Tyrese Haliburton Booed at WWE Event in Florida, Fires Back at Magic Fans
WWE is known for bringing in all kinds of celebrities, going so far as to have a "celebrity wing" in the WWE Hall of Fame.
Some of the most successful appearances have been made by athletes, including the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Shaquille O'Neal , and Pat McAfee .
WWE recently tried this again with an NBA All-Star. However, it may not have worked out in quite the way WWE wanted.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was on WWE NXT wearing an awesome Shawn Michaels shirt.
After making a brief appearance in a backstage segment, Haliburton appeared in the ring to get NXT Champion Ethan Page to sign a contract to face Trick Williams.
However, things took a turn when the crowd proceeded to not react to Haliburton's entrance and boo the rest of the Pacers when the Olympic gold medalist introduced his team.
Fortunately, Haliburton had the perfect heel response , saying, "I would boo too if I had to be an Orlando Magic fan."
Williams did his best to get the crowd on Haliburton's side, noting that he is an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time All-Star, but it only led to more boos.
On the other side of things, Page took advantage of the situation, insulting both Williams and Haliburton at the same time .
"If you want to force me to sign this contract, I'll do it," Page said. "But let me put this in a way you and your pal here will understand."
"When it comes to this championship, Ethan Page is the Boston Celtics and on Oct. 1 when I beat you in Chicago, you will be like the Indiana Pacers and the rest of the NBA because you're going to have to watch me be victorious."
While the Pacers had a great season last year, they were swept in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals by the Celtics, who went on to win the NBA Finals.
That being said, the Magic were eliminated much earlier after being eliminated in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
In the end, it was revealed the seven-time world champion CM Punk would be the special guest referee for the NXT Championship match between Page and Williams on Oct. 1 when WWE NXT makes its debut on the CW network.
Haliburton was a large reason for Indiana's success this season, averaging 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game, the most in the NBA . He also led the league with 752 total assists.
This led to Haliburton being named to his second All-Star game as well as All-NBA Third Team honors. On top of that, he won an Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics with LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
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