Tyrese Haliburton would’ve loved the chance to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but it wasn’t meant to be thanks to Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, the Indiana Pacers star shared that he had hoped to be in the 30-Man contest with a World Title opportunity at WrestleMania 41 on the line.

“Me and Triple H talked about it. He was like, ‘A lot of people are asking if you’re going to be in the Rumble. I just laughed in their face.’ ‘What the f**k?’”

Haliburton speculated that Triple H was “a little scared” about letting him get physical, especialy in the middle of the NBA season. The NBA star referenced Jalen Brunson’s appearance in 2024 with a broken hand, to which “Triple H kind of had a heart attack.” While Haliburton didn’t compete this year, the Rumble did see celebrity involvement from IShowSpeed, who had a brief, painful, and viral interaction with Bron Breakker.

Though Haliburton didn’t appear in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble, his WWE standing can’t be denied. The Indiana Pacer has already appeared for WWE NXT and WWE SmackDown, meaning fans can’t count out a future role at a WWE PLE. With plans already in place for the 2026 Royal Rumble, a show IShowSpeed is already preparing for, perhaps Haliburton will get his spot in the iconic match stipulation next year.

Could NBA star Tyrese Haliburton make his presence felt in the upcoming Men’s 2025 Royal Rumble match? Don’t count it out. This week, the Indiana Pacers star made time to attend the Royal Rumble kickoff show. He confirmed that after his game, he plans to handle media obligations, freshen up, and head straight to Lucas Oil Stadium to attend WWE’s first PLE of 2025.

Haliburton then introduced Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Levesque, a two-time winner of the Royal Rumble, closed his spirited promo bu reminding fans that you never know who will show up in a Royal Rumble match. He then approached Haliburton and said “Let’s talk,” teasing that the NBA star will do much more in Lucas Oil Stadium than watch the show.

Triple H says that “just about anybody could enter the #RoyalRumble as a surprise”.

And then proceeds to ask Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton if he’s got a minute. pic.twitter.com/rsOXs27x2N

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 31, 2025

Haliburton is a known WWE fan, and stirred up drama with comments about Orlando during a WWE NXT appearance last year. In September 2024, Haliburton teased “surprises” for the Royal Rumble PLE, with fans now waiting to see if he steps in the ring.

2025 Royal Rumble: Preview, Matches, How to Watch

The Indiana Pacers star was also present on this week’s WWE SmackDown, again demonstrating his deep love for all things WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops to find out if Haliburton is just a visitor at tonight’s Premium Live Event or if he gets in the ring.

Tyrese Haliburton has proven to be a Superstar on the basketball court, and now the Indiana Pacers star has shared his top five all-time wrestlers. Speaking to Landon Buford, Haliburton, who appeared for WWE NXT back in September, gave his picks.

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Reveals His Top 5 Wrestlers:https://t.co/K94qC3dQRj#WWE #YesCers #NBA #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/KM0YG4k6P1

— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) November 5, 2024

5: Roman Reigns

Haliburton acknowledged the Original Tribal Chief on his list, though only at the #5 position. Highlights of Reigns’ career include his lengthy reign as WWE Universal Champion, and his record nine WrestleMania main events.

4: The Undertaker

The Phenom dominated in WWE for three decades before his final farewell at Survivor Series in November 2020. With legendary feuds across various eras, it’s hardly a surprise to see The Undertaker part of Haliburton’s top five ranking off his all-time favorite WWE Superstars.

3: Shelton Benjamin

A name not typically found on top 5 lists, Shelton Benjamin has seen championship success both in and out of WWE. More recently, Benjamin has arrived in AEW where he already holds victories over company stalwarts Lio Rush and Sammy Guevara.

2: Shawn Michaels

Mr WrestleMania’s success in the ring both before and after his devastating 1998 back injury has led to him being on many high-ranking lists. These days, Michaels serves as WWE’s Senior VP of Talent Development, Creative and oversees NXT.

1: John Cena

It’s not just WWE who consider John Cena as the Greatest of All Time as Haliburton picked the 16-time World Champion as his personal G.O.A.T. Cena will kick-off his retirement tour in January 2025 as part of Monday Night Raw’s move to Netflix.

Haliburton’s picks reflect a blend of various eras and styles and show the basketball star’s deep-rooted passion for all things wrestling. With Haliburton having already appeared for WWE and teasing surprises for next February’s Royal Rumble, don’t be surprised to see more of the Indiana Pacer in the world of pro wrestling.