Sophie Cunningham’s Feisty Play Sparks Wrestling Buzz
Sophie Cunningham is known for her tough defense on the basketball court, but she might soon be throwing elbows in the wrestling ring.
The Indiana Fever forward gained headlines after her bold move defending Caitlin Clark in a heated June matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Her flagrant foul and on-court scuffle turned heads. And it seems one of those heads was Women of Wrestling (WOW) founder David McLane.
Furthermore, speaking at San Diego Comic-Con, McLane openly pitched an idea: Sophie Cunningham joining the WOW roster. “She’s the enforcer. She’s the Marty McSorley to Caitlin Clark’s Wayne Gretzky,” he said. “We’d love to have Sophie in WOW — she takes down the competition and protects her teammate.”
Read More: Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestler Who Became a Household Name, Dies at 71
From Hard Fouls to Hard Slams
McLane’s praise didn’t stop at Cunningham’s athleticism. He made a strong case for her transition into wrestling, referencing her fiery spirit and recent viral TikTok that drew WNBA fines. He even flew to Las Vegas to watch Cunningham and Clark play live.
“She makes sure Caitlin Clark is safe,” McLane added. “She’d be amazing in the ring.”
If she accepts the invitation, Cunningham wouldn’t be the first Indiana athlete to step into the wrestling world. Tyrese Haliburton, of the Indiana Pacers, once teamed up with Logan Paul in a WWE stunt match at Madison Square Garden.
Founded in 2000 by McLane and longtime Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, WOW has evolved from a gimmick to a platform celebrating real athleticism. Buss stressed how far the sport has come: “This isn’t mud wrestling, these are real athletes with real talent.”
The message is clear: WOW offers more than entertainment. It offers opportunity. However, for many female athletes with limited post-college prospects, wrestling provides a place to compete and get paid.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
