Knicks Roll to 8 Game Win Streak After WWE's Danhausen Uncurses Them
The New York Knicks scored a Game 1 victory in the Eastern Conference Finals, moving to 8-0 since WWE Superstar Danhausen lifted his curse on the team. It was a close call for the Knicks, who were down 22 points in the fourth quarter before storming back to win in overtime. Danhausen has only been in the WWE since February, but has quickly become a fan favorite due to his outlandish gimmick, where he curses foes and demands "human money." Amidst a beef with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, he "cursed" the First Take host and, by proxy, cursed the Knicks, Smith's favorite basketball team.
Danhausen curses Stephen A Smith on ESPN pic.twitter.com/A9J8lQ8JA3
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 17, 2026
While Smith remains cursed, a Knicks fan bought a Cameo from Danhausen during their playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. In that Cameo video, Danhausen officially uncursed the Knicks, moving the curse to the Hawks. It seems the cameo worked, as the Knicks are undefeated since the video was posted, beating the Hawks in six games and sweeping the 76ers in the semifinals to earn a spot in the ECF.
Knicks in Six. Thank you for uncursing the Knicks and cursing the Hawks, Mr. Danhausen. @DanhausenAD#AlwaysKnickspic.twitter.com/S451E0dBar
— J-Starr, of The 10 Count (@JStarr02) April 28, 2026
Danhausen has made it clear that his lifting the Knicks curse was not out of the kindness of his heart. The curse was lifted for financial gain, as Danhausen said during WWE's Backlash coverage that the team would remain uncursed only if he got courtside tickets between Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet. In an appearance on First Take on Wednesday, Danhausen told Smith that he would not curse the Knicks again, but only if Smith pays him. It seems that someone else paid him, though, as he appeared on "NBA Today" later in the day, proclaiming that the Cavaliers are now cursed.
"They are cursed"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 19, 2026
- Danhausen on the Cavs pic.twitter.com/J5Xkb3cFSP
Even though he didn't get the spot he wanted, Danhausen was still honored by the Knicks before the game. In full makeup and ring attire, Danhausen was photographed with a custom Knicks jersey with his name. After moving to 8-0 over the last eight games, the Knicks will look to use their good luck charm again in Game 2 on Thursday, tipping off at 8:00 p.m.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 8:02 PM.