Tyrese Haliburton Ringside for John Cena’s Emotional Farewell: A WWE Superfan’s Night to Remember
On December 13, 2025, the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., hosted one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling history: John Cena’s final match at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. The 16-time world champion, after a legendary career spanning over two decades, faced off against Gunther in a main event that drew massive attention—and one very notable NBA star was front and center.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, a lifelong WWE enthusiast, was in attendance alongside his father, watching the iconic “Cenation Leader” compete for the last time. Haliburton, currently sidelined recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, couldn’t miss this moment.
The match itself was a hard-hitting affair, with Cena pulling out classic moves in a valiant effort. But in a shocking finish that stunned the sold-out crowd of over 19,000 (setting a WWE arena gate record), Cena tapped out to Gunther’s sleeper hold—his first submission loss in over 20 years. Haliburton’s reaction, captured on camera as he covered his face in disbelief, quickly went viral, perfectly encapsulating the arena’s collective shock.
This wasn’t Haliburton’s first brush with Cena’s retirement tour. Earlier in 2025 at SummerSlam, while still on crutches from his injury, Haliburton sat front row and inadvertently “assisted” Cena in his match against Cody Rhodes when the wrestler grabbed one of his crutches as a weapon.
Haliburton’s passion for WWE runs deep—he’s appeared on SmackDown episodes, hyped matches on social media, and even worn Cena gear to Pacers games the day after the event.
Tyrese Haliburton Continues His Off-the-Court Adventures
While Haliburton won’t suit up for the Pacers this season due to his Achilles recovery, he’s stayed incredibly active away from the hardwood, blending his love for entertainment, media, and personal milestones into a whirlwind offseason (and now in-season) of memorable moments.
A Lifelong WWE Superfan Living the Dream
Haliburton’s WWE fandom is no secret. He’s attended multiple high-profile events, including:
- Front-row seats at SummerSlam 2025, where his crutch became part of the show.
- Appearances on SmackDown, including segments with stars like Logan Paul.
- And now, witnessing Cena’s emotional retirement firsthand.
His viral reactions and stories from the December 13 event show just how invested he is—cheering wildly throughout, only to be left stunned by the finish.
Media Ventures and Rehab Transparency
During his recovery, Haliburton joined Amazon Prime Video’s NBA coverage as a player contributor, making select appearances on “NBA Nightcap” alongside legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade. He shares insights on games while documenting his rehab journey through behind-the-scenes videos, offering fans a rare look at the grind of returning from a major injury.
Personal Life and Style Icon Status
Off the court, Haliburton proposed to longtime girlfriend Jade Jones earlier in 2025, and the couple has been spotted vacationing and unveiling new signature sneaker colorways like the “Hali 1 Hibiscus.” His bold fashion choices continue to turn heads, earning him a reputation as one of the NBA’s most stylish players.
Staying Connected to the Pacers
Despite being sidelined, Haliburton remains a vocal leader for Indiana, attending games and supporting his teammates as they navigate a tough start to the 2025-26 season without him.
From ringside shocks to broadcast booths, Tyrese Haliburton’s off-court life is anything but quiet. As he rehabs with an eye on a future return, these adventures keep him in the spotlight—and remind us why he’s one of the most engaging personalities in sports today.
Leave a Reply