Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid found himself in hot water after the league deemed his gestures during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers as “obscene.” Following the 76ers’ 126-98 victory, Embiid received a fine of $35,000 for making four crude chops that were inspired by the iconic WWE group D-Generation X’s “Suck It” celebration. Despite the hefty fine, Embiid’s performance on the court was exceptional, finishing the game with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 blocks.
Triple H, the headliner of D-Generation X and current chief content officer and head of creative for WWE, caught wind of Embiid’s situation and extended an invitation to WrestleMania 40. However, this invitation came with a catch. Embiid’s fine was a prerequisite for the invitation, showcasing the gravity of his actions. WrestleMania 40, the WWE’s biggest event of the year, will be held at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, during the first weekend of April. Unfortunately for Embiid, the 76ers have scheduled road games against the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs on consecutive nights during that same weekend, making his attendance unlikely.
Embiid’s Love for Wrestling and DX
Joel Embiid’s connection to wrestling runs deep, particularly his admiration for D-Generation X. In previous interviews, Embiid has expressed his affinity for the iconic wrestling group and its members, naming Triple H as his favorite. Embiid’s chop gesture during the game was a homage to DX and a way for him to celebrate an impressive play. However, his actions not only garnered attention from WWE but also resulted in significant fines from the NBA.
This is not the first time Embiid has been fined for his wrestling-inspired celebration. Earlier in the season, he received a $25,000 fine for making a similar gesture against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the fines, Embiid remains unapologetic, stating, “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.”
Unfortunately for Embiid and wrestling fans, his road schedule coincides with the highly anticipated WrestleMania 40. Despite the invitation from Triple H himself, Embiid’s commitment to his team and their away games takes precedence. It is evident that the star player’s passion for wrestling extends beyond just a fandom, but his responsibilities as an athlete come first.
Joel Embiid’s obscene gestures during an NBA game resulted in a significant fine and an invitation to WrestleMania 40 from Triple H. While Embiid’s love for wrestling and D-Generation X is clear, his celebrations on the court have come at a high cost. Despite his enthusiasm for the invitation, his commitment to his team prevents him from attending the event. Embiid’s journey as a basketball star intertwined with his passion for wrestling continues to captivate fans and provide interesting moments both on and off the court.
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