The Undertaker, Shaquille O’Neal and Butterbean Bonded Over Boxing During the Infamous ‘Fight of the Millennium’

The Undertaker is definitely one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. He had a legendary career in WWE especially because he was always in character. The Phenom rarely, if ever broke character throughout his run in WWE as an active superstar. It is only after his retirement in 2020 that he has let go a bit and appears at different places without being in character.

This was especially the case back in the 1990s when kayfabe was alive and well. The Phenom stayed in character even outside the ring during this period. Hence, it is so shocking to see The Deadman having a blast with NBA Legend, Shaquille O’ Neal, and Boxing superstar, Butterbean.

This photo was clicked back in 1999 when The Deadman went to watch the “fight of the millennium” Oscar De La Hoya vs. Félix Trinidad. This picture unites three different worlds of WWE, NBA, and Boxing. These three men are each one of the most popular athletes in their respective sports. Shaquille O’ Neal may be the NBA legend, but even The Undertaker has some experience in basketball.

The Undertaker used to play basketball

It is relatively less known, but The Undertaker used to play professional basketball. The Phenom is a superb athlete and his matches prove that. But before joining WWE, The Undertaker also had a prolific basketball career.

The Undertaker looks almost unrecognizable here, and he was a skilled player. He played for the Texas Wesleyan University basketball team. He was offered to play professionally in France, but he pursued his love for wrestling. Maybe one day we can get a small match between The Undertaker and Shaquille O’ Neal. However, Shaq himself has crossed over worlds and appeared at WWE WrestleMania. Shaq’s not alone in that endeavor as Butterbean even had a match at WrestleMania.

Shaquille O’Neal and Butterbean in WWE

Shaq has appeared in WWE a few times. His most famous appearance was when he entered ‘The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal’ at WrestleMania 32. Shaq got into a confrontation with the Big Show, and both gigantic men eliminated almost all other WWE Superstars in the match. They had a brief bout before they got eliminated by everyone else left in the match. Shaq also appeared on Raw in a segment with Chris Jericho.

Butterbean also graced the squared circle at WrestleMania 15 and participated in a boxing match against the ‘Brawl for All’ Champion in WWE, Bart Gunn.

Read more: The Undertaker Reveals the Priceless Advice Vince McMahon Gave Him to be Successful in WWE

The Brawl for All was WWE’s attempt to include real fighting in their product. Wrestlers boxed each other for real in the WWE ring, but the idea did not gain favor with the fans. However, Butterbean still knocked out the Brawl for All Champion in a matter of moments.

It’s always exciting to see the worlds of different sports come together. Perhaps one day we will see a recreation of the photo by the three legendary athletes.

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