This past Tuesday, NBA standout Tyrese Haliburton took a break from his basketball duties to attend WWE's NXT show in Orlando, drawing both intrigue and boos from the crowd. Haliburton's venture into the wrestling world didn't go unnoticed, as he played a pivotal role in setting up a highly-anticipated match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams.
Haliburton, who put up impressive stats last season—averaging 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in matchups against the Orlando Magic—showed his versatility extends beyond the basketball court. The Indiana Pacers star ensured the match contract between Page and Williams was signed, setting the stage for an electric NXT Championship bout. His involvement didn't stop there; he was accompanied by Pacers teammates Myles Turner and James Johnson, making it a notable night for the NBA-WWE crossover.
However, Haliburton's appearance wasn't entirely welcomed by the Orlando crowd, who greeted him with a chorus of boos. The young point guard took it in stride, even quipping, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan."
Despite the reception, Haliburton seemed to enjoy his time backstage, where he interacted with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. The official WWE NXT Twitter account acknowledged the moment, stating, "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT."
Past WWE Appearances
This isn't Haliburton's first foray into the world of professional wrestling. He previously appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" in June, where he shared the spotlight with internet sensation and occasional WWE competitor Logan Paul. The duo faced off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at the iconic Madison Square Garden, showing that Haliburton's interest in wrestling is more than just a passing fancy.
A Crossover Star
Haliburton's engagement with WWE adds another layer to his already fascinating career. Known for his court vision, scoring ability, and leadership with the Indiana Pacers, his willingness to step into the wrestling ring highlights his diverse interests and showmanship.
With the NBA season underway, Haliburton's attention will soon shift back to basketball. The Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic are set to face off on October 28 in Orlando, a matchup that is already generating buzz, especially given Haliburton's recent comments and involvement with WWE.
As the NBA season progresses, fans will be eager to see if Haliburton can maintain his stellar performance from the previous season while continuing to dabble in the world of professional wrestling. For now, his presence at WWE's NXT show has certainly added to his mystique and popularity, both on and off the court.