NBA star Tyrese Haliburton made a surprising appearance at WWE's NXT show in Orlando this past Tuesday. The Indiana Pacers guard, who had an outstanding season, averaging 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in matchups against the Orlando Magic, took a momentary detour from the basketball court to the wrestling ring.
Haliburton was not alone in his wrestling adventure; he was joined by his Pacers teammates, Myles Turner and James Johnson. Together, they brought a bit of NBA flair to the WWE event, and Haliburton's involvement was particularly significant. He assisted in setting up an NXT Championship Match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams, ensuring that the match contract was signed, sealing the deal for the thrilling showdown.
The reception from the Orlando crowd, however, was less than kind. Haliburton was met with a chorus of boos, a reaction he took in stride. In a moment fitting the electrifying atmosphere of WWE events, he quipped, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan," a quote that surely resonated with fans of his Indiana Pacers.
Backstage, Haliburton had the chance to interact with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. The moment was captured and celebrated by the official WWE NXT Twitter account, which posted, "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT". It's clear that Haliburton's foray into the wrestling world earned the approval of some of WWE's most respected figures.
This isn't the first time Haliburton has stepped into the wrestling spotlight. In June, he appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" alongside social media sensation Logan Paul. The duo faced off against the formidable team of LA Knight and Santos Escobar at the prestigious Madison Square Garden, further cementing Haliburton's status as a crossover star.
As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic on October 28 in Orlando. With Haliburton's recent WWE exploits and his stellar performance last season, fans are eager to see if he can deliver an equally exciting performance on the basketball court against the Magic.
Haliburton's involvement in wrestling events highlights his versatility and his ability to engage with fans beyond the basketball arena. Whether signing match contracts in the wrestling ring or dishing out assists on the basketball court, Tyrese Haliburton continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic presence and competitive spirit.