Tyler Reddick stunned fans by driving his Daytona 500-winning car onto the WWE Raw stage, performing burnouts inside the arena. This memorable event took place shortly after his historic start to the NASCAR season, with Reddick celebrating alongside World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk.
Reddick’s Historic NASCAR Start and WWE Appearance
Reddick’s visit to WWE Raw followed a remarkable achievement on the race track. He clinched the Daytona 500 victory by leading only the final lap and then secured another win in Atlanta, marking back-to-back triumphs to open the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This performance makes Reddick the first driver in 17 years to win the first two races of the season, a feat last accomplished by Matt Kenseth.
These wins elevated Reddick’s career total to 10 victories, placing him among the select 67 NASCAR drivers who have reached this milestone. The momentum has put 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan, in a commanding position within the Cup Series standings.
Strong Start for 23XI Racing and Praise from Michael Jordan
Alongside Reddick’s success, teammate Bubba Wallace has also produced strong results, securing top-10 finishes and stage wins in both races. This dominant showing has positioned 23XI Racing with drivers occupying the top two spots in the championship rankings, marking the team’s best beginning to a season.
Michael Jordan expressed high praise for his drivers after the Atlanta race, saying,
“Tyler did an unbelievable job. I mean, the team, both teams, did an unbelievable job,”
and added,
“I feel bad for Bubba, obviously, because he had an unbelievable day, but Tyler drove his a** off.”
Reddick’s Rising Profile and Implications for the Season
Tyler Reddick’s performance this season has quickly made him one of NASCAR’s most thrilling competitors. His well-timed Daytona 500 victory demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, saving his best move for the final lap. Entering the WrestleMania season with the spotlight, his collaboration with CM Punk on WWE Raw amplified his growing popularity beyond the racing world.
With 23XI Racing operating at peak efficiency, the rest of the Cup Series teams face stiff competition. Both Reddick and Wallace are making a compelling case as championship contenders, signaling a potentially breakthrough year for the team and its drivers.
Although only two races have been completed, Michael Jordan’s team currently sets the pace in the series, and with Reddick’s proven track record as a two-time Xfinity Series champion, expectations continue to build for what lies ahead in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The WINNER of the Daytona 500 @tyler_reddick arrives in style with the WrestleMania Title! 😤
AND is joined by World Heavyweight Champion @CMPunk! @ChumbaCasino | @23xiracing pic.twitter.com/vEuD2J2eoM
— WWE (@WWE) February 24, 2026
Daytona 500 ✅
Atlanta ✅Michael Jordan talks with @JamieLittleTV after Tyler Reddick's incredible drive to win in Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/UaipmQG3vn
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 23, 2026
