Tony Khan Eyes Shaq’s Return to AEW, Announces New Championship at Full Gear
AEW President Tony Khan has publicly expressed his desire to bring NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal back to the wrestling promotion, while simultaneously unveiling plans for a new championship title to be contested at the upcoming Full Gear event.
Khan revealed his preference for O’Neal during a recent appearance at Sportico’s Invest in Sports: New York event. When asked which celebrity he would most like to see compete in an AEW ring, Khan stated, “For me, the best person we had and I would love for him to come back any time, would be Shaq.”
O’Neal previously wrestled in AEW on March 3, 2021, teaming with Jade Cargill against Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on an episode of Dynamite. Cargill secured the victory for their team after both O’Neal and Rhodes dramatically crashed through two tables outside the ring.
New AEW National Championship to Debut at Full Gear
Beyond potential celebrity appearances, Khan also announced the introduction of a new AEW National Championship. The inaugural champion will be crowned in a Casino Gauntlet match at Full Gear, scheduled for November 22 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
However, the announcement has not been without its critics. A company release noted that AEW has faced some backlash due to the existing NWA National Heavyweight Championship, currently held by Mike World. The potential for confusion between the two titles has sparked debate among wrestling fans.
The introduction of a new championship signifies Khan’s continued ambition to expand AEW’s offerings and create new storylines within the promotion. The success of the AEW National Championship will likely depend on its integration into existing narratives and the caliber of competitors vying for the title.
