From the Hardwood to the Spotlight: How Sophie Cunningham Is Becoming a WNBA Enforcer, Fan Favorite, and Maybe Even a Future Wrestling Star

In a league dominated by rising superstars and headline-grabbing rivalries, it takes something special to stand out. But Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham is doing just that — not just with her gritty on-court style, but with her unexpected off-court appeal, charismatic presence, and a fearless streak that has caught the attention of both WNBA fans and wrestling promoters alike.

In a game that was supposed to be all about the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both stars were absent — Clark sidelined again, and Reese resting for the Chicago Sky. What followed, however, was a showcase for other players to rise to the occasion. Kelsey Mitchell dominated with a 35-point outburst for the Fever, Aliyah Boston added a strong double-double, and Indiana picked up a decisive 93–78 win.

But tucked within the box score was a quieter yet memorable performance from Sophie Cunningham — a player who’s quickly becoming a storyline in her own right.

A Minor Stat Line, a Major Impact

Sophie Cunningham’s stat line wasn’t anything flashy: five points, one rebound, two steals. But in the WNBA, stats don’t always tell the full story — especially when it comes to players like Cunningham, who are willing to throw their bodies around, take hits, and do the dirty work others won’t.

Emmanuel Clase (Photo via X)

One moment, in particular, stood out.

Midway through the first half, the Fever were leading 34–21. Cunningham caught the ball on the wing and made a strong drive toward the basket. A whistle blew. Contact sent her flying out of bounds — and straight into a cameraman seated along the baseline. What happened next was one of those “only in sports” moments: the only thing that stopped Cunningham’s momentum was, quite literally, her backside landing on the stunned face of the cameraman.

It wasn’t graceful. It wasn’t pretty. But it was unforgettable. And it showed everything about the way Sophie plays: all gas, no brakes.

That collision, while humorous, was also a metaphor for her impact on the court. She may not always lead the team in scoring, but her presence is impossible to ignore. She brings energy, toughness, and a fiery spirit that the Indiana Fever desperately need, especially when their star Caitlin Clark is out.

The Enforcer Role: Sophie and Caitlin’s Bond

But Cunningham’s role goes far beyond driving to the basket and making hustle plays. Over the past month, she’s become something more significant — a protector.

Back in June, during a heated matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, tensions boiled over. Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom and media sensation, took a hard bump from Connecticut players. The next possession, Cunningham made her intentions clear. She delivered a hard — and flagrant — foul to Sun guard DiJonai Carrington, immediately drawing the attention of fans, commentators, and yes, even the league office.

To some, it was an unnecessary escalation. To others, it was a message.

Sophie Cunningham had just solidified her role as Caitlin Clark’s unofficial bodyguard.

That foul may have earned her a whistle and a bit of controversy, but it also earned her respect from a growing fanbase tired of seeing Clark take hit after hit without response. And it didn’t go unnoticed outside the world of basketball.

A Wrestling Offer? Yes, Seriously.

Not long after that incident, Sophie Cunningham’s name crossed over into an entirely different arena — literally.

David McLane, the founder and co-owner of Women of Wrestling (WOW), took notice of her toughness and charisma. McLane, who grew up in Indiana and considers himself a huge basketball fan, was watching when Cunningham threw that flagrant foul. What he saw wasn’t just a basketball player standing up for her teammate — he saw a potential wrestling star.

“I’m from Indiana. I’m from Indianapolis,” McLane said. “And Caitlin Clark has an enforcer. She’s the Marty McSorley to Wayne Gretzky, and she is a stunning athlete. 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 Caitlin Clark is safe on the basketball floor.”

For those unfamiliar, WOW is a women’s professional wrestling league built around larger-than-life personas and high-energy performances. And while it may seem like a leap from basketball to wrestling, it’s not unprecedented. In fact, NBA players like Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton have already dabbled in WWE appearances, including a surprise cameo alongside Logan Paul at Madison Square Garden.

Could Sophie Cunningham be next?

The Perfect Crossover Star?

It might seem odd at first glance — why would a WNBA forward be a fit for pro wrestling? But look closer, and it starts to make perfect sense.

Sophie is fearless. She’s physical. She’s got the look, the swagger, and the built-in narrative. She’s already built a reputation as a protector, a fierce competitor, and someone who won’t back down. In other words, she’s got the character and toughness that wrestling thrives on.

And let’s not ignore the optics — Cunningham is an attractive woman with a magnetic camera presence. In a league where marketability matters, she checks all the boxes. She’s already a fan favorite in Indiana, and thanks to social media clips of her dustups and moments like the infamous cameraman collision, she’s becoming known nationally.

McLane isn’t the only one who sees potential in Sophie beyond basketball. WNBA fans, particularly those aligned with Caitlin Clark’s massive following, see her as the tough, no-nonsense enforcer every star player needs. She’s embraced that role with intensity — and she’s doing it her way.

Emmanuel Clase (Image Credits: Imagn Images)

A Rising Moment in a Rising League

Cunningham’s emergence comes at a time when the WNBA is growing faster than ever. Thanks in large part to Caitlin Clark’s rookie season, the league has seen record-breaking attendance, sold-out arenas, and unprecedented media coverage.

But with growth comes growing pains — increased scrutiny, rising tensions, and higher expectations. That’s why players like Sophie Cunningham are so vital. She provides stability, fire, and a sense of protection. She’s a team-first player who’s willing to get her hands dirty to support her teammates, whether it’s diving for loose balls or stepping into heated situations.

Her role may not always grab headlines in the traditional sense — she’s not scoring 40 points or breaking rookie records. But her name is buzzing, and her impact is real. That’s why she’s one of the most intriguing figures in the WNBA right now.

The Bottom Line: Sophie’s Just Getting Started

Whether she ends up stepping into a wrestling ring or simply continues to solidify herself as one of the WNBA’s toughest and most reliable forwards, one thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham is here to stay.

She may not be the face of the league. But she might be the backbone.

In a sport that still struggles for national attention, players like Sophie Cunningham matter. They give fans moments to remember, reasons to cheer, and someone to believe in. She’s more than a role player — she’s becoming a symbol of what it means to fight, protect, and play with heart.

So the next time you tune in to a Fever game and see No. 9 flying into the stands, don’t just laugh. Recognize the grit. Respect the hustle. And remember the name — Sophie Cunningham. Basketball enforcer today, wrestling star tomorrow? Anything’s possible.