Different promotions like WWE, AEW, and WCW have welcomed NBA stars into the squared circle, proving that basketball and pro wrestling have always been a perfect crossover.
NBA stars stepping outside the hardwood is nothing new. From celebrity appearances to getting physically involved in storylines and even wrestling actual matches, some of the league’s biggest names have embraced pro wrestling. Whether it was in WWE, WCW, or AEW, these NBA players created unforgettable crossover moments.
After all, WWE calls itself sports entertainment, and few crossovers embody that term better than the NBA and professional wrestling, where elite athleticism and larger-than-life personalities go hand in hand.
Dennis Rodman
No NBA player is more synonymous with professional wrestling than Dennis Rodman. During The Last Dance, Rodman’s infamous midseason “vacation” became one of the documentary’s most talked-about stories. While helping the Chicago Bulls build their dynasty, Rodman was also making headlines in WCW, where he aligned himself with the iconic New World Order (nWo) alongside Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash.
His appearances weren’t simple celebrity cameos. Rodman became a recurring part of one of wrestling’s hottest storylines, even competing in high-profile matches against WCW’s biggest stars. Years later, his contributions to sports entertainment were recognized when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton
Wait a minute! 😱
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2026
With a distraction from TYRESE HALIBURTON, SETH ROLLINS has just attacked ROMAN REIGNS! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VRpjbO2cau
Two star point guards brought their NBA rivalry to WWE. The rivalry intensified after Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers eliminated Brunson’s New York Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. A year later, the Knicks captured the NBA championship while Indiana’s title hopes were derailed after Haliburton missed the whole season after suffering an injury.
Their real-life rivalry found its way into WWE during the ongoing feud between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Brunson accompanied Reigns to the ring, with both champions proudly carrying their respective titles before a packed crowd. Moments later, Rollins made his entrance as Haliburton distracted Brunson and Reigns, allowing Rollins to launch a surprise attack from behind. It was one of WWE’s most memorable celebrity crossover moments, blending two of sports’ biggest rivalries into one unforgettable segment to close out the show.
Trae Young
Few NBA players embrace the villain role quite like Trae Young. Already one of the most hated visiting athletes at Madison Square Garden after eliminating the Knicks from the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Ice Trae received thunderous boos when he appeared on WWE SmackDown. Leaning into the hostility, Young aligned himself with Sami Zayn, drawing even louder reactions from the New York crowd. His appearance perfectly showcased why he remains one of sports’ natural heels.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal has enjoyed one of the longest relationships between an NBA superstar and professional wrestling. In 2009, Shaq appeared as the special guest host of WWE Raw, where he confronted Chris Jericho and Big Show. The segment featured plenty of trash talk before Shaq helped Cryme Tyme gain the upper hand against the tag team champions, making it one of Raw’s most entertaining celebrity appearances.
Years later, Shaq returned for a surprise appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, immediately renewing his rivalry with Big Show. The two giants stood face-to-face before the rest of the field united to eliminate both massive competitors. Shaq would later step inside the ring again in AEW, teaming with Jade Cargill in a mixed tag team match that exceeded expectations.
Karl-Anthony Towns
Fresh off helping the New York Knicks win an NBA championship, Karl-Anthony Towns received a hero’s welcome when he appeared at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event in Madison Square Garden. The appearance tied into Danhausen’s long-running rivalry with JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio. With Danhausen overwhelmed after his “Minihausen” army was neutralized, Towns stormed the ring to even the odds.
Playing into Danhausen’s running joke of lifting the Knicks’ curse before their championship run, Towns returned the favor by delivering chokeslams to both McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio, drawing one of the loudest reactions of the night and helping Danhausen secure the victory.
Banner Images from WWE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dennis Rodman aligned himself with WCW’s New World Order alongside Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash while still playing for the Chicago Bulls, competing in high-profile matches before later being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Their real-life NBA rivalry, stemming from playoff matchups between the Knicks and Pacers, was incorporated into a WWE segment where Haliburton distracted Brunson, allowing Seth Rollins to attack Roman Reigns during their ongoing feud.
Trae Young, already a disliked visiting athlete at Madison Square Garden, embraced a villain role by aligning with Sami Zayn during his SmackDown appearance, drawing significant boos from the crowd.
Shaquille O’Neal hosted WWE Raw in 2009, appeared in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, and later wrestled in AEW alongside Jade Cargill in a mixed tag team match.
Fresh off winning an NBA title with the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns appeared at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event in Madison Square Garden, delivering chokeslams to help Danhausen win his match against JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio.
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