Shaquille O’Neal Turns Against Ernie Johnson & TNT Fellas for $25,000 Worth Big Chicken Stakes

Not too long ago, Charles Barkley somewhat threatened Shaquille O’Neal to bring back a crowd favorite. “If somebody told you you couldn’t name a sandwich after me, they’d have fired. Get that on the menu by the end of the weekend.” It took some time, but the name is back on the Big Chicken menu with a difference. This time it’s not only Chuck’s name but the other two hosts of Inside the NBA, and that too with a big prize.

Shaq’s Big Chicken started in 2018, his fast-casual restaurant concept. The idea was simply to provide its bold flavors and oversized portions of food inspired by Shaq’s favorite family recipes. Speaking about family, the Inside gang would be on the menu for a limited time. It’s time for the first-ever “Inside The Sandwich Wars” (“Sandwich Wars”). The fans of the show will be happy to see 4 new BIG sandwiches with a winner not only going home with the bragging rights.

It’s in collaboration with Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. Plus, the fans will be casting their votes for the champion throughout the Sandwich Wars. Apart from the crown of the Sandwich legend, one of the 4 will also receive a $25,000 donation to the winner’s charity of choice. Are you ready to try out the latest sandwich and vote for your favorite? Even Shaq, who is competing in this as a message for you.

“This one’s personal. These are my friends, my colleagues and now, my competition. We’re going head-to-head in the ultimate “‘sandwich playoffs,'” all for our fans and a great cause,” said O’Neal. With crispy chicken being the hero ingredient for the four, let’s look at what different options you get when you buy the sandwich associated with the Emmy-winning show.

For Smith, it’s called ‘Kenny The Jet’ where pepper jack cheese brings the heat. With fried pickles and jalapeno slaw to add the required crunch, and the Carolina BBQ sauce to top it off. For Johnson, it’s called ‘The Ernie’, which has smoky bacon, cheddar cheese curds, and a pile-on of onion tanglers. Not one but two sauces in Chipotle BBQ and Mayo make it the winner. The owner of the chain has his regular ‘Shaq Attack’ that comprises melty pepper jack cheese, fiery jalapeno slaw, and chipotle BBQ. Last but not the list, Charles Barkley, who is making a return on the menu.

‘Sir Charles’ is not only loaded with crispy chicken at the center but Mac & Cheese. But that’s not all, bacon and crispy onions stacked with chipotle BBQ and Big Chicken sauce.

Why Charles Barkley’s previous association came to a halt at Shaquille O’Neal’s restaurant

“I created Big Chicken because I always believed comfort food brings people together, and this lineup takes that to another level. Big flavor, big competition and even bigger impact. Now, that’s what I call a triple double. It’s game time.” Since 2018, it has expanded to 40 locations in operation and 350-plus in development. It also features Shaq’s mother’s Mac and Cheese called Cheez-It-crusted delight. Plus, Uncle Jerome after his bodyguard, who puts hot sauce on everything. That’s why a Charles Barkley on the menu isn’t out of the ordinary.

The name of the sandwich was after the 76ers legend, it had mac and cheese, crispy fried onions, and roasted garlic barbecue aioli. For reference, Shaquille O’Neal described it as “sloppy,” just like its namesake. But the name was no longer on the menu, since Sir Charles signed a deal with a $11.9 million brand, Subway. Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern, on ES Fancast, confirmed that the Charles Barkley Sandwich was dropped in 2021 after Barkley’s deal.

Now it goes by, Big and Sloppy. But earlier this year, the TNT analyst made an announcement regarding his deal. “Subway. Thank you… My deal with Subway is ending.” That’s how Shaq’s best friend is back on the menu, albeit for a limited time.