WWE's "Wrestlemania 33" pay-per-view card is already shaping up to be quite the event with high-profile matches set to include Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, John Cena, Roman Reigns and possibly The Undertaker. There was another match that had been talked about for months in the WWE "WrestleMania" rumors featuring former basketball star Shaquille O'Neal going toe-to-toe with the "World's Largest Athlete" The Big Show. However, it currently appears that match may not actually be happening despite all of the buildup and Big Show getting into fantastic shape.
Origin of the match
The two monstrous athletes have met in the squared circle several times in the past. There was the time when Shaq was a special guest host for the "Monday Night Raw" television show. During the event, he got involved in a match involving Cryme Tyme and Big Show.
The two came face-to-face once again during the last WWE "WrestleMania" for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. As the two competitors faced off, Kane also stepped up and tried to pull a double chokeslam. However, Shaq and Show fought out of his grasp and hit the move on Kane instead. Moments later, the two were eliminated from the ring by all of the other competitors.
With John Cena hosting the most recent edition of ESPN's "ESPY" Awards show, Big Show was on the red carpet and bumped into Shaq.
The two appeared to be on somewhat friendly terms. Show suggested the two make a match happen and the rumors jumped into high gear. However, the match might not happen after all of that hype.
Shaq backing out?
According to a recent interview that ESPN had with Big Show, the 7-foot pro wrestler is saying Shaq is to blame for the match not happening.
An actual reason wasn't given, but Show went on to constantly bring up how much weight the former NBA star has put on during his post-basketball days. Shaq currently works as a basketball analyst with NBA on TNT covering their games usually on Thursday evenings.
While Shaq has packed on the pounds, Big Show has slimmed down.
The "World's Largest Athlete" put in a serious effort to shed some pounds and get in tremendous shape, even sporting six pack abs in recent photos. Show also participated in an entertaining main event match against another huge competitor on "Raw" when he went against Braun Strowman.
Big Show lost the match, but looked great in the ring and could probably put on another great match at "WrestleMania 33." If it's indeed his last big pay-per-view, it's quite possible WWE will reward him with another Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy before he heads off for other endeavors.
WWE fans, would you still want to see the Big Show vs. Shaq match at "WrestleMania" or should Show be in a different match?