NBA star Tyrese Haliburton made headlines this past Tuesday with an unexpected appearance at WWE's NXT show in Orlando, where he played a significant role in the wrestling spectacle. Joining him were his Indiana Pacers teammates, Myles Turner and James Johnson, creating quite a stir among the Orlando crowd.
Haliburton's task for the evening involved facilitating the setup for the NXT Championship Match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams. He was integral in ensuring that the match contract between both wrestlers was duly signed, a pivotal step in orchestrating the event. However, his presence was not warmly received by the local fans; the Orlando crowd met Haliburton with a chorus of boos.
In response to the unfriendly reception, Haliburton didn't hold back his feelings. "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan," he remarked, a statement that undoubtedly stoked the rivalry between the Pacers and Magic fans even further. The two teams are slated to face off in Orlando on October 28, adding another layer of intensity to their upcoming matchup.
Backstage, Haliburton had the chance to rub shoulders with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, a moment that did not go unnoticed by the wrestling community. WWE NXT's social media team was quick to highlight the encounter, tweeting, "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT."
For Haliburton, this foray into the WWE universe is not entirely new. In June, he appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" alongside social media sensation Logan Paul. The duo faced off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at Madison Square Garden, marking another high-profile appearance in the wrestling world for the basketball star.
On the court, Haliburton has continued to impress with his performance. Last NBA season, he averaged an impressive 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in games against the Orlando Magic. His athletic prowess and charismatic presence make him a standout figure not just in basketball but also in his ventures into professional wrestling.
The combination of his basketball talents and his growing affiliation with WWE points to an intriguing dual-path career. As the NBA season progresses and the Pacers prepare for their clash with the Magic, all eyes will be on Haliburton to see how he balances these diverse arenas. For now, his role in both sports worlds continues to captivate audiences, cementing his status as a versatile and influential athlete.