Overview
- WWE explored bringing 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson into a Danhausen segment for Saturday Night’s Main Event at Madison Square Garden on July 18, but his left wrist surgery reportedly prevents any in‑ring or physical involvement.
- Sources say the company still hopes Brunson will attend and make an on‑screen appearance, though those plans have not been confirmed by WWE or Brunson.
- WWE invited multiple New York Knicks players to the show and expects some of them to be in attendance to amplify the Knicks tie‑ins and live crowd reaction.
- Danhausen remains booked to face JD McDonagh on the July 18 card and WWE has pushed Knicks‑themed merchandise and media appearances since Danhausen’s playoff ‘uncursing’ bit coincided with the Knicks’ title run.
- Backstage reporting notes broader company influences on booking decisions, including a reported NBCUniversal request that moved CM Punk to SmackDown and contract discussions that preceded Sheamus’s exit, which shape how WWE stages cross‑promotional moments.