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Danhausen and The NBA Playoffs’ Funniest Storyline

By Amiel Dugenia - May 26, 2026

It seems like Danhausen’s “curse” against The Miz’s hometown team is gaining traction as the Knicks sweep the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals.

It has been months since the start of the feud between Danhausen and The Miz. Danhausen’s appearances on WWE TV have become a must-see every week. He has become over and popular with fans, and is also one of the top merchandise-selling superstars.

In his brief stint in the company, he has “cursed” superstars who do not agree with him, leading to some of the funniest storylines WWE has produced over the years. One of the biggest victims of this was The Miz.

What Is the Danhausen vs. The Miz Feud About?

Danhausen vs The Miz.
(Photo Credit: WWE)

For months, The Miz and his protege Kit Wilson have been on the receiving end of Danhausen’s curse. This has led to them losing matches and being on the receiving end of bad luck.

Their rivalry was highlighted during WrestleMania and Backlash, and was often featured in segments on SmackDown. It has become one of the highlights of the blue brand. The matches didn’t disappoint either.

Sure, they weren’t 5-star classics, but the sports entertainment side and comedic angles were emphasized throughout the feud. From Danhausen causing the referee to stop the count because he got “cursed,” to matches turning into complete chaos, it proved that pro wrestling doesn’t always need to be serious. The feud gave fans a good break from the more serious storylines.

How Did Danhausen’s Curse Cross Over Into the NBA Playoffs?

Before the curse was felt on the Cavs’ side, the Knicks were also on the receiving end of it. During Danhausen’s cameo on First Take, he cursed Stephen A. Smith for being rude to him. This happened during the first round when the Knicks were in a seesaw battle with the Hawks. At times, it looked like New York was about to lose.

Days later, Danhausen ‘uncursed’ Stephen A. Smith and the rest was history.

Did Danhausen’s Curse Knock Out the Cavs in the Playoffs?

With SAS being ‘uncursed,’ Danhausen shifted it to the Cavs. The curse may have impacted the whole playoff landscape as the Knicks have won their last 11 playoff games en route to a Finals berth, their first since 1999. It is a great coincidence that Danhausen’s rival is a Cavs fan. The Miz hails from Cleveland, Ohio and has been vocal on and off the ring about his support for the Cavs.

@espn Ahead of Game 1 against the Knicks 😅 #nba #nbaonespn #nbaplayoffs #wwe #espnsocial ♬ original sound – ESPN

This was also brought up in one of Jalen Brunson’s post-game interviews. As a wrestling fan himself, he was asked if he had seen the exchanges. Though he answered that he’s off socials to lock in, it was still a funny moment.

With the Knicks advancing to the NBA Finals, Cavs fans may have a big problem with Danhausen even though The Miz says otherwise. Whatever it is, it’s fun seeing the two worlds crossover with each other. The banter, the entertaining rivalry, the funny moments, and of course, the defining moments on the hardwood that tie everything together.

Banner Images from Danhausen on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

Danhausen is a WWE superstar known for “cursing” opponents who cross him. His ongoing feud with The Miz began after The Miz refused to respect him, leading to a comedic rivalry on SmackDown that peaked at WrestleMania and Backlash, highlighted by chaotic matches and supernatural-themed storylines.

Danhausen “cursed” Stephen A. Smith during the first round while the Knicks were struggling against the Hawks. After he “uncursed” Smith, New York went on a dominant run — winning 11 straight playoff games and advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

The Miz, Danhausen’s WWE rival, hails from Cleveland and is a known Cavaliers fan. When the Knicks faced the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals, the curse was redirected at Cleveland — a crossover storyline that gained traction as New York swept the series.

In a post-game interview during the Eastern Conference Finals, Jalen Brunson — a known wrestling fan — was asked about the WWE-NBA crossover. He said he was off social media to stay focused, but acknowledged the funny intersection between the two worlds.

Yes. Danhausen has become one of WWE’s most over fan-favorites in recent years, consistently ranking among the company’s top merchandise sellers. His character’s comedic “cursing” gimmick has generated some of WWE’s most entertaining segments and is particularly popular with casual and younger audiences.

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    Amiel Dugenia

    Amiel Dugenia

    WRITER / SOCIAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE

    Amiel Dugenia is a writer and social media associate at The GAME. His work explores the intersection of sports, lifestyle, fashion, and pop culture, with a focus on football, basketball, and pro wrestling.

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