John Cena’s ‘Never Give Up’ mantra inspired a generation, and its influence is now echoing in the WNBA, where Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham just paid homage to the legend while revealing her own surprising post-basketball career aspirations.

“I grew up on that s—, WWE baby,” Cunningham said on her Show Me Something podcast. “I used to be a big fan. Me and Lindsey used to wrestle all the time, and our parents would have to call it. Kane, Hulk. Oh my God. I used to watch Hulk all the time. John Cena was just the absolute best, man. They (WWE) actually asked me to do it. Maybe after I retire or offseason, maybe us two will be the new WWE duo.”

Sophie Cunningham in WWE? That has a nice ring to it.

We’re talking about someone who literally threw former Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon to the floor as she tried to finish a transition bucket.

The reason was simple. It stemmed from an earlier altercation involving Marina Mabrey and Cunningham’s teammate, Caitlin Clark, which all started when Sheldon poked the 2024 ROTY in the eye.

A full-blown scuffle broke out following the incident between Cunningham and Sheldon, with Lindsey Allen also getting involved. Allen was seen shoving Cunningham back toward the baseline fans, while the Fever star grabbed Sheldon’s hair as teammates and officials rushed in to separate the players.

“At the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates,” Cunningham said after the game. “That’s what I do, and I’m a team player.”

Looking back at that incident, it’s not hard to see why a pro wrestling company valued at $8.37 billion would come knocking on Cunningham’s door. In fact, Jeanie Buss, a co-owner of WOW (Women of Wrestling), opened the door for the WNBA star back in July.

“We would love to have @SophieCunning5 join us at @wowsuperheroes she is talented, dedicated and a fierce competitor!!” Buss wrote on X.

And even if the Fever guard does make the jump one day, she wouldn’t be the first women’s basketball player to cross into the wrestling world.

We’ve already seen the Cavinder twins link up with WWE through its NIL program, Next In Line, which signs college athletes before their careers end, immerses them in WWE events, and begins preparing them for a future in the ring.

While the Cavinder twins never went on to sign full-time contracts, another women’s basketball player did make the jump.

Former Seattle Storm player Anriel Howard did take that leap. Now known as Lash Legend, she signed with WWE and became a regular presence on NXT before eventually transitioning to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

That said, this offseason has been all about recovery for Cunningham, who is focusing on getting fully healthy after her MCL injury. But even as she prioritizes rest, it hasn’t slowed her momentum off the court…

Sophie Cunningham found her ideal brand partner

Sophie Cunningham spent part of her offseason teaming up with beverage brand Sun Cruiser, signing an endorsement deal, as the WNBA and its players wait on a new CBA to be finalized. According to Cunningham, it just made sense. The brand fit her vibe, her personality, and who she is off the court.

“I have such a busy lifestyle, especially in season,” Cunningham told Sports Illustrated. “So out of season, I just want to relax. I want to have a good time. I want to have fun. … And that’s what that brand is all about. It’s an easy drink, it’s a relaxing drink, it’s fun, it’s chill, and so it fit into my lifestyle perfectly.”

While Cunningham continues to enjoy doing what she loves most, she’ll also be keeping a close eye on the ongoing CBA negotiations, because those talks could ultimately decide whether she returns to the Fever next season.

Fans certainly don’t want to see her go, but with the Fever expected to prioritize re-signing Kelsey Mitchell, there’s a real question about whether the budget will be there to meet Cunningham’s salary demands.