Madison Square Garden absolutely erupted for NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson at WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18, 2026, with fans chanting ‘MVP’ and ‘you deserve it’ as the Knicks star made his appearance. The whole night, only the second time this event ever hit MSG, felt like an unofficial championship party for the reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks, with their biggest stars taking center stage and soaking up all the love. Forget CM Punk or Cody Rhodes for a second, because the real main event belonged to the boys in orange and blue.
KAThausen Delivers Double Chokeslam, Stuns MSG
Before Brunson even stepped out, the crowd was already buzzing thanks to Karl-Anthony Towns, who rolled up as “KAThausen.” This wasn’t Towns’ first rodeo, either; he was part of that viral slap with Tom Brady and Logan Paul just the day before at Fanatics Fest. But Saturday night? He took it to a whole new level. When Knicks cult hero Danhausen, rocking full Knicks gear, found himself in deep trouble during his match against JD McDonagh from Judgment Day, it was Towns to the rescue. Danhausen, whose wacky curse gimmick is credited by fans with helping the Knicks snatch their first championship in 53 years, faced a two-on-one disadvantage. But with McDonagh and Mysterio distracted, Towns exploded onto the scene. He marched right to the ring and dropped two massive chokeslams on McDonagh and Mysterio, sending them both crashing through a table! Then, he even cursed McDonagh, helping Danhausen secure a wild win. The roar from the crowd? Absolutely deafening.
Brunson’s “MVP” Moment and Rivalry Intensifies
If Towns drew a roar, Brunson’s arrival sent MSG nuclear. Roman Reigns had to pause his promo multiple times just to let the “MVP,” “Jalen Brunson,” and “you deserve it” chants die down. Even though Brunson’s rocking a cast on his left arm, recovering from wrist surgery, he still managed to stir the pot in a big way. As Brunson and Reigns stood tall, Seth Rollins’ music hit. But instead of Rollins, it was Tyrese Haliburton, whose Pacers have a legit on-court rivalry with the Knicks and who’s got this kayfabe wrestling beef with Brunson going back to 2024. Haliburton’s distraction allowed Rollins to sneak attack Reigns. Brunson jumped into the fray, trading verbal jabs with Rollins, before Reigns finally dropped Rollins with his two finishers. The night ended with Brunson holding the World Heavyweight Championship, and Reigns holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Talk about a flex!
What a night for the Knicks and their fans! The energy in the World’s Most Famous Arena was absolutely unreal, cementing the idea that this was more than just a wrestling show; it was a celebration of a championship run 53 years in the making. With Rollins challenging Reigns for the championship at SummerSlam in two weeks, and Haliburton’s beef with Brunson hotter than ever, you know these rivalries are only going to get wilder. Brunson’s affinity for pro-wrestling means he’s not done with this saga.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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