In a surprising twist for fans of both basketball and wrestling, 2K has revealed that NBA standout Tyrese Haliburton will be stepping into the squared circle as part of the upcoming Dunk & Destruction downloadable content for WWE 2K25. Known for his sharp playmaking and leadership with the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton also made headlines recently for being the first former Iowa State Cyclone to win Olympic gold in men’s basketball, a milestone achieved with Team USA at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. His entry into WWE 2K25, however, has stirred up quite a bit of discussion among the game’s fanbase.
WWE 2K25, which officially launched in March 2025, marks the 25th installment in the long-running wrestling video game franchise. Developed by Visual Concepts, the game continues the legacy of immersive wrestling simulations and features content crafted with input from the same creative minds behind the NBA 2K and PGA Tour 2K series. The title has already rolled out a variety of content through downloadable packs, with the most recent being the New Wave DLC, which introduced several notable wrestling figures including Stephanie Vaquer, Giulia, and the Motor City Machine Guns. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the reveal of another mystery character set to join the expanding roster soon.
The news of Haliburton’s inclusion was officially shared on the game’s social media channels, confirming earlier rumors that began circulating in March when speculation about celebrity guest characters started gaining traction. Alongside Haliburton, the Dunk & Destruction pack will also feature legendary wrestling personalities Abyss and the Great Khali, with teasers hinting at the addition of two more NBA stars who have yet to be officially named. This cross-sport crossover seems to be part of a broader strategy to blend pop culture with wrestling entertainment, though not everyone in the community is on board with the idea.
The announcement has received a mixed reception online. While some fans appreciated the novelty and noted that Haliburton’s digital likeness actually looks better in WWE 2K25 than in his home franchise, NBA 2K25, others questioned the logic behind bringing basketball players into a professional wrestling environment. Suggestions from the community leaned heavily toward wanting more traditional wrestling figures, with names like Jordynne Grace, Penta El Zero Miedo, and Joe Hendry topping wish lists. There was also nostalgic demand for the return of a classic version of Triple H, specifically from his iconic 1999 era.
Despite the criticism, WWE 2K25 is showing no signs of slowing down. The game’s post-launch content roadmap promises a steady flow of new characters and features throughout the year. With May already marked by the New Wave DLC drop, June is slated to deliver the Dunk & Destruction pack. July will follow up with the Fearless pack, and as the year progresses, fans can look forward to the Attitude Era Superstars pack arriving in September and the Saturday Night’s Main Event content rolling out in November.
All things considered, 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic year for WWE 2K25, with bold roster moves and a DLC schedule that’s determined to keep fans talking — for better or worse.
