U.S. rugby star and Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher is eyeing new challenges beyond the pitch and WWE could be one of them. In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Maher revealed that she’s been approached by WWE in the past. While she hasn’t made a firm decision, she admitted, “I should think about it. There’s great money in it,” even joking that her ring name could be Maher-vellous. Inspired by The Rock and John Cena, Maher envisions a future that blends sports, wrestling, and acting.
From Social Media Icon to Potential Wrestling Star
Ilona Maher, 29, is a viral powerhouse with nearly nine million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and X. Her unique personality and physical presence have opened doors outside of rugby, including a stint on Dancing with the Stars and being named Breakthrough Athlete of 2025 at the ESPYs.
Though she sees wrestling as a possible stepping stone to acting, Maher still views it as a big commitment. “I’d love to be in the scripted space start as a hot assassin or something fun,” she laughed. But she also acknowledged the realities of transitioning, saying she’s not rushing into rom-coms or red carpets just yet.
Balancing Sport and Spotlight
While Maher’s fame is skyrocketing, she insists that rugby remains her priority. She will represent the U.S. at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, kicking off August 22 against top-ranked England. Currently playing for Bristol Bears, Maher has already made an impact, helping break league attendance records.
A Grounded Approach Amid Big Dreams
Despite social media fame and entertainment offers, Maher remains clear about her passion: “I am a rugby player first.” She acknowledges that the financial demands of women’s rugby have driven her online presence, but she hopes fans remember her athletic achievements first.
With pool games ahead against Australia and Samoa, Maher remains focused, however the WWE ring may just be waiting in the wings.
Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
