At WWE SummerSlam on August 3, 2025, in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, John Cena created a memorable moment by turning NBA player Tyrese Haliburton’s crutch into a weapon during the main event. The Indiana Pacers star, attending the show on crutches due to a recent injury, saw his walking aid repurposed by Cena in an intense street fight against Cody Rhodes. This incident added an unexpected twist to the highly anticipated match and quickly caught the attention of fans and social media alike.
SummerSlam Night 2 was historic as WWE’s first-ever two-night Premium Live Event. While the primary focus was the brutal battle between Cena, the Undisputed WWE Champion, and former champion Rhodes, Haliburton’s surprise involvement brought additional excitement. In the match format, weapons are legal, and Cena seized the opportunity when he grabbed one of Haliburton’s crutches from the sidelines, using it to assault Rhodes during the fight.
The moment shocked the audience and viewers, who shared clips widely online, capturing Haliburton’s reaction as he watched his crutch become an impromptu weapon in the wrestling ring. Despite Cena’s creativity, Cody Rhodes ultimately triumphed after a grueling contest, reclaiming the WWE Championship and avenging his previous loss at WrestleMania 41, closing out the event on a triumphant note.
The Crowd’s Reaction to Tyrese Haliburton at MetLife Stadium
Tyrese Haliburton experienced another chapter in his growing relationship with WWE, which began with a notable stare-down against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson earlier in the year. At SummerSlam, however, his presence was met with loud boos from the New Jersey crowd, reflecting lingering resentment from Knicks fans after Haliburton’s key role in eliminating New York from the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
The hostile reaction did not appear to faze Haliburton, who remained composed throughout the event. His accustomed role as a “villain” figure when playing in rival arenas likely helped him handle the jeers with steady resolve. Despite being sidelined due to an Achilles injury sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton chose to be present at the WWE spectacle, showcasing his support and interest beyond basketball.
Recovery and Personal Milestones Off the Court
Following the injury that required Achilles surgery on June 23, the Indiana Pacers officially announced on July 7 that Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season. This significant setback positions the team to adapt without their star guard in the lineup. However, the NBA player has remained engaged with fans and entertainment events during his recovery period.
Off the court, Haliburton recently celebrated a personal milestone by announcing his engagement to longtime partner Jade Jones. The couple shared the news publicly through social media, highlighting a joyful moment amid his ongoing rehabilitation. As the Pacers’ focus shifts to preparing for an upcoming season without him, Haliburton’s appearance at SummerSlam demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences in arenas beyond basketball courts.
The Broader Impact of Haliburton’s WWE Appearance
Tyrese Haliburton’s involvement at WWE SummerSlam illustrates the growing crossover appeal between professional basketball and wrestling entertainment. His presence, combined with John Cena’s inventive use of Haliburton’s crutch, created one of the night’s most talked-about highlights, blending sports and entertainment in an unexpected way.
The incident underscored WWE’s capacity to generate unique moments that resonate with diverse fan bases, while also showing how athletes from different disciplines can contribute to the spectacle. As Cody Rhodes reclaimed the championship, the match and its theatrics left a lasting impression on fans, reinforcing SummerSlam’s reputation as a landmark event in WWE’s calendar.
