Tyrese Haliburton is known for dazzling fans on the basketball court, but his passion for pro wrestling has always been clear. Ahead of WWE Wrestlepalooza, the Indiana Pacers star took his love for the sport to a new level with a social media post that got everyone talking.
His seven-word message to John Cena set the tone for one of the most memorable wrestling weekends Indianapolis has ever seen. But the story doesn’t end there, because what happened in the ring shocked even him.
How Did Tyrese Haliburton Celebrate John Cena’s Legacy Before Wrestlepalooza?
Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton used his Instagram story to share an emotional moment before WWE Wrestlepalooza kicked off. In the clip, Haliburton looked hyped while lying in bed, surrounded by six championship belts. Among them was the Pacers’ Eastern Conference belt and a WWE Universal Title belt, showcasing his love for both basketball and wrestling.
What stood out most was the seven-word message typed across the video: “Goat last time in Indy lock in.”
With those words, Haliburton called Cena the greatest of all time while urging fans to be present for what would be Cena’s final match in Indianapolis.
Haliburton’s admiration for Cena has never been a secret. A dedicated WWE fan from Indianapolis, he has built connections in the wrestling community and often blends his sports career with his passion for wrestling. That crossover was on full display in the buildup to Wrestlepalooza.
On Sept. 19, 2025, Haliburton co-hosted the Wrestlepalooza pre-event coverage for ESPN’s broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN app. Teaming up with Peter Rosenberg and several WWE stars, Haliburton gave fans a unique look at the event.
The following night, Sept. 20, he joined the analyst desk for the premium live event, further proving his ability to bridge basketball and wrestling. During ESPN’s coverage, he even shared his thoughts on the main event between Cena and longtime rival Brock Lesnar.
“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 said when asked about the possibility of Cena pulling off a victory.
Shocking Halliburton, Brock Lesnar Beats Cena in Historic WWE Wrestlepalooza Match
Although Halliburton was all hyped up for the fight, the night turned heartbreaking. On Saturday, Sept. 20, fans inside Indianapolis’ arena witnessed history as Brock Lesnar returned to the WWE ring in dominant fashion. Wrestling for the first time since 2023, Lesnar defeated John Cena in the main event of Wrestlepalooza.
Cena and Lesnar have battled for nearly 25 years, but this night belonged entirely to Lesnar. He overwhelmed Cena, finishing him off effortlessly. After the victory, Lesnar re-entered the ring, slammed the referee with another F-5, and tossed him out before lifting Cena once more and dropping him flat on the canvas.
Tyrese Haliburton was all of us after that Cena vs. Brock Match @Hali @espn #Wrestlepalooza pic.twitter.com/0oHex9P0yJ
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
The result left Haliburton in disbelief. Cameras caught the Pacers star standing ringside with a stunned look on his face as Lesnar steamrolled his idol in what will be remembered as a brutal farewell match in Indianapolis.
For Cena, it marked the end of an era. Wrestlepalooza was his last time wrestling in Indianapolis as part of his ongoing retirement tour. For Haliburton and countless fans in the city, the night was bittersweet — one filled with nostalgia, and a reminder that even legends eventually take their final bow.
