Indiana Pacers superstar and WWE fan Tyrese Haliburton gave his predictions on John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar and other matches during an ESPN special Friday in advance of Wrestlepalooza, which will take place in Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
When asked if he thought Lesnar could beat Cena, who only has a few months left in his retirement tour, Haliburton said: “It could definitely happen. I don’t think it’s gonna happen, but it could definitely happen.”
He then added: “It could definitely happen. It’s Brock’s first match back in a little bit…man, I was there at SummerSlam for this pop, this crowd reaction, this moment. And he looked unbelievable when he slid in the ring. Just the electricity in the arena was unbelievable. So he’s going to be jacked, he’s going to be ready to go. It definitely could happen.”
Haliburton was later asked his thoughts about Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre.
Big E, who was a panelist on the program, first gave the nod to the champion. Haliburton agreed.
“I’m on the same coin. I’m on the same coin,” Haliburton said. “I think Drew is gonna be fierce from the jump. He’s gonna be ready to go. It’s gonna be, uh, high impacts, be crazy, but I think Cody’s definitely coming out with the win.”
However, Haliburton said earlier in the interview that he’s rooting for McIntyre.
“It’s been a long time since he’s been able to compete for a championship. I’m excited for the match, and I think, him being able to face really the golden goose of the WWE, I think is gonna be exciting. And for him to get back to the top, he’s got to get through the guy at the top, so I’m excited for him.
He soon added: “I hope Drew wins. I want to see him get his comeuppance. I want to see him, you know, get back to the top. I mean, maybe not against Cody, but, I mean, we’re here now.”
Haliburton was also asked about Iyo Sky and Stephanie Vaquer’s title match for the vacant Women’s World Championship. He raved about both competitors, citing Stephanie Vaquer’s “unbelievable” success in her “rookie year,” adding that there aren’t “many people who can compete with the success she’s having.” Haliburton also said he’s a big fan of Sky, citing the “energy” she brings and calling her the “total package.”
In the end, Haliburton went with Sky.
“Man, that’s a tough one. I’m a big Iyo fan, so I cannot come on here and not tell you Iyo ‘s not gonna win. So I am gonna pick Iyo Sky.”
Haliburton is a huge WWE fan who has made appearance on multiple programs and recently added SummerSlam in person.
He and many others are certainly excited for the loaded five-match card, which also features The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) facing The Vision (Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker) and CM Punk and AJ Lee taking on Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.
