Tom Brady brought excitement to Fanatics Fest in New York by mimicking Cody Rhodes’ WWE entrance, only to get blindsided by Eli Manning in a dramatic turn that stunned everyone in attendance. Inspired by the Cody Rhodes WWE entrance, Brady’s showmanship and the surprise ambush made the day unforgettable for fans, with the high-energy moment quickly becoming a highlight of the event.
Brady Turns Villain in the Spotlight with WWE-Inspired Show
The legendary quarterback made a splash-worthy entrance, striding into Fanatics Fest to the sound of Cody Rhodes’ theme song, “Kingdom.” Donning sunglasses and holding a championship belt, Brady played up the larger-than-life “villain” persona, adding fuel to his rivalry with Eli Manning. Under the swirling lights, the crowd’s excitement surged as Brady tore up a New York Giants jersey, spat on it, and openly taunted the audience, immersing himself fully into a WWE-style spectacle.
The tension ratcheted even higher when Eli Manning shot onto the stage, ambushing Brady from behind in classic WrestleMania style. Onlookers erupted with cheers as Brady carried his long-time rival piggyback, keeping his grin as he hoisted the shredded jersey in one hand like a prized trophy. These theatrics weren’t just a nod to sports entertainment—they were a celebration of Brady’s legendary career as well as his ongoing, good-natured rivalry with Manning, who famously dealt two of Brady’s most memorable Super Bowl upsets while leading the New York Giants.
A Special Moment for a Young Fan Through Make-A-Wish
Beyond the larger show, Fanatics Fest became the setting for an emotional meeting that fulfilled a lifelong dream for one young fan. Twelve-year-old Axton Robertson from Tennessee, an avid football enthusiast, was granted his wish to meet Tom Brady thanks to the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Axton to stand face-to-face with his idol in New York City.
As Tom Brady reflected on the significance of moments like this, he shared:
“I’ve been helping with Make-A-Wish for a while, and it’s always just an amazing experience.”
—Tom Brady, former Patriots QB
Brady elaborated on the value of such encounters for children and their families, particularly the impact that encouragement and inspirational stories can have for those facing adversity:
“Here are a lot of people who deal with some difficult situations, so it’s great to hear their stories, wish them words of encouragement and make a fun day out of it. You hear their stories, encourage them, and try to create a special memory,”
the former Patriots QB added. —Tom Brady, former Patriots QB
Axton’s mother, Courtney, described the mix of nerves and excitement that her son experienced before meeting his hero. She revealed:
“He looks up to him very much. We didn’t really know how that was going to take place until just a few weeks ago. … He was very nervous this morning,”
she said.
“We’ve known about this wish for about a year and a half, so the fact that the day is finally here is both exciting and nerve-racking,”
Axton’s mother added. —Courtney, Axton’s mother
The afternoon stood out as more than just a showcase of stars and sports memorabilia. For Axton, his family, and many in attendance, Fanatics Fest became a memorable day shaped as much by heartfelt moments as by bold showmanship on stage.
Impact of a Unforgettable Day at Fanatics Fest
Fanatics Fest blended the thrill of celebrity-driven entertainment with moments of real connection. Tom Brady’s nod to Cody Rhodes’ WWE entrance added an explosive layer of fun to the lively expo, while Eli Manning’s surprise appearance served as a playful reminder of one of football’s most iconic rivalries. Most importantly, the day highlighted the transformative power of Wish-granting efforts like those led by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, providing experiences that go beyond mere entertainment to leave lasting memories for fans and their families.
