From the Hardwood to the Headlock: Sophie Cunningham’s Unexpected Women’s Wrestling Offer Sparks Buzz Across Sports Worlds

When you think of Sophie Cunningham, the image that probably comes to mind is a fierce competitor with a deadly three-point shot, high energy on both ends of the court, and a reputation for bringing the heat every single game. But what if we told you that Sophie—yes, the Indiana Fever’s fiery sniper—was now being eyed by the world of professional wrestling?

That’s right. In a twist no one saw coming, Sophie Cunningham has reportedly received a legitimate offer to join a top women’s wrestling promotion—an industry known more for body slams and steel chairs than buzzer-beaters and fast breaks. The news broke over the weekend, and since then, fans and media alike have been scrambling to understand how and why one of the WNBA’s most intense competitors would attract interest from the world of sports entertainment.

But to understand this wild story, we need to dig a little deeper into who Sophie Cunningham is, what she represents, and why her style of play—and personality—might be exactly what the wrestling world is looking for.

The Making of a Firebrand: Cunningham’s WNBA Reputation

Cunningham has always been more than just a shooter. While she’s currently lighting it up for the Indiana Fever, Cunningham first made her mark with the Phoenix Mercury, where she quickly developed a reputation as a physical, emotionally charged player. She’s known for getting under opponents’ skin, firing up crowds, and never backing down from a challenge.

Her stats only tell part of the story. Over the last few seasons, she’s averaged double-digit points per game and has been deadly from deep. But her real value often comes in the form of intangibles—aggression, hustle, grit, and a fearless willingness to mix it up.

Cunningham’s court persona is part of what has made her so polarizing—and so marketable. She brings drama, passion, and fire to every game. That energy doesn’t go unnoticed, and apparently, it’s what caught the eye of a certain pro wrestling executive.

The Wrestling Offer: Real or Promotional Gimmick?

According to sources close to the situation, Cunningham was approached by representatives from a well-known women’s wrestling organization—rumored to be All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or WWE’s NXT brand. While no official confirmation has been made, insiders claim the offer was more than a publicity stunt. It included training, an introductory appearance, and a potential short-term crossover deal.

So, what’s in it for the wrestling world?

Simple: Star power.

Women’s wrestling has been undergoing a renaissance in recent years, with promotions increasingly focusing on athleticism, charisma, and crossover appeal. Sophie Cunningham checks all those boxes.

“She’s exactly what we’re looking for,” said one unnamed wrestling executive. “She’s got the look, the attitude, and the fan base. Sophie knows how to play the villain—or the hero—and that’s gold in wrestling.”

Add in her background as a high-level athlete and her comfort in the spotlight, and you’ve got the makings of a potential crossover superstar.

Would Cunningham Actually Make the Leap?

While the idea might seem far-fetched at first glance, it’s not entirely without precedent. Basketball and wrestling have crossed paths before. Dennis Rodman famously wrestled for WCW in the late 1990s. Shaquille O’Neal has made appearances in WWE and AEW. And more recently, ex-WNBA star Tasha Makia dabbled in wrestling-related entertainment.

But a full-time crossover is a much bigger leap.

Cunningham, for her part, hasn’t ruled anything out. In a cryptic post on her Instagram Story shortly after the news broke, she shared a GIF of “WWE Smackdown” with the caption:
“Y’all think I’d survive in the ring?”

That was enough to set fans into overdrive.

Would she survive? More like thrive—at least according to some of her teammates.

“She already wrestles us in practice,” one Fever player joked. “She’d kill it.”

Social Media Reacts: Support, Shock, and Some Serious Hype

When the story broke, social media did what social media does—explode.

Twitter (now X) users immediately began fantasy-booking matches:

“Sophie vs. Rhea Ripley. Book it.”
“Sophie Cunningham as a heel in AEW would be everything.”
“Give her a mic and let her talk trash. Instant classic.”

Even wrestling insiders weighed in. AEW’s Britt Baker tweeted a winking emoji with a basketball, while WWE’s Bianca Belair posted, “Athletes make the best wrestlers 💪🔥 @sophiecunningham?” with a curious eyes emoji.

It wasn’t just about the fantasy matchups—it was about what Sophie represents. A new era of crossover stars. A new kind of female athlete unafraid to blur the lines between sport and spectacle.

From Trash Talk to Mic Drops: Cunningham’s Promo Potential

One of the key traits of a successful wrestler isn’t just athleticism—it’s the ability to “cut a promo,” or deliver compelling, emotionally charged monologues to hype up matches and storylines. And here’s the thing: Sophie already does that.

Whether it’s calling out opponents after a hard foul, hyping up her own squad in interviews, or engaging in light trolling online, she has the kind of bravado and charisma that translates directly into pro wrestling.

She’s not afraid of the camera. She knows how to build narrative tension. And perhaps most importantly—she knows how to sell a rivalry.

In fact, fans have already drawn parallels between Sophie’s intense on-court stare-downs and the kind of in-your-face promos seen on Monday Night RAW.

“She’s the WNBA’s best-kept secret,” one wrestling blogger wrote. “Put a mic in her hand and give her five minutes. She’d own it.”

The Real Question: What’s Next?

So, what’s actually going to happen?

At the time of publication, Sophie Cunningham remains focused on basketball, with the Indiana Fever making a strong playoff push. But insiders say conversations between her representatives and wrestling promotions are still ongoing.

Would she join full-time? Unlikely. Would she take a break from basketball? Even less likely. But a one-time appearance during the WNBA offseason? A guest spot? A celebrity match or promo? All of those options remain on the table.

It wouldn’t be the first time the WNBA crossed into pop culture. But it would be the first time a current player seriously considered stepping between the ropes in front of a wrestling crowd.

And if Sophie does take the leap—even for one night—it could mark the beginning of a new trend: athletes not just dabbling in other industries, but dominating them.

Final Thoughts: Sophie Cunningham as a New Blueprint for Crossover Fame

In many ways, Sophie Cunningham represents the future of women’s sports. Not just because she’s a talented hooper, but because she understands the power of visibility, personality, and versatility.

She’s not afraid to talk, to fight, to entertain. And that makes her the perfect candidate to bridge the gap between basketball and wrestling.

Whether or not she ever steps into the ring, the buzz surrounding her wrestling offer is already doing something bigger—it’s elevating the profile of WNBA athletes in spaces they’ve traditionally been excluded from. It’s sending a message: WNBA stars can sell out arenas, light up television ratings, and headline entertainment properties.

So, the next time someone tries to put women’s basketball in a box, remember this moment. Remember that Sophie Cunningham was offered a wrestling contract not in spite of her fire and edge—but because of it.

And who knows? The next time you tune into a wrestling pay-per-view, you just might hear the announcer yell:

“Now entering the ring… The Queen of the Court… Sophie CUNNINGHAM!”