NBA star Tyrese Haliburton made a surprising crossover into the wrestling world on Tuesday when he attended WWE's NXT show in Orlando. Haliburton, a standout guard for the Indiana Pacers, played a key role in setting up a high-stakes championship match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams. His appearance wasn't just a brief cameo; Haliburton was instrumental in ensuring the contract for the NXT Championship Match was properly signed.
Joining Haliburton at the event were his Pacers teammates, Myles Turner and James Johnson. The trio's presence added a layer of excitement to the evening, although not all fans were pleased to see them. Upon his introduction, Haliburton was met with a chorus of boos from the Orlando crowd, a reaction he seemed to take in stride. "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan," Haliburton quipped, unfazed by the negative reception.
The NBA star's involvement in the wrestling world didn't end there. Backstage, Haliburton had the opportunity to interact with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. The encounter garnered attention on social media, with WWE NXT tweeting, "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT."
A Crossover Star
This isn't the first time Haliburton has dipped his toes into the world of professional wrestling. In June, he appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" alongside internet sensation Logan Paul. The duo faced off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at the iconic Madison Square Garden, further cementing Haliburton's status as a versatile entertainer who can bridge the gap between sports and entertainment.
On the Court and Beyond
While Haliburton's wrestling escapades have earned him some limelight, his basketball career remains his primary focus. The guard had an impressive season, averaging 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in matchups against the Orlando Magic. His performance has set high expectations for the upcoming face-off between the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic, scheduled for October 28 in Orlando.
As a rising star in the NBA, Haliburton's ability to engage with fans across different platforms only adds to his growing popularity. Whether he's setting up a championship match in a wrestling ring or dropping dimes on the basketball court, Haliburton continues to captivate audiences with his multifaceted talents.
The upcoming game against the Orlando Magic will be a critical one for both teams, but with Haliburton's recent foray into the world of WWE, it’s clear that the Pacers guard is comfortable in any spotlight. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he performs both on the hardwood and in any future wrestling adventures.