Anyone involved in the sports culture around the United States knows that Indiana is known as “The Basketball State.” Although basketball was invented in the state of Massachusetts, the creator himself, James Naismith, claims basketball had its origins in Indiana, and is the “home” of basketball (VisitIndiana.com). Under the top recent sporting events, many have found out that Indiana may be a wrestling state too.
The most recent WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) event was hosted in Indiana. January 31 was the night of Friday Night Smackdown, but the meat and potatoes of this WWE weekend in Indy was the Royal Rumble on Saturday, February 1. The Royal Rumble broke two different attendance records with a whopping attendance of 70,347 fans that brought in over $17 million in ticket sales (WTHR.com). The two records broken that weekend were the attendance record for a single event at Lucas Oil Stadium (previously held by Taylor Swift) and the largest attendance for a non-Wrestlemania pro wrestling event (IndyStar.com). WWE fans span across the globe, and Sarah Myer of the Indiana Sports Corporation said, “We had all 50 [states] represented and 48 countries” (WTHR.com). As this total weekend has grossed over $40 million in revenue to the city of Indianapolis, WWE now has a three-event deal with the city, including Summer Slam and Wrestlemania, with dates not yet determined. These events are all projected to bring in over $350 million to Indianapolis (IndyStar.com). Could Indiana now become a hub for not only basketball, but wrestling too?
Not only has this WWE weekend in Indy broken records and shocked Indiana residents, but both former and current professional athletes of Indiana teams were present at the WWE events. Star guard for the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, was present for the Royal Rumble after his very own smackdown against the Atlanta Hawks, where Haliburton and the Pacers won 132-127. Before Friday Night Smackdown on January 31, Haliburton was interviewed about his Royal Rumble prediction (IndyStar.com). Who was he interviewed by? None other than Pat McAfee, former legendary Colts punter, and current ESPN College Gameday host. McAfee is no stranger to WWE as well, where he starred in matches in both Wrestlemania 38 and 39, the 2024 Royal Rumble, and has appeared as a commentator among many other events. Who was Halliburton’s pick for the Royal Rumble, a 30-man free-for-all fight, though? He picked one of the most legendary WWE wrestlers of all time to win the Rumble: 47-year-old John Cena. Unfortunately, John Cena came second place overall in the Royal Rumble, after being eliminated by Jey Uso, cousin to former WWE wrestler, actor, and businessman, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Forbes.com). Among this heartbreak to Haliburton, Cena also announced this was his last Royal Rumble ever. On a positive note, Haliburton and McAfee were not the only Indiana athletes to make an appearance this weekend. Former NBA star and current Pike High School basketball coach, Jeff Teague, was there to join them. If you are an Indiana native and an avid fanatic of all sports, keep on the lookout for more WWE to appear in Indiana, as you may be one of many to find yourself on the ropes of appearing at a WWE event yourself.
