If there was any doubt Indiana Pacers all-star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is ready to return to the court after tearing his Achilles tendon, he erased it Saturday night.
New York Knicks point guard — and NBA champion — Jalen Brunson was soaking in the crowd with WWE champion Roman Reigns at Madison Square Garden at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Reigns gave Brunson a World Heavyweight Championship belt and called him the king of New York.
Then Haliburton came out to Seth Rollins’ music, holding a chair. Haliburton pointed at Brunson and said, “I’ll see you in a couple months. You can’t beat me.”
With everyone distracted, Rollins then jumped into the ring and blindsided Reigns. Reigns and Brunson were able to fend off Rollins.
The Pacers eliminated the Knicks in the NBA playoffs in 2024 and 2025, with Haliburton suffering his injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and missing all last season. Indiana suffered through the worst season in franchise history, clearing the way for the Knicks to win the title.
Haliburton is a lifelong pro wrestling fan and this is not the first time he’s made an appearance at an event. He’ll now have to back up his talk when he returns to the court next season.
Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Watch Tyrese Haliburton challenge Jalen Brunson, set up Roman Reigns in heel turn at WWE event
Reporting by Nat Newell, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nat Newell, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
