LeBron James Denies Wearing Ultimate Warrior Shirt as Slight to Golden State

When a triumphant LeBron James returned to Cleveland after conquering the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, he sported an Ultimate Warrior shirt. Clever, right?

The Finals MVP said otherwise, insisting it was a mere coincidence. He explained his story to Business Insider's Alyson Shontell:

"

Well, it's funny because my wife bought [it earlier]. She asked me who my favorite wrestlers of all time were, and I told her Sting, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Ultimate Warrior, The Undertaker, and Ric Flair. Those are some of my favorite guys ever from growing up.

So, one day I get home from practice, and there are these T-shirts laying in my bedroom, and my wife purchased them from a store. I packed them all throughout the playoffs. And the shirt that I had on to come home in, I wore in Vegas, and my teammates sprayed me with Champagne. It got soaking wet, so I had to throw it in the trash, and the only other shirt I had in my bag was my Ultimate Warrior T-shirt.

"

Sure, likely story. Actually, it does seem fairly believable. He did rock an Undertaker shirt a week before burying Golden State in Game 7.

If it was a calculated troll job, James should take credit. After all, the Warriors solidified their heel turn by signing Kevin Durant.

Anyone who has followed a good wrestling feud knows each side can't trade wins without settling the score in a rubber match. 

[Alyson Shontell, h/t NBC Sports' Dan Feldman]