Ahead of his second straight Eastern Conference finals appearance, Indiana Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton made waves off the court. He appeared on Monday’s “WWE Raw” edition for a “massive announcement” regarding his next foray into the wrestling world, generating excitement among NBA fans.
Haliburton has risen to prominence over the past couple of years due to his playmaking, outside shooting and the competitive edge he brings to the game. The two-time All-Star has garnered a reputation for being unafraid to engage in trash talk and showmanship, including in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Last year, the longtime wrestling fan dabbled in the WWE. He interacted with his on-court rival, New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson, at WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden. Haliburton reappeared before WWE fans virtually on Monday, discussing his latest WWE crossover.
Tyrese Haliburton Reacts to Being Featured in WWE 2K25, Leaves Fans Hyped
On this week’s episode of “WWE Raw,” it was revealed that Haliburton will be a playable character in WWE 2K25’s Dunk & Destruction Pack, set to release on June 25.
From the court to the ring, @TyHaliburton22 is coming soon to #WWE2K25's Dunk & Destruction Pack! 🏀 #NBA pic.twitter.com/0cSBRd4u6g
— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames)
In a prerecorded interview with commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, the one-time All-NBA selectee touched on his elation to be featured in the video game.
“I’m really excited. Obviously, I got the opportunity to come and be in the Garden and experience that and be in the ring a little bit,” Haliburton said. “So, I’m excited about being a playable character in the game and, yeah, it’s gonna be super cool.”
Tyrese Haliburton will be a playable character in WWE 2K25 🔥
(via @WWE)pic.twitter.com/r8p1Jrwx5G
— B/R Wrestling (@BRWrestling)
Many fans on X were similarly ecstatic about the news.
“That’s awesome! From the court to the ring, Tyrese Haliburton in WWE 2K25 is going to be epic!” one fan said.
That's awesome! 🔥 From the court to the ring, Tyrese Haliburton in WWE 2K25 is going to be epic! 🤩🏀➡️🤼
— George (@Thecityismine_x)
“Let’s goooo,” another commented.
Let’s goooo
— bjack (@BJACKPACERS)
“Epic,” one user wrote.
Epic 🔥
— Nirvan (@Nir7ann)
However, others called for Brunson to be included as a playable character as well, so gamers can carry out his and Haliburton’s rivalry in the ring.
“Add Brunson,” one remarked.
“We need Brunson in it too,” another asserted.
“Where’s Brunson the better character?” one fan asked.
One fan also quipped that Haliburton’s father, John, should make a WWE 2K25 appearance after his playoff confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I’ll buy it if his Dad’s on it too,” the user joked.
I'll buy it if his Dad's on it too.
— Patro (@patroM858230)
It’s unclear if Brunson or any other NBA players will be featured in the game. However, fans will soon see Haliburton and Brunson square off in a highly anticipated East finals clash, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday in New York. Both stars will look to inch closer to their first NBA Finals berth.
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