WWE is the global giant that, through many initiatives, likes to have a footing in other sports as well. Since last year, one sport has had a significant presence on WWE live television: the NBA. Moreover, the Stamford-based company teased a feud months ago, which many thought would not have a pay-off, but now, it will be settled on the basketball court.
A Wrestling Veteran Praised WWE Teasing a Feud That will Now be Settled in a Huge Basketball Match
Last year, on SmackDown, which took place at Madison Square Garden, the fans saw the appearances of NBA’s top players, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks. Both basketball superstars were an integral part of a scheduled wrestling bout and had a tense confrontation.
Months later, the two basketball players are set to settle their differences in a huge match. Following an intense tournament that has gone on for months, the NBA Conference Finals will see Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers play off against Brunson’s Knicks.
WWE analyst and podcaster Sam Roberts discussed this on his podcast, “Notsam Wrestling.” He stated that WWE had predicted the NBA Conference Finals long before they did the angle with Haliburton and Brunson and called their upcoming match ‘a pay-off of long-term storytelling.’
He said, “WWE just predicted the NBA conference finals. Who would have thought that this was a build? When the celebrities come in, as wrestling fans, we go why are we seeing this buildup, if the payoff is not going to happen and what do I always say …. I say let em cook, let em cook and we let em cook.” Sam also added, “It was Great American Storytelling.”
Moreover, he also believed that their basketball match would see Brunson’s team being the baby face, which would mean that Haliburton and his team were the heels referencing WWE’s terminology. He said, “I am especially happy to say that Jalen Brunson was booked as the babyface.”
The NBA Finals Conference match will take place on Thursday, May 22nd, coincidentally at the same arena where they had their confrontation in WWE, Madison Square Garden.
What Happened During the Confrontation Between Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson in WWE Last Year?
On the June 28, 2024 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, a Money in the Bank triple-threat qualifying match took place, pitting Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar against each other. Tyrese Haliburton was seen escorting Logan Paul to the ring.
On the other hand, Jalen Brunson was spotted enjoying the action ringside. Haliburton even stared down Brunson as he made his way with The Maverick. As the match ended, the Indiana Pacers player attempted to help Logan Paul with some brass knuckles.
Jalen Brunson gets in the ring to defend the Garden against Tyrese Haliburton pic.twitter.com/lptVvQhsn7
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork)
However, his attempt was foiled by Knicks player Brunson, who gave a teaser of their basketball rivalry in the ring. He came to the ring with a chair to assist LA Knight and helped fend off the attack by Paul and Haliburton, with the segment being well received by the fans.