WWE SummerSlam Highlights Tyrese Haliburton’s Appearance
On Sunday night, WWE SummerSlam drew significant attention as Indiana Pacers’ rising star, Tyrese Haliburton, made an appearance at MetLife Stadium, situated barely ten miles from the iconic Madison Square Garden. Just a short while ago, Haliburton and his team had notably eliminated the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, taking the series in six games. In this year’s NBA playoffs, the Pacers extended their rivalry with the Knicks, dispatching them in a tense seven-game showdown during the second round.
Haliburton’s Ringside Experience
Currently on the mend from an Achilles surgery, Haliburton was seen ringside at the event, where he was met with a cacophony of boos from the crowd. Embracing the adversarial energy, he responded to the jeers with humor, playfully acknowledging the fans by saying,
“I love you, too.”
After the conclusion of SummerSlam, he expressed his appreciation for New York, saying,
“Missed y’all too.”
Memorable Moments and Performance
In a memorable moment during the night, Haliburton’s crutches were humorously repurposed when wrestling icon John Cena used them to strike Cody Rhodes during the main event, with Haliburton later jesting,
“All you had to do was ask!”
In the recent playoff series against the Knicks, he had impressive stats, averaging 21 points, 10.5 assists, and 6 rebounds. This performance significantly contributed to the Pacers reaching their first NBA Finals since 2000, where they faced a heart-wrenching defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 after Haliburton sustained his injury early in the game.
Haliburton’s Passion for Wrestling
Notably, the two-time NBA All-Star has been a long-time fan of professional wrestling, having attended various WWE events and even shared a playful moment in the ring with Knicks player Jalen Brunson back in June 2024. Haliburton’s appearance at SummerSlam not only highlights his dual passion for basketball and wrestling but also underscores the ongoing rivalry with Knicks fans.
