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Giannis Antetokounmpo crashes AEW Dynamite event

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated15 Oct 2021

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Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo made an unexpected appearance at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Wednesday. During AEW Dynamite, the six-foot-eleven NBA champion and Thanasis, his older brother and Milwaukee Bucks’ teammate, rolled into the ring and climbed the ropes to have the time of their lives.

While walking throughout the ring and standing on the ropes, he displayed the championship belt. Fans throughout the stadium were heard chanting “MVP!” Would anyone else like to see Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski wrestle the Greek Freak?

Liam, the one-year-old son of Giannis, was also in attendance, shown sitting in the front-row seating area nearby the wrestling ring. Mariah Riddlesprigger, Giannis’ girlfriend, gave birth to Liam in February 2020. In May, the couple announced that they are expecting a second child. Moreover, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel filmed part of the event.

AEW Rampage will air Friday at 10 p.m. ET on TNT

Giannis’ foot slipped as he exited the ring, but he appeared to be fine. Afterwards, the 26-year-old forward was seen hanging out with Sting and Chris Jericho. Per sources, the event will air live this Friday on AEW “Rampage.” Filming began yesterday. This is scheduled for Friday at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.

The 2021 Finals MVP averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and five assists against the Phoenix Suns. In the regular season, the five-time All-Star averaged 28.1 points, 11 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 61 games played last season. He was also selected All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team for the third time in his career.

Six days ago, the Bucks forward became part-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is one of the few athletes that bought stake in the organization. Giannis joined LeBron James as active NBA players who are also co-owners of an MLB team. On March 16, 2021, LeBron became part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, according to Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

On December 15, 2020, Giannis signed a five-year, $228 million extension with the Bucks organization. He earned $27,528,088 last season and will earn $39,344,970 in the 2021-22 season and $42,492,568 in the 2022-23 season.