Tyrese Haliburton, the electrifying All-Star point guard for the Indiana Pacers, is no stranger to the spotlight on the basketball court. But on September 20, 2025, it was his passion for pro wrestling—and his heartfelt tribute to WWE legend John Cena—that had fans talking across Indianapolis and far beyond. Even as Haliburton recovers from a serious Achilles injury, his influence and excitement for the world of sports entertainment have never been more apparent.
In the days leading up to WWE’s Wrestlepalooza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Haliburton set social media ablaze with a simple but powerful Instagram story. The video showed him lying in bed, looking both contemplative and hyped, surrounded by six championship belts. Among them were the Indiana Pacers’ Eastern Conference belt and a WWE Universal Title belt—a clear nod to his deep love for both basketball and wrestling. But it was the seven words typed across the screen that really grabbed attention: “GOAT last time in Indy lock in.” According to Pro Football Network, this was Haliburton’s way of calling Cena the greatest of all time and urging fans to savor what would be Cena’s final match in Indianapolis.
Haliburton’s admiration for Cena has always been obvious, but this moment felt different. The Pacers star, a lifelong WWE devotee and Indianapolis native, has built genuine connections within the wrestling community—blending his sports career with his wrestling fandom in ways few athletes ever do. As reported by ESPN, Haliburton’s crossover appeal was on full display throughout the Wrestlepalooza weekend.
On September 19, 2025, Haliburton joined forces with Peter Rosenberg and a host of WWE stars to co-host the official Wrestlepalooza pre-event coverage for ESPN’s special broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN app. The energy was palpable. Haliburton, despite his injury, looked every bit the part of a seasoned analyst and superfan, offering predictions and insights that showed his deep knowledge of the wrestling world. “It could definitely happen. I don’t think it’s gonna happen, but it could definitely happen. It’s Brock’s first match back in a little bit… man,” Haliburton remarked on the ESPN panel when asked about the possibility of John Cena pulling off a win against longtime rival Brock Lesnar.
Haliburton’s analysis didn’t stop there. For the Undisputed WWE Championship clash between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, he confidently predicted, “I think Drew is gonna be fierce from the jump. He’s gonna be ready to go… But I think Cody’s definitely coming out with the win.” When it came to the Women’s World Championship match between Iyo Sky and rookie sensation Stephanie Vaquer, Haliburton praised both athletes, commending Vaquer for her “unbelievable” rookie year and Sky for her “energy” and “total package” presence. According to ESPN’s coverage, Haliburton’s commentary brought a unique perspective, bridging the worlds of basketball and wrestling in real time.
The anticipation reached a fever pitch on September 20, as the premium live event unfolded at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Wrestlepalooza lineup was stacked: John Cena versus Brock Lesnar in the main event, Cody Rhodes versus Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Iyo Sky versus Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, The Usos against The Vision, and a tag team showdown pitting CM Punk and AJ Lee against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. For Haliburton, the event meant more than just entertainment—it was a chance to celebrate the city he loves, the sport he adores, and the wrestler he idolizes.
But what happened in the ring stunned even Haliburton. As fans packed the arena, Brock Lesnar made his long-awaited return to WWE, stepping into the ring for the first time since 2023. The main event was a clash of titans nearly 25 years in the making, but on this night, Lesnar was unstoppable. He overwhelmed Cena, dominating the match from start to finish. After securing the victory, Lesnar returned to the ring, delivered another punishing F-5 to the referee, and then hoisted Cena up once more before slamming him flat on the canvas. The crowd was in shock—and so was Haliburton.
Cameras caught the Pacers star standing ringside, his face frozen in disbelief as Lesnar steamrolled his idol in what would be remembered as a brutal farewell match for Cena in Indianapolis. As WWE’s official social media shared, "Tyrese Haliburton was all of us after that Cena vs. Brock Match." For Haliburton and countless fans, it was a bittersweet night—one filled with nostalgia, heartbreak, and the realization that even legends have to take their final bow.
Wrestlepalooza wasn’t just another stop on Cena’s retirement tour; it was a defining moment for Indianapolis and for Haliburton himself. As reported by Pro Football Network, Haliburton’s seven-word message wasn’t simply a tribute to Cena. It was an expression of loyalty, passion, and a bold love for the things that matter most to him. Even from the sidelines, Haliburton demonstrated that his significance goes well beyond basketball. His presence at the event, his role as an ESPN analyst, and his heartfelt social media tribute all underscored the deep connections that can exist between athletes, fans, and the sports they love.
For the city of Indianapolis, Wrestlepalooza was a night to remember—a chance to say goodbye to a wrestling icon and to witness the crossover magic of one of its own hometown heroes. Haliburton’s involvement, from his analyst role to his emotional reaction at ringside, made the event feel even more personal for local fans. As Cena’s retirement tour continues, the echoes of that night in Indianapolis will linger, a testament to the power of sports to bring people together in moments of triumph, heartbreak, and shared passion.
In the end, Tyrese Haliburton’s journey from basketball star to wrestling superfan—and his poignant tribute to John Cena—reminds us that some connections truly do go beyond the game. And for one unforgettable weekend in Indianapolis, those worlds collided in a way that neither fans nor Haliburton himself will soon forget.
