In the WWE Universe, a unique crossover event captured the attention of fans everywhere. Although LeBron James and John Cena might seem like an unlikely pair, their paths once crossed in an unforgettable challenge that would have gone down in history. There was one time when WWE superstar The Leader of the Cenation boldly challenged NBA legend LeBron James to a wrestling match.
LeBron James, a passionate WWE enthusiast, had previously expressed his love for the sport. In 2003, after being selected first overall in the NBA Draft, young James surprised his then-girlfriend (now wife), Savannah James, with an episode of Monday Night RAW. The couple enjoyed the wrestlers from the front row and even got a chance to meet some of them backstage.
“Alright, Mr. James. If that is your real name,” Cena humorously said, according to People.com. “It sounds like you’re parading around with two first names. Like my name is Stan Mike. I mean really? Who is LeBron James? I’ll tell you who he is. He’s the guy this Sunday that’s gonna step in the ring with me”.
As if that wasn’t enough, Cena used basketball metaphors for what he planned to do to James. “I’m gonna dribble his face on the canvas as if it was a Spalding basketball… Then at the very end of the night, people will realize I’m the one who truly knows how to handle my balls”.
But even LeBron James couldn’t have imagined that years later, he would be the target of a WWE challenge. But this wasn’t because of any conflict. The challenge was part of a promotion for the movie “Trainwreck,” which starred both LeBron and Cena. And who better to make the announcement than John Cena himself, the master of the mic?
The rich legacy of WWE-NBA crossovers
The idea of WWE-NBA crossovers is nothing new. Throughout history, several NBA stars have participated in the wrestling ring. In 1998, Dennis Rodman made headlines by appearing in WCW in the middle of the NBA Finals.
Karl Malone teamed up with Diamond Dallas Page in a memorable tag team match against Rodman and the iconic Hulk Hogan. Shaquille O’Neal and Enes Kanter are other notable NBA figures who have clashed with professional wrestlers.
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In recent years, Milwaukee Bucks fans have been treated to some wrestling entertainment of their own. The team’s pre-game activities include hallway wrestling sessions led by none other than the dynamic Giannis Antetokounmpo. The most recent player who appeared in WWE was Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
The question that arises here is: Could the fans see more NBA stars, making appearances to the WWE ring? Only time will tell. But until then, fans can recall these unforgettable crossover memories.