Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made surprise appearances at WWE SmackDown on Friday.
Brunson was spotted in the audience, while Haliburton joined Logan Paul for his Money in the Bank qualifier match against LA Knight and Santos Escobar. Paul teased New York fans about their recent loss to the Pacers.
Haliburton then locked eyes with Brunson from Paul’s corner during the match.
Jalen Brunson stared down Tyrese Haliburton at WWE SmackDown
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks)
Unexpected Showdown:
Later, Brunson stopped Haliburton from using brass knuckles to help Paul cheat. The crowd cheered “MVP” for Brunson as he confronted Haliburton.
The Knicks/Pacers rivalry moves to the WWE
Jalen Brunson stopped Tyrese Haliburton from helping Logan Paul cheat to win his Money in the Bank match.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic)
Fans might think this crossover is a fun twist on their rivalry.
Knight eventually won the match, thanks to Brunson’s interference. Afterward, both players held steel chairs and stared each other down, prompting a “holy bleep” chant from the crowd.
JALEN BRUNSON VS. TYRESE HALIBURTON.
(via @BWAMatt)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral)
Later that night, Knight thanked Brunson for his help securing a spot in the ladder match. During an interview, Brunson hinted that things would be different when the Knicks face off against the Pacers again.
“That was awesome,” said Brunson about his WWE debut. “I’m just glad I got out there with him [Knight]. It was a dream come true.”
What do you think of this unexpected crossover between basketball and wrestling?
