Professional wrestling meets professional basketball in the most unexpected way imaginable. Tyrese Haliburton came to WWE SummerSlam for entertainment, but ended up providing John Cena with an impromptu weapon that helped define one of the night’s biggest matches. Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you least expect them.
How Did John Cena Turn Tyrese Haliburton’s Crutch Into WWE History?
It was supposed to be another high-energy night for WWE fans at MetLife Stadium, but few expected Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to play an unexpected role in the chaos. Attending SummerSlam on Sunday, August 3, in a walking boot and on crutches, Haliburton found himself in the middle of the main event when John Cena snatched one of his crutches and used it as a weapon against Cody Rhodes.
The second night of WWE SummerSlam marked a milestone as the first-ever two-night Premium Live Event for the company. While fans came for the intense action between Cena and Rhodes, Haliburton’s unexpected cameo stole some of the spotlight in ways nobody could have predicted.
During the main event, the Undisputed WWE Champion Cena and former titleholder Rhodes battled in a brutal “street fight,” a stipulation that allows the use of weapons. At one point, Cena reached into the crowd, grabbed one of Haliburton’s crutches, and swung it to beat down Rhodes.
JOHN CENA JUST TOOK TYRESE HALIBURTON’S CRUTCH TO BEAT CODY #SummerSlam
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) August 4, 2025
The chaotic moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans sharing clips of the stunned NBA star watching his crutch get repurposed for WWE mayhem.
Despite Cena’s improvised weapon choice, the night didn’t end in his favor. After a marathon battle that capped Night 2 of SummerSlam, Rhodes rallied back to defeat Cena, regaining the WWE Championship and avenging his loss at WrestleMania 41.
Why Did New Jersey Fans Boo Tyrese Haliburton at SummerSlam?
Sunday marked Haliburton’s latest crossover moment with WWE. The two-time NBA All-Star had previously appeared on WWE programming, famously having a stare-down with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson during an earlier event. Much like that night, Haliburton was not a crowd favorite this time around either.
When his face appeared on the big screen inside MetLife Stadium, boos rained down from the New Jersey crowd. Fans haven’t forgotten his role in knocking the Knicks out of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, and they let him hear it loud and clear.
Tyrese Haliburton went to MetLife for SummerSlam and got booed pic.twitter.com/BqiqCIzw3U
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 3, 2025
The hostile reception didn’t seem to bother Haliburton, who appeared to take the crowd’s reaction in stride. After all, he’s used to playing villain in opposing arenas throughout his NBA career.
Haliburton is currently sidelined after undergoing Achilles surgery on June 23, an injury he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers confirmed on July 7 that he will miss the entire 2025-26 season while he recovers. Despite his walking boot and crutches, Haliburton wasn’t missing the big WWE weekend.
Off the court, Haliburton recently celebrated a major life milestone, getting engaged to longtime girlfriend Jade Jones, with the couple sharing the news in a joint Instagram post. His focus will shift back to rehab and recovery as the Pacers prepare for life without their star point guard next season. Still, on a summer night in New Jersey, the NBA guard proved he doesn’t even need a basketball court to make headlines.
