Update On Shaq Competing At WrestleMania; Conflicting Reports

February 22, 2012

It has been a popular rumor for months that former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal would have some involvement, possibly wrestle in a match, at WrestleMania 28. Some kind of match involving him and Big Show was widely speculated.

As reported earlier this week, Shaq confirmed to Hollywoodlife.com that he would be at WrestleMania 28 in Miami, Florida.

Tuesday night, WWE.com posted a headline that says, "Shaq will not compete at WrestleMania." The article contained a photo of Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show going at it in the ring back in 2009. WWE mentioned Shaq's HollywoodLife.com interview but got the facts wrong. Shaq never said he would be competing, he would only be in attendance. WWE wrote the following:

"Despite Shaquille O’Neal’s claim that he will compete at WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, WWE officials have informed WWE.com that the 15-time NBA All-Star is not scheduled to appear on the card."

Wednesday morning, several readers have sent in word that it was revealed on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike" that Shaq will wrestle Big Show at WrestleMania 28.

We will continue to follow up with the latest and attempt to confirm what O'Neal's status will be for WrestleMania.

Justin is is the Executive Producer and Co-host of "Chair Shot Reality" which airs every weekend on WrestleZone. LaBar also hosts a weekly audio podcast called "Wrestling Reality" which is available for download everywhere. You can now read some of his WWE opinions on upgruv.com. He also is a producer and performer for IWC Wrestling in Pittsburgh which has been a sustained indy company with history dating back to 2001. He is also occasionally featured on NBC Sports and 120 Sports for WWE commentary. He's a former WWE columnist for Bleacher Report and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.