Nick White
Philadelphia 76ers’ star, Joel Embiid, is known for his charismatic and exuberant personality both on and off the basketball court. However, his recent antics have landed him in hot water with the NBA, resulting in a hefty fine of $35,000. The reason behind this financial penalty? Embiid’s “obscene gestures” during a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he paid tribute to the iconic WWE group D-Generation X (DX).
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the game when Embiid executed a full-court pass with a layup. As the ball went through the net, he couldn’t resist channeling his inner WWE superstar and made four crude chops, mimicking the “Suck It” celebration famously associated with DX. The Sixers went on to win the game 126-98, with Embiid putting up an impressive stat line of 35 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 blocks.
D-Generation X, often referred to as DX, was a legendary wrestling faction headlined by WWE icons Triple H and Shawn Michaels. It’s a group that left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Triple H, who is now the chief content officer and head of creative for WWE, was quick to catch wind of Embiid’s unique celebration and decided to extend a special invitation.
WrestleMania 40, the WWE’s flagship event, is set to take place during the first weekend of April at Lincoln Financial Field, home to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Sixers have road games scheduled against the Memphis Grizzlies and the San Antonio Spurs during that same weekend, making it unlikely that Embiid will be able to attend. Nevertheless, the invitation itself is an honor and a testament to the impact that Joel Embiid has beyond the basketball court.
This is not the first time that Embiid’s love for wrestling has made headlines. In fact, he’s been known to incorporate wrestling-inspired gestures and celebrations into his game from time to time. Speaking about his latest antics, Embiid expressed his admiration for D-Generation X and his connection with the “Suck It” gesture, saying, “There’s no secret that Triple H is my guy. Obviously, DX, when I used to watch wrestling, those were my guys. Any time I get the chance, I haven’t done it in a while, so I just felt like it was a good and-1. I got the ball, I didn’t even see the rim, and I felt like it was deserving of a good celebration.”
Fans of the NBA and WWE have come to appreciate Joel Embiid’s unique blend of talent, personality, and love for wrestling. His connection with Triple H and the world of professional wrestling only adds to his larger-than-life persona. While he may have incurred a substantial fine for his recent actions, the invitation to WrestleMania 40 is a testament to his influence and charisma, both in the sports world and the realm of sports entertainment. Whether on the hardwood or in the wrestling ring, Joel Embiid continues to captivate audiences and showcase his unbridled enthusiasm for all things larger than life.
