RARE: Young Shaquille O’Neal “Runs Wild” With WWE Legend Hulk Hogan in Iconic Photo

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was ringside at the first-ever Bash at the Beach PPV in WCW when Hulk Hogan defeated Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Eventually, the Lakers’ legend presented the title to the Hulkster after his win against the Nature Boy. Shaquille O’Neal has made a name for himself as being perhaps the most active NBA legend outside of the league.

Even though it is common these days to see Shaq in different sports settings. However, back in 1994, Shaq appeared alongside Hulk Hogan and shot a promotional video for Hogan’s big bout against Flair, prior to the start of the 1994-95 NBA season.

Shaquille O’Neal hyping up Hulk Hogan in 1994

Interestingly, Shaq dressed up exactly like Hogan, sporting the same colored bandana and the iconic red and yellow ‘Hulkamania’ outfit.

The young Shaq stood at ringside for the entire match and he even handed the title to the Hulkster after he successfully defeated the Nature Boy at the show.

Little did anyone know, this sparked Shaq’s interest in the world of pro-wrestling and, down the line, Shaq made multiple appearances for WWE.

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However, it was in AEW where Shaq’s dream to be a pro-wrestler got fulfilled when he faced the reigning TNT champion Cody Rhodes in a brutal street fight in AEW.

It is funny to think that Shaq’s journey in the pro-wrestling began in WCW of all places. However, back in the 90s, WCW was high on bringing celebrities with non-wrestling backgrounds.

Former WCW writer Vince Russo even put the WCW Championship on Hollywood actor David Arquette, a decision which is still not popular amongst the wrestling fans.

However, in 1994, Bash at the Beach PPV was filled with star-studded performers like Mr. T, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, and Shaquille O’Neal standing at ringside for the final bout of the event.

The Lakers’ legend has made it clear that he still wants to be a pro-wrestler and since then has teased a long-awaited bout with AEW’s Paul Wight, fka The Big Show.

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Would you like to see the two behemoths collide in the ring? Let us know in the comments who will win between the two.