NBA star Tyrese Haliburton made waves this past Tuesday, but not on the basketball court. The Indiana Pacers guard attended WWE's NXT show in Orlando, stepping out of his usual sports domain to help orchestrate a significant wrestling event. Haliburton's presence was not merely as a spectator; he played a pivotal role in setting up the NXT Championship Match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams. As part of his duties, Haliburton ensured that the match contract between Page and Williams was signed, facilitating a much-anticipated showdown.
Joining Haliburton at the event were his Indiana Pacers teammates Myles Turner and James Johnson. The basketball trio added an extra layer of star power to the evening, although not everyone in the crowd was thrilled to see Haliburton. In a humorous exchange reflecting his sharp wit, Haliburton was met with boos from the Orlando crowd. "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan," he quipped, showing he can hold his own in the world of sports entertainment.
Backstage, Haliburton’s involvement went beyond logistics as he had the opportunity to interact with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. Michaels, a legend in the wrestling world, seemed to give Haliburton his stamp of approval, as noted by WWE NXT's official social media account: "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT".
This isn't the first time Haliburton has dabbled in the world of professional wrestling. In June, he made an appearance on "Friday Night SmackDown," where he stood alongside YouTube sensation and WWE star Logan Paul. The two faced off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at none other than Madison Square Garden, one of the most iconic venues in sports and entertainment. Haliburton’s crossover appeal continues to grow, showing his versatility extends far beyond the hardwood of an NBA court.
Speaking of his primary sport, Haliburton has been nothing short of stellar in his basketball career. Last season, he posted impressive numbers, averaging 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in games against, coincidentally, the Orlando Magic. His standout performances positioned him as one of the league’s rising stars and an invaluable asset to the Pacers.
Looking forward, there’s a direct link between Haliburton’s wrestling stint and his regular gig: the Indiana Pacers are set to face the Orlando Magic on October 28 in Orlando. With the NBA season underway, Haliburton and his teammates will aim to channel the energy and showmanship from their WWE experience back into their basketball pursuits.
Haliburton’s foray into the WWE world showcases a blend of sports and entertainment, reflecting the dynamic landscapes both industries inhabit. For fans of the Pacers, the WWE event offered a fresh glimpse of their star player’s charisma and versatility, qualities that make him a standout both on and off the court.