Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, now in her seventh WNBA season, has unexpectedly become the subject of interest from the pro wrestling world.
Her fierce response defending teammate Caitlin Clark last month has sparked speculation about a potential crossover into Women of Wrestling (WOW).
At the 2025 San Diego Comic Con, WOW founder and coowner Dave McLane weighed in, praising Cunningham‘s athleticism and enforcer role for Clark.
He remarked, “I’m from Indiana. I’m from Indianapolis, and that’s the home of not only the secondbest basketball team in the country this last year, but the biggest name in professional basketball today, Caitlin Clark.
And Caitlin Clark has an enforcer. She’s the Marty McSorley to Wayne Gretzky, and she is a stunning athlete.”
Furthermore, McLane added, “I flew to Las Vegas and watched them in action against the Aces, and I would love to have Sophie Cunningham in WOW, because she takes down the competition, and she makes sure that Caitlin Clark is safe on the basketball floor. We’d love to have Sophie in WOW.”
Cunningham‘s latest brush with fame came after a June game against the Connecticut Sun, during which she defended Clark following rough play.
When Jacy Sheldon allegedly poked Clark in the eye and Marina Mabrey pushed her to the floor, Cunningham retaliated with a flagrant foul under the basket.
Both Cunningham and Sheldon were ejected, resulting in a heated scrum.
Amid backlash from fans, Cunningham was candid with reporters: “During that, it was just part of the game. I think the refs had a lot to do with that. It was a buildup for a couple years now of them just not protecting the star player of the WNBA,” she said.
Reflecting on her motivation, she added: “At the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s what I do.”
A rising sports crossover possibility
Since joining the Indiana Fever in a multiteam trade this offseason, Cunningham has offered steady bench contributions in scoring and shooting.
She has increasingly become known for her physical presence, marking her first season in Indiana with notable momentum both on and off the court.
In fact, McLane contrasted her size advantage: at 6ft1 and 165 lb, she stands significantly larger than many current women’s wrestling stars like Rhea Ripley (5ft7, 135 lb).
WOW has been building its momentum since its 2000 launch, including a relaunch in 2019 spearheaded by Buss and McLane.
To date, the series has produced ten seasons and over 200 episodes, now streaming on platforms like Wrestling Central via Roku Channel.
The organization prides itself on showcasing real athletes in a competitive athletic format rather than a spectacle.
As of now, Cunningham has not confirmed any interest in wrestling. The offer stands as a testament to how her toughness and loyalty on the basketball court have generated attention beyond the hardwood.
If she were to accept, she’d bring legitimate star power to the ring.
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