NBA star Tyrese Haliburton made headlines this past Tuesday by stepping out of the basketball court and into the world of professional wrestling. Haliburton was in Orlando to attend WWE's NXT show and played a significant role in setting up the NXT Championship Match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams.
Haliburton helped ensure that the match contract between Page and Williams was signed, showcasing his versatility beyond basketball. He was not alone in this endeavor, as he was joined by his Indiana Pacers teammates Myles Turner and James Johnson. The trio of basketball stars added a dash of NBA flair to the wrestling event.
Mixed Reactions from the Orlando Crowd
Interestingly, Haliburton was met with boos from the Orlando crowd. Never one to shy away from a bit of playful banter, Haliburton responded candidly: “I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan.” This light-hearted jab only added to the buzz surrounding his appearance.
Backstage with WWE Legends
Adding another layer to his memorable evening, Haliburton interacted with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels backstage. The encounter seemed to have left an impression, as WWE NXT later tweeted, “@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT.”
Not Haliburton’s First Rodeo
For those who follow Haliburton's off-court interests, this foray into WWE is not entirely new. He appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" in June, where he took part in a thrilling face-off at Madison Square Garden alongside social media sensation Logan Paul. The duo squared off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar, drawing significant media attention.
Impressive NBA Stats
While his extracurricular activities are making waves, it’s crucial to remember Haliburton's stellar performance in the NBA. Last season, he averaged an impressive 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in his matchups against the Orlando Magic. His on-court prowess continues to captivate basketball fans nationwide.
Upcoming Games
As the Indiana Pacers prepare for their upcoming clash against the Orlando Magic on October 28 in Orlando, fans are eager to see if Haliburton will bring any of his newfound wrestling flair to the basketball court. With his growing popularity, both in sports and entertainment, all eyes will be on this dynamic athlete.
Haliburton's involvement in WWE adds an exciting twist to his already illustrious career. Balancing his commitments on the court and his interests off it, Tyrese Haliburton continues to be a name that resonates across different arenas of fame. Whether it's executing a perfect pass on the hardwood or ensuring a wrestling match goes off without a hitch, Haliburton proves he is a multi-faceted star.