It's a dream come true for "WWE 2K25" and NBA fans to see another NBA player step into the ring. Finally, Shaquille O'Neal has been confirmed as a playable character in the forthcoming "Dunk & Destruction Pack" DLC.
The announcement was made during Monday Night Raw's June 16th episode, further fueling the hype for a title that already boasts wrestling icons and unexpected crossovers.
Shaq Slams Into 'WWE 2K25'
The "Dunk & Destruction Pack" arriving on June 25 will not just feature the giant NBA legend but wrestling giants The Great Khali and Abyss alongside two yet-to-be-announced NBA legends.
Earlier announced for the pack was Indiana Pacers sensation Tyrese Haliburton, and now Shaq is part of the exclusive team as the second confirmed basketball legend.
Shaquille O'Neal's not just dunking, he's dropping elbows from the top rope!
— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) June 16, 2025
Who's ready to play as him in #WWE2K25's Dunk & Destruction Pack 🔜 #NBA @SHAQ pic.twitter.com/owhZgCYJAA
Shaquille O'Neal's addition adds a special flavor to the game, combining the realms of wrestling and basketball. Standing at 7-foot-1, Shaq's presence in the squared circle will be as dominant and fun as his actual NBA career.
A Slam Dunk of a Crossover
This is not Shaq's maiden rodeo with professional wrestling. According to ITR Wrestling, the four-time NBA champion first appeared in WWE during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, where he fought fellow giant The Big Show. He also wrestled in AEW Dynamite in 2021, a testament to his uniqueness as an entertainer and passion for the sport.
His debut in "WWE 2K25" means that 2K Games is willing to introduce him outside the NBA 2K games. It's all about star power, fan appeal, and innovation.
With his commanding height, charm, and wrestling background, Shaq will be a favorite among fans seeking powerhouse characters.
DLC Details and What to Expect
The "Dunk & Destruction Pack" is the second big post-launch content patch since May's "New Wave Pack," which added Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and The Motor City Machine Guns. There is still a mystery celebrity guest set to be announced as part of that pack, keeping everyone guessing and invested.
Meanwhile, attention turns to June 25th, when the public can finally let loose Shaquille O'Neal in the ring, among other big hitters. Whether you prefer flying action or bone-jarring slams, the hope here is that this DLC will feature more gameplay options and boost the replay factor of "WWE 2K25."
Shaq Remembers Wrestling's Behind-the-Scenes Reality
In an honest moment earlier this year on The Big Podcast with Shaq, O'Neal explained how a closed-end WWE party he put on destroyed his childhood fantasies about wrestling. He talked about inviting legends such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Macho Man to his Orlando residence, only to find them cordial behind the scenes.
Even with this nostalgic moment, Shaq's admiration for the sport still stands, and his participation in "WWE 2K25" shows his impressive involvement in the world of wrestling.
