Ilona Maher weighs up WWE move after Rugby World Cup

United States rugby star Ilona Maher has revealed she is considering an approach from WWE as she looks ahead to life beyond the pitch, Sport360NG reports.

The 29-year-old, who boasts nearly nine million followers across Instagram, TikTok and X, has become one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. Alongside her sporting career, she has featured on Dancing with the Stars and was recently crowned “Breakthrough Athlete of the Year” at ESPN’s 2025 ESPY Awards.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Maher admitted she has been contacted by WWE before and joked that her potential ring name would be “Maher-vellous.”

“I don’t know if I’d do it, but it’s something I should think about, there’s good money in it,” she said.

Maher added that professional wrestling could serve as a springboard into acting.
“I’d love to explore film and scripted work. Following a path like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson or John Cena would be incredible. I see myself starting small, maybe playing a hot assassin before anything too wild. Not a rom-com just yet!”

Both Johnson and Cena transitioned from the WWE to successful Hollywood careers, with Johnson starring in Fast & Furious and Moana, while Cena appeared in blockbusters including 2023’s Barbie.

Maher would join a long list of athletes to step into the WWE spotlight. Boxing legends Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Tyson Fury have all appeared, while Olympic champions Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey became established WWE performers.

For now, Maher’s focus remains on rugby. Named at outside centre, she will start in the USA’s World Cup opener against world No.1 England in Sunderland on Friday night.

Despite her online popularity, Maher insists her identity begins with rugby.
“People sometimes forget that I’m a player first,” she said. “I do the social media because women’s rugby alone doesn’t pay the bills. But I’ve won an Olympic bronze medal and been to two Games, I want to be recognised as a rugby player.”

Since switching from sevens to the 15-a-side game, Maher has been building her experience with Bristol Bears. Her debut earlier this year against Gloucester-Hartpury drew a record Premiership Women’s Rugby crowd of 9,240 at Ashton Gate.

The USA enter the tournament as outsiders, but Maher believes the underdog tag can work in their favour.
“England haven’t lost in more than 1,000 days, they have something to lose. For us, it’s an opportunity to go out, have fun, and see what happens. Playing in front of 40,000 people is special in itself,” she said.

After facing England, the USA will complete their Pool A campaign against Australia and Samoa, with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals.