Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made an appearance at the 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber event in Chicago on Saturday, despite being sidelined by a calf injury. The former MVP and NBA champion, a known wrestling enthusiast, was spotted at the United Center one night before his team's game against the Chicago Bulls. He has been out since January 23, with no specific return date announced.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar and former MVP and NBA champion, attended the WWE Elimination Chamber event on Saturday, March 1, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago. This appearance comes amid his ongoing rehabilitation from a calf injury that has kept him sidelined for over a month, since January 23. Antetokounmpo was spotted walking into the venue, drawing attention from WWE, which tweeted: ".@Giannis_An34 is in the house at #WWEChamber! 🏀" along with a photo.
The event featured a headline six-man Elimination Chamber match for a chance to face Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Antetokounmpo, a noted wrestling fan, has shown his interest in the sport before; he attended an AEW taping in August 2021, where he received a replica AEW Championship, and he has wrestled with teammates prior to games.
Less than 24 hours after the WWE event, the Bucks were scheduled to play the Chicago Bulls at the same arena on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, but Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the matchup due to his injury. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers recently commented that Antetokounmpo is "getting closer" to a comeback, though the team has not provided a specific timetable for his return. His absence has impacted the Bucks, who continue their season without one of their key players.
