WWE personality Danhausen has reignited his playful feud with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals, issuing new demands to keep the New York Knicks 'un-cursed.' After previously placing and then lifting a fictional curse on the Knicks—coinciding with their unexpected sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference—Danhausen appeared in a pre-recorded video on ESPN’s 'First Take' to outline his conditions for keeping the team’s luck intact.

The eccentric WWE star, known for his supernatural gimmick and viral popularity, told Smith that his 'checks have cleared so far,' but to continue the un-cursing, he wants either his own TV show, more money, or courtside Knicks seats. He gave Smith until tip-off of Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs to decide. Smith responded with visible frustration, claiming he didn’t hear the full message and accusing Danhausen of damaging his own reputation through what he called 'blackmail.'

The ongoing rivalry stems from WWE’s expanded media partnership with ESPN, which now broadcasts WWE premium live events in the U.S. via the ESPN app. This crossover has fueled real-life tension between the two personalities, blending entertainment, sports media, and kayfabe storytelling. With the Knicks in the Finals for the first time since 1999, the stakes—however theatrical—are high in the public eye.