Is Tyrese Haliburton A WWE Wrestler? Jalen Brunson’s Bold Claim Ignites Key Question

In the last few decades, there have been several moments when the worlds of the NBA and WWE Wrestling have come together. From Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman missing a practice session in the 1998 NBA Finals to tag team with Hulk Hogan at an event, to Shaquille O’Neal appearing in three different matches over three decades, these basketball legends have generated excitement amongst fans of both sports alike. While Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton himself has made appearances on the WWE stage, would his wrestling interest allow him to go 1 vs 1 against an on-court rival?

Back in June, both Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson made headlines after showing support for different wrestlers during a WWE Smackdown Event at Madison Square Garden. Months later, that incident was referenced again during a panel discussion at Fanatics Fest NYC. Having witnessed how Dennis Rodman went up against his NBA rival Karl Malone in the wrestling ring, the hosts wanted to know whether the same can be recreated with the New York Knicks star going up against Haliburton. Fortunately, Brunson was open to consideration. “I’m never going to say never” said the 27-year-old. “I’m never going to say never. You know what, I’ll just…maybe we can speak into existence.”

Brunson’s claim has gone on to raise the question: Is Tyrese Haliburton a WWE Wrestler? The short answer is: No. Although, that doesn’t mean that he still hasn’t attempted to make a mark in the WWE world.

The televised wrestling league was a big part of the NBA player’s life while growing up. During an interview from back in October 2023, Haliburton revealed that he and his uncle would always watch the matches anytime the latter would come over. If any ‘pay-per-views’ events were set to take place, he would reportedly cry “hard enough” to make his mother fulfill his wish.

This interest didn’t stop even when the player was drafted by the Sacramento Kings and into the NBA. In 2021, while he was still a new player in the league, Haliburton revealed seeking permission from members of his franchise to go watch the SummerSlam live event featuring John Cena. Not only was he allowed to go, but the NBA player also revealed “They got me two tickets right behind the announcer’s table and John Cena was wrestling. That’s like all-time favorite wrestler.”

Now, Tyrese Haliburton has been making attempts to not just be on the sidelines as a spectator but also get his chances of being in the ring. Back in June 2024, after WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H announced that a couple of the shows would be arriving to Indiana, the Pacers star took to his official X account to write “Just hear me out @NBA.” From the looks of it, the player was all prepared to wrestle in WWE’s one-of-a-kind Royal Rumble PPV in Indiana.

A few days after that, the 24-year-old accompanied Logan Paul to the ring during a WWE Smackdown Event at Madison Square Garden. Haliburton was immediately met with boos and jeers since it was only a week ago when the Indiana Pacers had eliminated the New York Knicks from the playoffs, right in the same arena. Jalen Brunson, who was also present, engaged in a deep stare-down with his rival before grabbing a steel chair and mocking Haliburton with it. No real fighting took place between the NBA players. However, as Brunson recently stated, “I’m never going to say never.”

Tyrese Haliburton Mocks Jalen Brunson and the Knicks after WWE event: “I’m just glad New York won something”

As highlighted above, there was no love between the player and the crowd at Madison Square Garden during the WWE Smackdown event. However, the attendees were cheering on when Jalen Brunson accompanied LA Knight to the ring. While the NBA players did not get the chance to throw hands, Logan Paul and LA Knight did, with the latter emerging victorious. Therefore, not many could have blamed Haliburton for being a bit salty after the game.

In the aftermath of the LA Knight-Logan Paul fight, both Paul and Haliburton shared their thoughts. The 24-year-old NBA star didn’t waste any time in throwing shade by stating “I’m just glad New York won something. I mean they all feel good out there so good for them. I hope they all sleep well tonight.”

Tyrese Haliburton found the perfect opportunity to throw shade at Jalen Brunson and Knicks for losing in the recent Conference Semi Finals against him. If the New York point guard wants to take his revenge, then the WWE ring is as good of a spot as a NBA court.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.