Shaquille O’Neal returns—well, kind of. But not this time around on the court or in the analyst chair position. He’s entering the virtual squared circle, thundering with WWE 2K25’s outrageous new Dunk & Destruction Pack. Indeed, you heard correctly—Shaq is officially part of the game’s out-of-control, over-the-top roster. It’s big. It’s loud. It’s Diesel.
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Not Just a Cameo, It’s a Digital Slam Dunk
This is not the first time Shaquille O’Neal has played around with professional wrestling. From fighting Big Show at WrestleMania to making the occasional guest appearance of in-ring mayhem, he’s always been a half-in, half-out kind of guy. But WWE 2K25 flips that script.
Here, he’s not only an attraction—he’s also a full-fledged playable character. And come on, it’s a 7-foot-1 giant in a wrestling game—it’s fate.
What is included in the Dunk & Destruction Pack?
The pack is half-size Shaq, but let’s be real—this is the marquee. The Dunk & Destruction Pack includes:
A full Shaq model dressed in classic black-and-gold Diesel attire
Extremely over-the-top dunk trash talk
Maximum-impact slam animations
Even a finisher that’s a chokeslam-tomahawk jam mashup.
There are rumors that the pack contains alternate attire, perhaps even a commentator version of Shaquille O’Neal , along with some gaudy themed arenas and sound packs. Essentially, it’s WWE on steroids and NBA Jam-with attitude.
Gameplay: What Does Shaq Bring to the Ring?
The large man’s appearance will disrupt gameplay. He is not physically constructed like the typical superstar. Shaquille O’Neal ‘s in-game persona allegedly is assigned high strength and power scores, absurd endurance, and some surprising increases to agility.
His signature moves? Powerbomb takedown “Backboard Breaker” and alley-oop play-inspired grapple move “Diesel Drop.” He does not chain wrestle as cerebral genius, perhaps, but smarts are unnecessary when you dunk a guy’s head into a table.
Fan Buzz? Off the Charts
You could say fans are losing their minds. When 2K broke the news of Shaquille O’Neal’s reveal in the DLC, social media went insane. Shaq dunking on Cena gifs, Shaq vs. Undertaker memes, and crazy rumors flooded the timeline.
A few are pumped up since it’s preposterous in the best possible manner. Others perceive it as an old-school treat for losing that WrestleMania match all those years ago. And don’t dismiss the non-obsessives, man—this gesture is going to suck them in headfirst into 2K25 frenzy.
Why Shaq Is Perfect for WWE 2K25
presence, and the larger-than-life personality that WWE thrives on. His crossover appeal is gigantic—sports fans, gamers, wrestling aficionados, all packaged in one.
He is no guest character. He’s a marketing tool, a fan-service character, and a reminder that wrestling games do not necessarily always have to be so serious.
What Comes Next?
There is already buzz regarding future match-ups and DLC fights. Can Shaq be the template for a celebrity match mode? Will others do the same? It leaves it in their hands, and everyone waits for it.
No matter the situation, rely on Shaquille O’Neal to dunk on expectations one more time. Center court to center ring, the man has a flair for the dramatic entrance. And in WWE 2K25, he just bodyslammed his way through virtual competition into the global limelight.
And perhaps this is just the start. With WWE creating hype for further crossover sets, fantasy cards are already being imagined in the minds of fans—picture Shaq partnering up with Logan Paul, or debuting at the Royal Rumble dressed as full-on Diesel. It’s preposterous, but come on, that’s the point.
In a game of spectacle, Shaquille O’Neal is right at home—not as a gimmick, but as raw, playable chaos.
Vijay Suyal 
Reddaveni Saisneha