When Shaquille O’Neal ‘Choked Out’ WWE Icon Hulk Hogan in a Wild TV Show Promo Moment

The world of sports and entertainment often collide, creating unforgettable moments that live on in pop culture history. One such moment came in the mid-1990s, when NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan teamed up for a television promo that fans still recall with a smile.

Hulk Hogan: Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Phenomenon

Hulk Hogan, who sadly passed away recently, was more than just a wrestling superstar—he was a household name and a cultural icon. Rising to fame in the 1980s, Hogan became the face of pro wrestling, captivating audiences with his charisma and larger-than-life persona. His influence extended far beyond the wrestling ring, making him a fixture in American pop culture.

Hogan’s Foray into Television: ‘Thunder in Paradise’

By 1994, Hogan sought to expand his influence beyond wrestling, much like his colleague Ric Flair. He starred in the action-adventure comedy series ‘Thunder in Paradise,’ which followed two retired Navy SEALs who became mercenaries after their military service. Hogan played the lead role of Hurricane, and his involvement alone was enough to draw public interest to the show.

To promote ‘Thunder in Paradise,’ Hogan participated in various advertising spots and TV promos, hoping to leverage his star power to attract viewers.

The Shaq-Hogan Promo: An Unexpected Twist

One particularly memorable promo paired Hulk Hogan with NBA sensation Shaquille O’Neal. The commercial featured both icons sitting together on a couch, enjoying each other’s company. During the shoot, Hogan turned to Shaq and asked, “Hey Shaq, you wanna shoot some baskets, dude?” O’Neal, instead of responding directly, simply put a finger to his lips and replied, “Sh! Thunder in Paradise is coming up next.” Both men then looked at the camera and smirked, creating a lighthearted moment.

The production team, aiming for perfection, requested another take. This time, Shaq decided to improvise. Instead of a simple shush, he gently “choked” Hogan, catching the wrestling legend completely off guard. Hogan’s surprised reaction was genuine, and the production crew immediately knew they had captured TV gold. Hogan himself exclaimed, “That’s the one, man, that’s the one!”

Hogan’s Ego and Shaq’s Playful Spirit

At the time, Hogan was known for his outsized ego and for sometimes taking liberties with his fellow wrestlers in the ring. However, Shaq’s playful twist during the promo showed that even the biggest personalities could be caught off guard—and could laugh about it, too.

A Continued Partnership

This promo wasn’t the last time Shaq and Hogan would collaborate. Later, ahead of the 1994-95 NBA season, the two reunited for another promotional spot. This time, Shaq helped Hogan build anticipation for his highly anticipated wrestling match against Ric Flair. Their partnership proved mutually beneficial: Hogan went on to capture the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from Flair, while Shaq led the Orlando Magic to their first NBA Finals appearance.

A Lasting Legacy

While Hogan and O’Neal may not have been close friends, their on-screen chemistry and mutual respect created memorable moments that delighted fans of both sports and entertainment. Their collaborations are a testament to the power of crossover appeal and the joy that comes when two larger-than-life figures share the spotlight.