Haliburton Mixes Basketball and Wrestling to Energize WWE's NXT
In a unique intersection of sports and entertainment, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers made a memorable appearance on WWE's NXT in Orlando on Tuesday night. The emerging Pacers star stepped into the wrestling ring, participating in a dramatic storyline alongside Ethan Page and Trick Williams during a contract signing for an upcoming NXT championship match.
Haliburton, who has quickly become a key player for Indiana, was brought in to infuse some celebrity pizzazz into WWE's programming. However, his arrival was met with a not-so-warm welcome from the crowd, who booed him vociferously. Haliburton didn't miss a beat, quipping, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan."
Interestingly, Haliburton wasn't alone in this venture. He was supported by his Pacers teammates Myles Turner and James Johnson, who joined him in the crowd. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the crossover event.
This isn't the first time Haliburton has ventured into the wrestling world. Back in June, he appeared on "Friday Night Smackdown" at the iconic Madison Square Garden. That debut saw him align with social media star Logan Paul in a storyline feud against LA Knight and New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson. These wrestling appearances underscore not just Haliburton’s versatility, but also his willingness to explore dimensions of entertainment beyond the basketball court.
On the hardwood, Haliburton has been just as impressive. Over the course of the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Pacers faced off against the Orlando Magic three times. Although the Magic secured victories in two of those matchups, Haliburton put up notable numbers, averaging 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds across the three games. He aims to continue this strong performance when the Pacers and Magic clash again on October 28.
By continually stepping into new arenas, both literal and metaphorical, Haliburton is crafting a multifaceted career that spans beyond his primary sport. His forays into wrestling, supported by his teammates, are a testament to his charismatic appeal and the burgeoning convergence of sports and entertainment industries.