Tyrese Haliburton, known for his impressive skills on the basketball court, has a deep passion for professional wrestling that became especially visible during the lead-up to the WWE Wrestlepalooza event in Indianapolis. The Indiana Pacers star stirred excitement on social media with a heartfelt message honoring John Cena ahead of his final Indy performance, capturing the attention of fans across both sports. The John Cena final indy match served as a focal point for this crossover between basketball and wrestling fandom.
Before Wrestlepalooza began, Haliburton shared an Instagram story featuring himself in bed, surrounded by six championship belts, including the Pacers’ Eastern Conference title and a WWE Universal Championship belt. This striking image symbolized his dual enthusiasm for basketball and wrestling. Prominently displayed in the story was a brief but powerful seven-word phrase:
Goat last time in Indy lock in.
This message highlighted Haliburton’s respect for Cena as one of the greatest wrestlers ever and urged fans to witness what would be Cena’s concluding match in Indianapolis.
Haliburton’s connection to WWE and Cena is no secret, as he has cultivated relationships within the wrestling community while integrating his basketball career and wrestling passion publicly. On September 19, 2025, he further demonstrated this by co-hosting the Wrestlepalooza pre-event broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN app, working alongside WWE personalities and commentator Peter Rosenberg. Haliburton’s role gave fans an insider’s perspective on the event’s buildup.
The following evening, Haliburton appeared as an analyst for the live premium Wrestlepalooza broadcast. During the show, he commented on the tension-filled main event featuring Cena against longtime rival Brock Lesnar. Speaking about the possibility of an upset victory for Cena, he said,
It could definitely happen. I don’t think it’s gonna happen, but it could definitely happen. It’s Brock’s first match back in a little bit… man,
showcasing both hope and realistic skepticism about the match’s outcome.
The Unexpected Outcome at Wrestlepalooza: Lesnar’s Dominant Victory
Despite Haliburton’s excitement and hopeful anticipation, the main event on September 20, 2025, in Indianapolis’ arena concluded with a shocking result. Brock Lesnar returned to WWE competition after a long hiatus since 2023, decisively defeating John Cena in what quickly became a historic Wrestlepalooza showdown. Their rivalry, spanning nearly 25 years, culminated that night with Lesnar overpowering Cena comprehensively.
Lesnar’s performance was marked by sheer dominance. After securing the win, he further asserted his strength by attacking the referee with an F-5 maneuver and aggressively throwing him aside, before delivering another devastating F-5 to Cena on the mat. This brutal display left a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The dramatic ending was captured perfectly in a moment shared by WWE on social media, tagging Haliburton’s stunned reaction with the comment,
Tyrese Haliburton was all of us after that Cena vs. Brock Match 😅@Hali @espn #Wrestlepalooza pic.twitter.com/0oHex9P0yJ
reflecting the shared disbelief among fans and commentators alike.
Throughout the event, cameras focused on Haliburton standing ringside with a visibly shocked expression, as he witnessed his idol succumb to Lesnar’s overwhelming assault. This match will be remembered as Cena’s farewell bout in Indianapolis during his ongoing retirement tour, marking the close of a significant chapter for the wrestling legend in this city.
The Significance of Cena’s Final Match in Indianapolis and Haliburton’s Role
John Cena’s final appearance at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis symbolizes the end of an era in WWE, as one of the sport’s most iconic figures makes his exit from the city’s wrestling scene. For Tyrese Haliburton, this moment carried additional emotional weight, blending his identity as a basketball All-Star with his deep fandom and respect for Cena. Haliburton’s involvement in the event—from social media tributes to broadcast commentary—illustrates how professional athletes can transcend their primary sports and become passionate ambassadors of other entertainment forms.
The match’s outcome, while disappointing to some, showcased the intense physicality and storyline drama that have made WWE a unique experience for fans like Haliburton. The bittersweet nature of the farewell highlights the transient nature of athletic careers and the importance of celebrating legends while they remain in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, Cena’s retirement tour will continue, and Haliburton’s visible enthusiasm signals ongoing support from a new generation of fans bridging sports and entertainment. As the NBA and WWE worlds intersect, figures like Haliburton bring fresh energy and attention to both arenas, enriching the cultural connection between basketball and professional wrestling.
Tyrese Haliburton was all of us after that Cena vs. Brock Match 😅@Hali @espn #Wrestlepalooza pic.twitter.com/0oHex9P0yJ
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
