Paul Wight vs. Shaquille O'Neal in AEW is still a possibility.
The former WWE Superstar known as The Big Show, now performing under his real name of Paul Wight, recently spoke with Inside The Ropes for an in-depth interview featured in issue number 13 of their magazine.
During the discussion, the giant pro wrestling star spoke about wanting a match against the giant basketball star, why it never came together in WWE despite teases in the past and why it is still a possibility in AEW.
Featured below are some of the highlights from the interview where he touches on these topics and more with his thoughts.
On wanting a match with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, why it didn't happen in WWE and how it's still a possibility in AEW: "Absolutely. It got very close to happening. I think we dropped the ball a little bit on communication. Shaq’s a real busy dude, he’s got a lot going on, a lot of brands. I think the biggest thing was aligning WWE and Shaq for what WWE’s vision was of the match they wanted us to have. Around WrestleMania season it’s usually a tough time for Shaq because there’s basketball going on and a lot of things that occupy his time. I think with AEW we don’t have as much red tape. I mean, Shaq’s already competed in AEW. I think this is an opportunity for us to have that spectacle match and have some fun with it. Honestly, I think it’s closer to happening than it’s ever been."
On the task of living up to the expectations of hype and anticipation surrounding a potential match between himself and Shaq: "So now the big problem will be all the pressure that everybody wants to see this, it better be really damn good. If not, I better burn my boots, move to Tibet, and become a monk or something. I mean, I’ve already shaved my head! So there’s a little bit of pressure to make that happen. I’m ready for it. I’m sure Shaq is, too. I know the last time I saw him, he’s been training a lot, working out in the gym, which gives me a little bit of an identity crisis. I’m used to being the big guy and I’m like, ‘Holy crap. He’s going to have like 20 pounds on me now, I’ve got to get my ass in the gym!'"
Check out the complete interview at ITRWrestling.com.
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