The Big Show will attempt to become the first man to win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal twice when he competes at WrestleMania 33 in Orlando. His entrance in the match was announced Monday on RAW.
What that means is the long anticipated, but never announced match between The Big Show and basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal won’t be happening, barring a last-minute change.
As recently as two weeks ago, O’Neal said on his podcast that the bout was “not looking good” and “it ain’t my fault.” Big Show told The Sporting News that the situation was “above his pay grade” and “between Shaq and WWE.”
The potential bout had been building since last year’s WrestleMania when O’Neal was a surprise entrant in the Battle Royal and confronted The Big Show. Show challenged Shaq at the ESPYs in July and the two have exchanged jabs on social media about their training since.
Show has recently lost more than 70 pounds and is in the best shape he’s been in recent years.
Show joins Apollo Crews and Mojo Rawley as announced participants for the Battle Royal.
WrestleMania is April 2 at Camping World Stadium.
AP
On Monday, WWE confirmed that Roman Reigns will face The Undertaker at WrestleMania in a match that has been building since January’s Royal Rumble and was solidified on RAW last week.
The RAW tag team title match also was set with the teams of Enzo and Big Cass and Sheamus and Cesaro to challenge champions Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Anderson and Gallows interfered in the No. 1 contenders match Monday night, leading to a disqualification and setting up the triple threat match.
The rest of the card as announced to this point:
- WWE Universal championship: Goldberg defends against Brock Lesnar
- WWE Championship: Bray Wyatt defends against Randy Orton
- RAW women’s championship: Bayley defends against Sasha Banks and Charlotte
- SmackDown women’s championship: Alexa Bliss defends against every available female on the SmackDown roster
- U.S. Championship: Chris Jericho defends against Kevin Owens
Expect additional matches to be solidified Tuesday night on SmackDown Live and 205 Live, but expected bouts are:
- Triple H vs. Seth Rollins (this one is happening after the confrontation between the two on RAW)
- A.J. Styles vs. Shane McMahon
- John Cena and Nikki Bella vs. The Miz and Maryse
- Intercontinental Championship: Dean Ambrose defends against Baron Corbin
- Cruiserweight Championship: Neville defends against Austin Aries
- Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor