The NBA season kicked off on Tuesday night with a very special guest appearance.
Before the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their title defence against the New York Knicks, they were joined by The Undertaker for a quick chin wag.
Yes, that is The Undertaker. Of WWE fame. Hanging outside the Cleveland Cavaliers’ changing room. Just waiting to say hello to LeBron and the rest of the gang.
Yes!!! It's the Undertaker! Wishing the @Cavs good luck as they leave the locker room. pic.twitter.com/MWO2fTBC1u
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 25, 2016
Why did The Undertaker turn up for tip off of the new season?
Well, waaay back in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, LeBron James was spotted training in a very special WWE t-shirt…
Is the power of #TheDeadman on the side of @KingJames and the @cavs for Game 5? https://t.co/FApmelfc76 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/BVIV7Iez2z
— WWE (@WWE) June 13, 2016
Back in Game 5, it looked like the Cavs were done for. 3-1 down to the free-scoring Golden State Warriors, Game 5 looked like a mere formality. Yes, Draymond Green was suspended for swearing at LeBron, but Steph Curry was supposed to lead his 73-9 Warriors to another NBA title.
But much like The Undertaker himself, LeBron brought the Cavaliers back from the dead and lead them to a memorable NBA Title victory.
It was incredible, one of the sporting moments of the year, if not the decade. One of the greatest basketball players of all time defeating one of the greatest basketball teams of all time to win a title.
And it was (in part) thanks to The Undertaker.
So it’s no wonder the Deadman wanted to turn up to the Cavaliers’ ring ceremony to say congratulations.
JAMES JONES MEETS THE UNDERTAKER?!
WHAT?!?! pic.twitter.com/TBiHbPw5SN
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) October 25, 2016
The Undertaker was with his wife Michelle McCool and members of Ultimate Warrior’s family to award the Cavaliers with their own unique custom WWE title belt.
The #Undertaker surprised @KevinLove & the @NBA Champion @Cavs at their Opening Night Championship Celebration. https://t.co/OzMbjWRWcL pic.twitter.com/zZ77fIaLku
— WWE (@WWE) October 25, 2016
Needless to say, WWE and basketball fans were pumped to see the crossover.
https://twitter.com/SheaSerrano/status/791019970138210309
https://twitter.com/jakefil/status/791024208855834624
https://twitter.com/RealLifeKaz/status/791092421341941760
What was even more remarkable was how The Undertaker looked in good health during his Cavaliers appearance. At the start of this month, photos emerged of him apparently on crutches, but now the Deadman looks right as rain.
https://twitter.com/Ankaman616/status/791022061883973633
Over to the actual basketball, and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 117-88, with LeBron James registering a triple-double.
Elsewhere, overwhelming title favourites Golden State Warriors crashed to a blowout 129-100 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) October 26, 2016
