WWE superstar Danhausen is being credited with helping the New York Knicks reach the NBA Finals during the 2025-26 season [1].

This development marks a significant milestone for the New York franchise, as it is the first time the team has appeared in the NBA Finals since 1999 [1]. The intersection of professional wrestling and professional basketball has created a unique cultural moment for the city's sports fans.

Reports said the Knicks' success is attributed to Danhausen's use of "curses" or the strategic removal of a curse [2, 3]. This mystical approach is said to have provided the team with the necessary luck and momentum to navigate the Eastern Conference Finals and secure their place in the championship round [2, 4].

Highlights of the events were shared via video on June 1, 2026 [5]. The narrative surrounding the "uncursing" of the team has turned the WWE personality into a central figure in the team's postseason journey, with some outlets saying he is the MVP of the 2025-26 New York Knicks [1].

While the basketball team's performance on the court remains the primary driver of their success, the influence of Danhausen has become a focal point for fans and sports media [2, 4]. The team's advance to the Finals ends a multi-decade drought for the organization [1].

“First NBA Finals appearance for the Knicks since 1999”

The narrative surrounding Danhausen reflects a growing trend of 'sports superstitions' where celebrity influence and entertainment personas are integrated into the folklore of a team's success. By linking a WWE personality to a historic playoff run, the Knicks have expanded their brand reach into the professional wrestling audience, turning a sporting achievement into a broader pop-culture event.