Shaquille O’Neal ticks all the boxes. There’s nothing he can’t do. Basketball, football, DJing, and yes, even wrestling. As an avid wrestling fan, he couldn’t resist trying his hand inside the ring with AEW. But, even after a bizarre and mysterious exit from AEW Dynamite, The Crossroads, which left fans baffled, there is still hope for his return.

In a conversation on The Dan Le Batard Show, AEW president Tony Khan hinted that O’Neal’s mysterious exit was the most fitting setup for a potential comeback whenever he chooses. 

Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic AEW debut match

Back in 2021, O’Neal left the entire fan base gasping when he teamed up with Jade Cargill to battle against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in Jacksonville, Florida. The Big Aristotle’s athleticism was at its peak as he dominated in the first half. However, the match soon took an unexpected turn.

Watching two giants, Rhodes and O’Neal crash through a table was scary, and the latter appeared pretty much knocked out. Following this, he was seen being carried out on a stretcher. But of course, there was a Shaq twist. He mysteriously disappeared from the ambulance, leaving many anticipating his return.

The ending makes much more sense as Mr. Khan finally shines the light on it. “I don’t think it serves us well to close the loop because I think Shaq wanted to leave it open-ended for him to come back. He saw that being a really good cliffhanger to a return, and I think he’s right,” Tony Khan said, via EWRESTLINGNEWS.

He also shared how the Lakers legend will come back when he is fit enough. He added, “When Shaq is ready to wrestle again, that will be a perfect entry point for him to return to the world of professional wrestling. We loved having Shaq in AEW.”

This was one of the most successful efforts to promote AEW. But, it wouldn’t have happened without O’Neal’s partner in the matchup.

Jade Cargill emphasized her role in Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic debut matchup

It was also Cargill’s debut match, and she was the one who convinced The Big Aristotle to make his wrestling debut. While Shaquille O’Neal is indeed fond of wrestling, it might not have happened without her influence. However, many criticized Cargill’s promotions, noting that she was fortunate to have O’Neal by her side for her debut. 

In response, Cargill wrote “I introduced Shaq to AEW. Moron. He would have NEVER did that match with anyone else. Facts.” Of course, Cargill played a significant role in the match, but O’Neal was also highly motivated and confident in his abilities. 

In an urge to hype up the viewers and his opponents, the Los Angeles Lakers legend addressed his wrestling matchup and said, “I’m the type, I can never back down from a challenge. I’m not a professional wrestler, but I’ve been in a match before. I’ve got a lot of moves in my arsenal.” Like he said, O’Neal and Cargill won the tag team match. And if Tony Khan is right, we might soon see O’Neal back in action.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.