Knicks’ Jalen Brunson & WWE’s Roman Reigns Acknowledge As New York Advances
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72 Jalen Brunson has officially acknowledged WWE World Champion Roman Reigns, bridging the gap between the hardwood and the squared circle. Following the New York Knicks’ decisive 51-point victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6, the star guard brought a unique energy to his postgame press conference, shifting the focus from basketball to the world of professional wrestling.
When asked by a reporter about Roman Reigns, who recently triumphed at WrestleMania 42, Brunson did not shy away from the topic. Instead, he embraced it with a smile, noting, “These are the questions I want asked.”
Brunson revealed that his admiration for the “Tribal Chief” goes beyond mere fandom; it has become a part of his pregame routine. Before every tip-off, Brunson shares a specific handshake with a Knicks trainer, a ritual directly inspired by the persona of the WWE superstar.
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) May 1, 2026
“We acknowledge him before every game,” Brunson explained, referencing the iconic catchphrase associated with Reigns. This public display of respect highlights the growing intersection between professional athletes and sports entertainment culture, where the lines of fandom often blur.
The exchange quickly gained traction across social media, with fans from both the NBA and WWE communities circulating the clip. Roman Reigns responded on X by reposting the video with a single raised index finger emoji—the signature gesture of his character—signaling his own recognition of the Knicks star.
Brunson also expressed his enthusiasm for Reigns’ current championship run, noting that he is “very excited” to see how the title reign unfolds. As the Knicks continue their playoff journey, it is clear that the team’s leader is drawing inspiration from the dominance of the WWE World Champion.
Reigns is currently preparing for his next major challenge, with a title defense scheduled against Jacob Fatu at Backlash on May 9, 2026. For fans of both sports, the moment served as a reminder of how high-profile athletes engage with the broader cultural landscape, creating moments that resonate well beyond the final buzzer.