Shaquille O’Neal Loses to Charles Barkley in 2023 Rankings as NBA on TNT Co-Host Steals TV Limelight

Just when you think it fizzled out, TNT’s contenders for the PowerSlap of the decade have more ammo to fuel them. Shaquille O’Neal will be very upset that his arch-nemesis has outranked him on a prestigious list. More prestigious than Shaq being the ninth Sexiest Bald Man in the world (or South Africa). You can argue about that list but you can’t deny Charles Barkley earned his spot here.

Complex ranked the 25 Most Entertaining Sports Media Personalities Right Now as 2023 comes to a close. The combination of Shaq + Chuck is TNT’s goldmine. It’s why both made it to the list. But we’ve come to discover O’Neal is peculiar about the position. So he might feel offended he ranks at No.5 while Chuck ranks two spots above him at No. 3.

The list is a reflection of the change in the sportscasting scene. Analysts are commanding salaries as high as the top-earning players. Chuck’s total NBA earnings were around $40 million. His contract extension with TNT is $100 million alone.

Complex compiled the list based on the entertaining personas that attract fans to the show with more than just sports opinions. And Chuck wouldn’t be on this list if not for Shaq. Their banter, back-and-forth, declaring slap showdowns, and refuting each other’s opinions, make them the cat-and-dog duo everyone loves to watch on TNT.

Their most viral moments on Inside the NBA have been through their combined antics. After all, it’s not an episode of Inside the NBA unless Shaq threatens to knock Chuck out. Of course, Sir Charles doesn’t need much help being memorable when he’s having malapropisms on live TV and holding controversial opinions.

WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal Surprises “Dummy” Charles Barkley on New Show Premiere With Mystery Call

Pat McAfee at No.4 is the buffer between both. O’Neal won’t be too bitter about him since he was fawning over his good looks recently. But the top 2 might grate his nerves.

Charles Barkley helped No. 1 earn his spot

Taking the top 2 spots are First Take colleagues, Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith. We saw the Chuck-Shaq-Stephen A. dynamic we wanted when ESPN and TNT had a blended broadcast for the In-Season tournament. The top 5 spots are well-deserved, but Sharpe might say he owes the top spot to Charles Barkley.

More than once, the former NFL pro credited Barkley for his successful transition to media. “When I saw Charles Barkley could be himself, could talk with the dialect that he had, was unapologetically not afraid to make fun of himself, I said, ‘I could do that,'” Sharpe revealed. He is the unfiltered, LeBron-crazy, sports-talking uncle which earned him a spot on top.

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal’s Eldest Daughter Pens Heartwarming Message For Mom’s Special Day

What do you think about these rankings and would you change any of them?