Cody Rhodes Says Shaquille O’Neal Has The Wrestling Bug, Is Surprised When People Doubt Him

Shaquille O’Neal stepped into a wrestling ring for his second match ever on the March 3 episode of AEW Dynamite, teaming with Jade Cargill against Cody Rhodes & Red Velvet.

Shaq created high expectations ahead of the bout, saying it would be the best celebrity wrestling match ever. While it may or may not have lived up to those expectations, it certainly garnered headlines thanks to Shaq taking a table bump.

Speaking on Action Sports Jax, Cody Rhodes discussed the bout and wondered why he was doubted going into it.

“I know people were skeptical, and I understand why. I’m part of the hardcore audience and love pure wrestling, but I love doing things that have a hook to them and a sizzle to them that help drive pure wrestling. The same show Shaq was on, also featured Tully Blanchard. I’m surprised when people doubt me. I don’t mean to sound braggadocious, but I don’t go into anything without a game plan and being extremely organized. I assumed a lot of responsibility with a new talent in Jade, an untested talent in Red Velvet, and Shaq, who is not a wrestler. After it was over, I can tell you, [Shaq] has the bug. The one thing I did tell him, and we didn’t talk much, but I told him, ‘I think you’re a wrestler now.’ I meant that. There are matches people want to see, he took training very seriously, he brings eyes to our product and perhaps those eyes stay and watch the pure wrestling,” he said.

Shaq was hauled off into an ambulance after the match but magically disappeared when the doors re-opened. It is unknown if Shaq will return to AEW.

Elsewhere during the podcast, Cody discussed NXT potentially move to Tuesday nights. You can find his full comments by clicking here.

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