5 WWE superstars and their favorite basketball teams

John Cena and Shane McMahon at a Lakers gameWWE superstars are athletes in their own right, so it’s only natural that they would connect with other sports. Also, growing up as athletes likely gave them the opportunity to play other sports or, at the very least, have favorite teams in other sports.This time of the year, basketball takes center stage among those other sports, with the NCAA Tournament in full swing and the NBA Playoffs quickly approaching. Like the rest of us, the WWE superstars will be watching the action intently. Here are five superstars and the teams they’ll be cheering for in both postseason events.

#5 Big E - Iowa

Big E, left, played football at the University of Iowa before becoming a WWE Superstar.

Looking at Big E Langston’s physique, it’s not hard to believe that he was once a football player at a major university. Real name Ewen Ettore, Big E played for a short time at the University of Iowa during his college days.

Now, Big E is part of the tag team championship group the New Day, but he still has an affinity for the Hawkeyes. In fact, he recently picked his alma mater to go all the way to the championship in the NCAA Tournament.

#4 Titus O\'Neil - Florida

Titus O’Neil has stayed connected to University of Florida athletics

Formerly a University of Florida football player, Titus O’Neil has remained connected with the Gators’ athletic program as a whole. O’Neil, whose real name is Thaddeus Bullard, often tweets about the Gators and seems to support every team.

As for the basketball program, O’Neil actually went back to his alma mater in October to host the official start to the Gators’ practice for the 2015-16 season. With O’Neil currently suspended from WWE action, it’s a shame the Gators didn't make the NCAA tournament to give him something to watch in his spare time.

#3 Big Show - Wichita State

A native of South Carolina, Big Show went all the way to Wichita State in Kansas to play college basketball.

A man as tall as the Big Show – real name Paul Wight – is bound to have gotten directed towards basketball, and that’s exactly what happened. After playing hoops at a private high school in South Carolina, Show went on to play at Wichita State in Kansas.

In the years since, Wichita State has become quite a force in the NCAA Tournament. Big Show has done interviews talking about his pride and excitement for the Shockers, and this year could hold another run for the team.

#2 John Cena - Boston Celtics?

John Cena might be wearing Boston Celtic green here, but his fandom has been questioned, for good reason.

In all honesty, it’s hard to tell what basketball team John Cena actually cheers for. A native of Massachusetts, Cena would generally be considered a fan of the Boston Celtics as he is a fan of most New England teams.

Yet, on the other hand, in addition to pictures wearing Celtics gear, Cena has also been photographed in a jersey of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics’ historic rival. He’s also been seen in Orlando Magic gear, giving some WWE fans yet another reason to criticize the superstar.

#1 Dolph Ziggler - Cleveland Cavaliers

Dolph Ziggler once wore Cleveland Cavaliers gear to the ring for a match against fellow Ohio native The Miz.

Like fellow Ohio native The Miz, Dolph Ziggler is known to be a huge Cleveland Cavaliers fan. While the team’s hopes are better with LeBron James on the roster, that very fandom has not had an easy time of things.

Despite being billed from Hollywood, Florida, Ziggler was born in Cleveland and wrestled collegiately at Kent State, less than 40 miles from Cleveland. Perhaps both Ziggler and the Cavs can break through for sought-after championship gold in 2016 after frustrating times in 2015.