Felix Upton on August 21, 2025
Olympic rugby standout Ilona Maher might be trading the scrum for the squared circle — at least if WWE has its way.
Maher, who competed for Team USA in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and helped secure a bronze medal this year, confirmed during a new interview with BBC Sport that professional wrestling is already on her radar thanks to recent conversations.
“I’ve been approached before. I don’t know if I would,” Maher admitted when asked about WWE. “I haven’t thought about it. I should — great money in it. Great money in it.”
At just 27 years old, Maher isn’t just an athlete — she’s a social media powerhouse. With over five million Instagram followers, three million TikTok fans, and an ESPY Award for Best Breakthrough Athlete in her trophy case, she’s already built a mainstream profile that WWE would love to tap into.
For now, Maher says rugby remains her first love, but she isn’t closing the door on entertainment opportunities in the future, whether that’s pro wrestling or even Hollywood.
WWE has a strong track record of recruiting Olympians, most recently signing 2020 gold medalist Tyra Mae Steele (formerly Tamyra Mensah-Stock), who is now competing in NXT. If Maher decides to take the leap, she’d be following in impressive footsteps.
Do you think Ilona Maher should step into the ring and give WWE a shot, or stick to dominating on the rugby field? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
August 21, 2025 9:16 am
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