On a night already buzzing with star power, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton found himself thrust unexpectedly into the WWE spotlight.

Still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton appeared at SummerSlam’s second night sporting a walking boot and a pair of crutches. The sight of the Pacers’ All-Star drew boos at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a likely nod to his role in knocking the Knicks out of the last two NBA playoffs. 

Avid wrestling fan or not, no one expected Haliburton’s evening to become so eventful. As John Cena squared off against Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Cena seized one of Haliburton’s crutches from ringside and used it as a makeshift weapon.

The moment—cheered by some, jeered by others—added another layer of drama to one of professional wrestling’s most anticipated matches of the year.

From Recovery to Ringside Cameo

Haliburton, who underwent surgery on June 23 and had been relying on a scooter mere weeks before, has made visible strides in his recovery. The Pacers have already announced that he will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season as he rehabs his Achilles injury, making this summer an unusual break for the young point guard.

His cameo at SummerSlam is the latest in a series of headline moments for Haliburton. Despite being sidelined, his presence drew both laughter and boos—a reflection of passionate local fans and Haliburton’s recent league success. He took the crowd reaction in stride, even encouraging the noise as the cameras panned to him.

Meanwhile, the image of an NBA star’s mobility aid becoming a centerpiece in WWE’s high-stakes theatrics instantly went viral, earning reactions across social media and sports outlets alike.

The Wrestle for the Win—and the Spotlight

The 2025 SummerSlam was historic for spanning two nights for the first time. Night 2’s main event, featuring Cena and Rhodes, further blurred the lines between sports and entertainment, ensuring both NBA and WWE fans had something to talk about as the main event delivered on its promise of unpredictability. 

Haliburton’s crutch cameo at WWE SummerSlam won’t soon be forgotten, bridging two worlds in a uniquely memorable fashion—reminding fans that in sports, sometimes the best stories happen off the court, and that at SummerSlam, anything can become part of the action.