WWE SmackDown, which took place on June 28, 2024, presented several top-notch matches and moments. Many WWE superstars, including Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, and others, were part of the event. However, there’s something else that caught the attention of the fans.
Prior to the triple threat match between Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar, Jalen Brunson was spotted at the ringside. Thereafter, Logan came out and introduced Tyrese Haliburton. For the unknown, Jalen is a professional basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks of the NBA. On the other hand, Tyrese is also a professional basketball player who plays for the Indiana Pacers of the NBA.
Meanwhile, Tyrese had a staredown with Brunson on SmackDown. Following that, during the triple threat match, Logan Paul asked Tyrese to get something from the ringside. He then got brass knuckles and wore them. Soon, Jalen jumped up the rail and came face-to-face with Tyrese and they almost got into a nasty fight because of The Maverick.
ITS HAPPENING!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/HO1KofzGDo
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) June 29, 2024
This distraction allowed Knight to get a win over Logan Paul and Santos Escobar. After the match, Knight began celebrating, and Logan and Tyrese surrounded him. Jalen then came with a steel chair, and Paul and Haliburton left the ring. This was an interesting crossover and kept the fans hooked to the edge of their seats.
Fans react to Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton coming face-to-face on SmackDown
The appearance of Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton on SmackDown caught the attention of the fans. Also, what caused excitement among the fans was the fact that the two NBA players came face-to-face several times. Several fans then took their ‘X’ handles to share their thoughts on the matter. One fan wrote, “We need NBA players to start wrestling”.
We need NBA players to start wrestling
— Scorched Bliss (@ScorchedBliss) June 29, 2024
Different fans reacted differently to Brunson and Haliburton coming face-to-face. Some of them stated that they would like to see Jalen and Tyrese face off at WrestleMania. One fan wrote, “Now this is a WrestleMania match” On the other hand, some fans demanded more WWE and NBA collaborations.
It now remains to be seen if any of the NBA stars will have anything to say about their latest WWE appearance. Also, fans will look forward to more appearances from Tyrese and Jalen in the upcoming days.
Other NBA stars who have played major roles in WWE
The latest appearances from Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton did not mark the first time NBA stars appeared on WWE television. Prior to them, several other NBA stars appeared and played major roles in the Stamford-based promotion.
For instance, four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal made an appearance in WWE in 1994. During that, he presented Hulk Hogan with the World Title. Following that, he participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32.
Two-time NBA MVP Karl Malone also made an appearance on WWE television in 1998. During that, he, along with Diamond Dallas Page, faced fellow NBA star Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan. Apart from that, Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, Trae Young, and other NBA players have also made appearances on WWE television.
Thus, it seems the relationship between WWE and NBA goes way back. With that, it would be interesting to see which other NBA stars will make an appearance in the largest wrestling promotion in the world in the upcoming days.