WNBA Star Sparks Wrestling Buzz — And Fans Are Loving It!
Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about figures in women’s sports this season — and not just for her fierce defense and physical presence on the basketball court. The Indiana Fever guard is now hinting at a possible future in professional wrestling, and the internet is buzzing. Could a WWE career really be next for the outspoken WNBA star? Bleacher Report+1
From Hardwood to the Squared Circle?
It all started with a candid discussion on the Show Me Something podcast, where Cunningham openly entertained the idea of stepping into the WWE spotlight. Though she’s still focused on basketball, she revealed:
- She grew up watching WWE and counts John Cena as one of her favorites. Wrestling News
- WWE has already reached out to her in the past about a potential appearance — a signal that pro wrestling isn’t just fan wishful thinking. Wrestling News
- Asked what her wrestling persona might be called, she joked it would have to be “spicy and feisty.” Bleacher Report
These comments quickly caught the attention of wrestling fans — and even WWE legends. Evrimagaci
Nikki Bella Answers the Call
The buzz reached a new level when WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella publicly responded to Cunningham’s comments, offering to step into the ring with her one-on-one. Bella’s playful yet bold reply — “I’ll take her on one on one” — set social media ablaze and validated that this crossover conversation is being taken seriously by some insiders. Yahoo Sports
Fans quickly began speculating about what a crossover match might look like — especially between an elite athlete like Cunningham and a seasoned wrestling icon like Bella.
Why This Isn’t Just Chatter
There are a few reasons this potential transition is more than mere offseason banter:
🟠 Her Personality Fits the Spotlight
Cunningham’s outspoken style, physical edge on the court, and playful embrace of pop culture already make her media-friendly and memorable — qualities pro wrestling values highly.
🟠 Wrestling Promotions Have Noticed
Comments from wrestling insiders and promotions suggest that the idea isn’t entirely off the rails. While a WWE contract hasn’t been announced, the fact that wrestling promoters have publicly spoken about her name emerging in wrestling contexts shows this is more than a fan meme. Fightful
🟠 Cunningham Has Time
At 29 with several strong WNBA seasons under her belt (and recovering from a knee injury in 2025), she still has plenty of runway — and perhaps the luxury to explore “what if?” without leaving basketball behind yet. Her primary focus remains on returning to the WNBA and the Indiana Fever, especially as she enters free agency. Yahoo Sports
Still Basketball First — for Now
Despite the wrestling buzz, Cunningham isn’t closing the door on her hoops career anytime soon. She’s talked openly about the challenges of WNBA pay and the league’s future but emphasized she still loves the game and wants to compete at a high level. SI
For now, she’s expected to recover from her MCL injury, continue rehabbing into the 2026 season, and evaluate her options both on and off the court. EssentiallySports
What Could the Future Hold?
Here are a few realistic scenarios:
🔥 One-Off WWE Appearance: A special event match — perhaps at a big WWE show — where Cunningham tests the waters without a full-time commitment.
🔥 Crossover Promotion: Tagging into a storyline with WWE legends like Nikki Bella could give her mainstream exposure while still prioritizing basketball.
🔥 Full Transition After WNBA Career: If she eventually steps away from the hardwood, wrestling — with its global TV reach and character-driven narratives — could be an exciting next chapter.
Whatever happens, the conversation has already turned heads across sports and entertainment circles — and fans won’t be forgetting Sophie Cunningham’s name anytime soon.
