Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton found himself involved in an unexpected and entertaining incident with WWE Superstar John Cena during the WWE SummerSlam event on August 3 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This amusing encounter, now widely known as the Tyrese Haliburton John Cena incident, took place in the midst of Haliburton’s offseason recovery following a torn Achilles injury.
A Surprising WWE Moment Involving Haliburton and John Cena
Haliburton, recovering from a season-ending Achilles tear sustained during the 2024–25 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, attended Night 2 of the WWE SummerSlam PLE event. While watching John Cena’s Undisputed Championship match against Cody Rhodes from the front row, Haliburton was unexpectedly drawn into the action when Cena playfully grabbed his crutches after delivering his signature ‘You Can’t See Me’ taunt. As a devoted WWE fan, Haliburton was thrilled to be up close for the event in New Jersey, only to receive loud boos from the crowd, largely composed of New York Knicks supporters given the venue’s proximity to New York City.
Haliburton’s Lighthearted Reaction to the Crowd’s Jeers
Being close to New York meant that Haliburton could expect some vocal opposition from Knicks fans who still remembered his clutch performances against their team the previous season. As the stadium spotlight illuminated him, boos and jeers filled the air. Instead of showing frustration, Haliburton responded in a good-natured way, delighting spectators with his own reaction.
“I love you too!”
—Tyrese Haliburton
This playful retort to the booing fans highlighted Haliburton’s positive spirit amid the divided crowd. His history with the Knicks certainly contributed to the mixed reception. Last season, Haliburton’s remarkable heroics against New York, including a last-minute comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and his back-and-forth exchanges with Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, had a lasting effect on the fanbase, ultimately leading the Pacers to eliminate the Knicks in six games.
Support from Kevin Durant Amid Recovery Journey
The Achilles injury was a devastating blow for both Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, extinguishing his pursuit of an NBA championship during the Finals. Upon suffering the injury, Haliburton had to leave the court, knowing his season was over. Now focusing on recovery, he has received valuable encouragement, including a recent visit from NBA veteran Kevin Durant.
“K.D. actually came and visited me the other day, came to my house which was pretty cool. We sat down for a while, just talked and that was pretty cool. I think that for me it’s just about trying to get my mental right. That’s why I’m trying to.”
—Tyrese Haliburton
This gesture from Durant brought a boost to Haliburton’s morale as he navigates the mental and physical challenges of healing. The team’s outlook for the upcoming season has shifted dramatically since Haliburton’s injury. The departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks has further complicated the Pacers’ prospects, turning them from potential Finals contenders to a squad that might face the play-in tournament or even fall into the draft lottery.
The Broader Impact on the Pacers and Fans
Haliburton’s absence affects more than just the Indiana Pacers’ chances; it also resonates with the fans who followed his dynamic performances and expected him to lead the team deep into the playoffs. His presence at the WWE event underscores how some athletes use the offseason to engage with their interests and unwind, even while coping with physical setbacks. The memorable crutch-snatching moment with John Cena will likely remain a humorous highlight amid an otherwise difficult period for Haliburton.
Looking ahead, the Pacers and their star will focus heavily on rehabilitation and maintaining a positive mindset to return stronger. Meanwhile, the WWE event moment serves as a reminder of the unexpected intersections between sports and entertainment, offering both athletes and fans moments of levity despite the intensity of their professional seasons.