.”

Continuing to speak in favor of Shaq, The Real American had no love for either of the teams as he slandered them to show love for Big Diesel. Hogan stated that he was there to make sure there was a “fair game“.

“If the Bulls go out of line or the Magic takes advantage of the Bulls, the hometown. I will body slam both teams on the court.”

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When asked if he had Shaq’s back that night, Hogan replied, “I got Shaq’s back because I won the WCW title right in this building and Shaq was watching my back when I was here.”

Hulkmania even wore his jersey to support Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal has many wrestling moments

Shaquille O’Neal has been an avid fan of entertainment wrestling for a long time now.

He was first seen alongside Hulk Hogan during the ‘Bash at the Beach Paper view’ where Shaq presented the WCW World Heavyweight Championship belt to the Hulkster.

The big man also hosted an episode of ‘Monday Night Raw’ in 2009 where he got into a feud with the Big Show.

The former MVP’s next appearance would be in 2016 when he took part in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32.

Even more recently, in 2021 Shaq defeated Cody Rhodes in AEW Dynamite. With various stints in the business across multiple promotions which of Shaq’s appearances do you find most iconic?

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