It appears that former NBA star and current TNT basketball analyst Shaquille O'Neal could have some on-screen involvement with AEW as a potential beef with Cody Rhodes has been teased.

O'Neal, who won four NBA Championships - three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat - was backstage for Full Gear on the weekend. His being employed by Dynamite broadcasters TNT makes for an easy string of appearances where AEW is concerned. And it wouldn't be the first time The Diesel was involved in a wrestling angle.

Previously: Chris Jericho Inspires Comical Wrestling Match Between Shaq & Charles Barkley [VIDEO]

Shaq was part of WWE's Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 and his standoff with Big Show should have marked the buildup of a singles match. However, it never came to fruition, despite both of them openly pining for a fight.

According to Dave Meltzer (H/T WrestleTalk), Shaq felt WWE wasn't willing to pay him the sum initially offered but WWE actually had their own reservations. Meltzer claimed WWE felt that Shaq was out of shape and was unwilling to train.

This wouldn't be the first time Shaq has been accused of being out of shape either. The former center has openly admitted he could have taken care of his body better during the latter years of his NBA career. Prior to his tragic death in a helicopter crash earlier this year, former teammate Kobe Bryant also claimed the Lakers would have probably won 12 rings with their pairing had the towering star put more effort into training.

Shaq Really Wants Cody Rhodes

An AEW match now appears to be in the making, although no details have emerged as yet. Back in August, Shaq indicated his willingness to fight Rhodes. “I’d love to fight Cody," he declared during an episode of TNT's Inside the NBA. "Write it. Print it. Text it to him. Call AEW up and tell them.”

Shaq returning to the ring is certainly an exciting prospect but we'll have to wait to hear more on any developments pointing to a showdown.

Next: Jim Ross Theorizes Reason Hardy Boyz Won't Go Into WWE Hall Of Fame

Source: WrestleTalk