NBA Star Tyrese Haliburton Makes His Mark at WWE's NXT Show with Indiana Pacers Teammates
Tuesday night saw an unusual, yet electrifying crossover between professional basketball and wrestling, as NBA star Tyrese Haliburton attended WWE's NXT show in Orlando. Haliburton, who has been steadily making a name for himself on the court with the Indiana Pacers, ventured into the world of professional wrestling alongside his teammates Myles Turner and James Johnson.
Haliburton played a significant role in the evening's entertainment, helping to set up the much-anticipated NXT Championship Match between Ethan Page and Trick Williams. Not merely a passive observer, Haliburton was responsible for ensuring the match contract between the two contenders was duly signed, thrusting him into the spotlight in an entirely different arena than he's used to.
The Orlando crowd, however, did not offer Haliburton the warmest of welcomes. Instead, they met the NBA star with a chorus of boos. In a light-hearted response to the crowd's reaction, Haliburton quipped, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan." His remark added a bit of friendly rivalry fun, especially considering the upcoming game between the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic on October 28 in Orlando.
Backstage, Haliburton had the opportunity to interact with WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, a moment that did not go unnoticed. WWE NXT's official Twitter account celebrated the interaction, sharing, "@TyHaliburton22 got the @ShawnMichaels stamp of approval! 🙌 #WWENXT". This endorsement from a wrestling legend adds an extra layer of excitement to Haliburton’s off-court endeavors.
This isn't Haliburton's first foray into the world of WWE. The young guard made waves in June when he appeared on "Friday Night SmackDown" alongside Logan Paul. The duo faced off against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at the iconic Madison Square Garden, proving that Haliburton's athletic prowess transcends the basketball court.
On the court, Haliburton has been nothing short of impressive. In the previous NBA season, he averaged 20.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in matchups against the Orlando Magic. These stats underscore his value to the Indiana Pacers and highlight why his presence at WWE events garners so much attention.
As the Indiana Pacers gear up to play the Orlando Magic later this month, fans are eager to see how Haliburton will continue to balance his on-court responsibilities with his burgeoning interest in professional wrestling. While his comment about Orlando Magic fans might add a bit of spice to the upcoming game, it is all in good fun, indicative of the competitive spirit that defines professional sports.
Ultimately, Haliburton's appearance at WWE's NXT show adds another chapter to his growing career, showcasing his versatility and ability to engage audiences across different sports platforms. Whether he's setting up a championship wrestling match or leading his team on the hardwood, Tyrese Haliburton continues to capture the imagination and interest of fans everywhere.