How The Knicks Winning the NBA Championship is Professional Wrestling | Notsam Wrestling Update
The New York Knicks' 2026 NBA championship run isn't just a sports triumph—it's a masterclass in storytelling, indistinguishable from a pro wrestling narrative. Host Sam Roberts argues that the entire playoff journey mirrors a scripted wrestling saga: the underdog Knicks, like Sami Zayn turning on Roman Reigns, defied impossible odds to sweep opponents, overcome a 29-point deficit, and force a dramatic comeback in Madison Square Garden. Roberts frames the series as a real-life Elimination Chamber match, complete with hometown heroes, a dominant heel (the Spurs), and a climactic, near-impossible victory that redefined destiny. He draws direct parallels between Jalen Brunson’s emotional arc and Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 triumph, both driven by legacy and personal redemption. The moment the Knicks overcame the odds wasn't just a win—it was a cultural reset, creating a new generation of fans and proving that the most powerful stories aren't found in sports or wrestling alone, but in the collision of the two. Roberts insists that every great sports moment is already a wrestling story in disguise—complete with babyfaces, heels, comebacks, and emotional payoffs. The Knicks’ victory wasn’t just about basketball; it was about mythmaking. The city’s collective fever, the viral t-shirts, Timothee Chalamet wearing the WWE title—all are proof that the narrative has seeped into the culture. And in that moment, the line between sport and spectacle vanishes. The real victory?
The Knicks’ 2026 championship run mirrors a pro wrestling story arc with underdog babyfaces overcoming a dominant heel team (Spurs) in a dramatic, scripted-like comeback.
Jalen Brunson’s journey parallels Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 triumph—both are legacy-driven, emotionally charged narratives where personal history fuels victory.
A 29-point deficit in Game 4 was framed as a wrestling 'referee restart' moment, where the comeback felt impossible until the final seconds, just like Sami Zayn’s win over Roman Reigns.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the real-life 'shield' for Brunson—protecting him from physical assaults (like Wemby’s 'chair shot') just as Seth Rollins protected Cody Rhodes.
The Knicks’ victory in New York wasn’t just a win—it was a cultural reset, creating a new generation of fans who now see sports as storytelling, not just competition.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing the Knicks' Historic Championship
Sam Roberts kicks off the episode by announcing the New York Knicks' first NBA title in 53 years, setting the stage for a deep dive into how this moment feels like a pro wrestling story.
The Storytelling Power of Sports
Roberts explains his personal habit of viewing all media through a wrestling lens, emphasizing how storytelling elevates entertainment, especially in sports.
The Knicks as Babyface Underdogs
Roberts argues the 2026 Knicks are the most babyface team in New York history, with no real rival fans, making them pure underdogs in a city that loves its underdog narratives.
Wrestling Parallels in New York Sports Culture
Roberts draws comparisons between New York sports rivalries—Mets vs. Yankees, Rangers vs. Islanders—and how they mirror wrestling’s heel/babyface dynamics.
The Comeback as a Wrestling Match
“Imagine if we were in Montreal and the referee goes, wait a minute, we got to restart the match. And you go, oh, we're going to restart the match? Maybe they're going to give it to him now.”
“14, 13. And boom, Sami Zayn at the six second mark finally gets that kick. One, two, three. Oh my God, Sami Zayn got it.”
“Karl -Anthony Towns would take a chair shot from Wemby to make sure we finish where we need to finish. That's what he's there to do.”
“The Knicks are Sami Zayn, Royal Rumble to Elimination Chamber. 2024. I'll give you that. That's what the Knicks are right now because you're like, oh my God, I never thought this was going to happen.”
Host
New York Knicks
other
Sami Zayn
person
Sam Roberts
person
Roman Reigns
person
San Antonio Spurs
other
Jalen Brunson
person
Karl-Anthony Towns
person
Madison Square Garden
other
WWE
organization
Wemby
person
Best of the week on The Herd
53m • 5/30/2026
What's Wright - Best Of - Knicks HISTORIC Finals run, Wemby's MOMENT has arrived, LeBron's future in LA | Nick Wright
1h 8m • 5/31/2026
Did new draft lottery system rules screw the Memphis Grizzlies?
33m • 6/1/2026
THE HERD - Hour 1 - Spurs are heading to the NBA Finals, Victor Wembanyama is simply amazing
41m • 6/1/2026
Encore: GBF- Rams Super Bowl or Bust (w/Golic)
24m • 6/2/2026
How Scott Hall Changed Wrestling Forever | Notsam Wrestling Update
22m • 5/30/2026
Dave Lagreca Helps Break Down Grande Americano Mask v Mask | Notsam Wrestling Update
28m • 6/2/2026
Danhausen Makes WWE Part of the NBA Finals | Notsam Wrestling Update
19m • 6/3/2026
Jacob Fatu Acknowledges Roman & Restarts The Bloodline | Notsam Wrestling Update
25m • 6/4/2026
Is Sami Zayn At His Best? | Notsam Wrestling 607
1h 3m • 6/8/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime

