Tyrese Haliburton made a daring and memorable statement during WWE’s SummerSlam, held recently over two nights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Despite recovering from an Achilles injury and relying on crutches, Haliburton sacrificed his mobility aid in the heat of WWE action, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. This dramatic moment perfectly illustrated his commitment to the event and showcased the unusual crossover between his NBA career and the world of professional wrestling.
Haliburton’s Defining Moment at SummerSlam
SummerSlam 2025 marked a historic occasion for WWE as the event spanned two nights, drawing in record crowds and creating intense anticipation for the second evening of competition. Among the many highlights, Tyrese Haliburton’s involvement stood out due to his status as a professional basketball player navigating an Achilles injury. The 25-year-old Pacers guard, known for his precision on the court, found himself in a very different kind of contest where he willingly gave up his crutch during a street fight match featuring WWE legend John Cena and Cody Rhodes.
During the match, Cena grabbed Haliburton’s crutch and used it to attack Rhodes, bending the crutch beyond usability. At the time, Haliburton was using a walking boot as part of his recovery from the severe injury sustained in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The moment was tense as Haliburton appeared vulnerable but embraced the sacrifice as part of the spectacle. On social media, he captured his feelings with a simple message:
“Sacrificed my crutch for the 🐐🐐.” —Tyrese Haliburton
This declaration highlighted his admiration for Cena—the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time)—and reinforced his commitment to the event’s drama, putting aside his personal discomfort for the sake of entertainment and loyalty.
Embracing Fan Reactions Close to New York Territory
MetLife Stadium’s proximity to New York meant that Haliburton faced a hostile crowd, rife with boos, especially due to his recent role in ending the New York Knicks’ championship hopes during the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals. Rather than shy away, Haliburton leaned into the crowd’s reaction with the confident retort, “I love you too!” during the live event. His heel persona was further amplified through his social media engagement, where he tweeted, “Missed y’all too NY🧡💙,” blending basketball bravado with WWE showmanship.
Haliburton’s engagement with the crowd and his WWE moment heightened the suspense leading into night two of SummerSlam, making his participation a key talking point among fans attending and watching worldwide.
Strong Connections Between Haliburton and John Cena
Tyrese Haliburton’s WWE appearances are more than casual visits. He has long been a devoted John Cena fan, which deepens his involvement in the wrestling world beyond that of a simple guest star. Their connection has been visible during multiple occasions, including when Haliburton unsuccessfully tried to assist social media celebrity Logan Paul against Jalen Brunson—an intense WWE moment that paralleled their NBA rivalry.
Haliburton’s passion for wrestling and Cena traces back to his rookie year when he attended SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, securing premium seats behind the announcer’s table. Reflecting on this experience, Haliburton once shared,
“But I actually after my rookie year after summer league they were doing SummerSlam at Allegiant Stadium in the Raiders stadium and I hit my people like ‘I gotta go, I gotta go.’” —Tyrese Haliburton
“They got me two tickets right behind the announcer’s table, and John Cena was wrestling, that’s like all-time favorite wrestler.” —Tyrese Haliburton
This long-standing fandom has clearly influenced Haliburton’s enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the drama that WWE events demand, even when physical risks are involved.
The Risk Taken Amidst Injury Recovery
Haliburton’s participation at SummerSlam was complicated by his ongoing rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, a significant setback for any athlete. Using crutches and a walking boot, he was visibly limited in mobility yet still fully engaged in the show. His crutch’s destruction by Cena during the Street Fight stipulation represented a physical risk that could have threatened his recovery timeline.
WWE commentator and Haliburton’s friend Pat McAfee highlighted the serious nature of this risk on Instagram, emphasizing that “TYRESE NEEDS THAT CRUTCH.” Despite this caution, Haliburton showed no regrets, underscoring his commitment to supporting Cena and the entertainment spectacle.
The Impact and Future of Haliburton’s WWE Involvement
Tyrese Haliburton’s bold step of sacrificing a vital aid in a high-profile WWE event bridges two worlds—professional basketball and sports entertainment—in a unique and captivating way. His willingness to put aside personal comfort for the sake of fandom and performance enhances his image as more than just an NBA player.
This crossover signifies the growing trend of athletes engaging with entertainment platforms beyond their principal sports, expanding their reach and building multifaceted public profiles. For WWE, having a star like Haliburton involved adds authenticity and attracts new audiences while reinforcing the spectacle of SummerSlam.
Looking ahead, Haliburton’s demonstrated enthusiasm for WWE and close ties with John Cena suggest that this is likely not his final appearance. Whether continuing to straddle the line between basketball and wrestling fanfare or taking more significant roles in WWE storylines, Haliburton’s future engagements will undoubtedly draw interest from fans of both arenas.
