The 2026 FIFA World Cup transformed Erling Haaland from a Premier League sensation into a genuine global icon, particularly in the United States. The Manchester City forward's seven goals for Norway, which helped his country reach the quarter-finals for the first time, captivated American audiences and spawned countless memes. Now, weeks after the tournament ended, Haaland remains a hot topic in U.S. pop culture — this time in connection with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, WWE's top draw Cody Rhodes was asked to evaluate which celebrities might succeed in professional wrestling. When Haaland's name came up, Rhodes immediately envisioned a storyline built around their similar appearance. "Oh, I mean a supreme athlete. And with the hair, we could do a cousin thing because in wrestling, we're all related," Rhodes said. "So he could be my cuz." The pitch was delivered with the characteristic blend of humor and sincerity that has made Rhodes one of the most popular figures in modern wrestling. His suggestion plays on wrestling's long tradition of kayfabe family ties, where wrestlers frequently claim blood relations to create dramatic rivalries and alliances. If Haaland were to accept, he would join an illustrious list of celebrities who have stepped into the WWE ring, including Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, and most recently Logan Paul.
Rhodes is not alone in envisioning Haaland in the squared circle. Last week, fellow WWE star Finn Balor appeared on the OneFootball YouTube channel and offered his own assessment. "Yeah, I think Haaland would definitely fit into the WWE ring pretty well," Balor said. He also pointed to Argentina defender Cristian Romero as a potential villain, or 'heel', in wrestling parlance. "Cristian Romero would definitely be one of the bad, one of the heels, as we call them. I mean, that's WrestleMania." Balor's mention of Romero suggests that footballers are increasingly seen as natural candidates for WWE appearances, given their athleticism and built-in fan bases.
WWE has never shied away from integrating celebrities into its storylines. The 2026 World Cup itself provided a backdrop for one such cross-promotion, as NFL legend Tom Brady and social media star Logan Paul engaged in a public beef that has led to speculation about a potential WWE match. The company has long recognized the promotional value of featuring high-profile athletes and entertainers, especially when they can generate mainstream media attention. President Donald Trump once appeared on WWE programming, famously shaving Vince McMahon's head. More recently, New York Knicks players have been integrated into WWE shows, and there are ongoing rumors about Brady making a ring appearance.
Erling Haaland's potential involvement would tap into his immense popularity in the United States following the World Cup. The Norwegian striker scored seven goals during the tournament, including a hat-trick against the United States in the group stage, which only increased his profile among American sports fans. His performances were widely praised, and his distinctive appearance — long blonde hair, tall frame, and stoic demeanor — made him instantly recognizable. Social media was flooded with memes comparing Haaland to everything from Norse gods to anime characters. The Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA's most popular franchises, even joined the trend by posting a video of Haaland's goal celebrations set to their own music. This cultural crossover has opened the door for opportunities beyond soccer, and a WWE appearance would be a natural next step.
However, there are practical considerations. Haaland is still in the prime of his football career, contracted to Manchester City until at least 2027. Any physical involvement in a WWE match would likely be prohibited by his club, given the risk of injury. Even a non-wrestling appearance — such as a backstage segment or a confrontation with a wrestler — would require careful negotiation. But WWE has demonstrated flexibility in accommodating celebrities. Logan Paul, for instance, began with a simple appearance at WrestleMania 37 before gradually training for actual matches. Tom Brady's potential involvement, if it materializes, might similarly be limited to a segment rather than a full match.
WWE's interest in Haaland also reflects a broader trend of sports leagues and entertainment companies seeking to capitalize on the World Cup's success in North America. The Premier League has announced plans to bring all 20 clubs to the United States for a post-World Cup activation, featuring a concert by Ed Sheeran. This demonstrates the enormous commercial appetites that the tournament has awakened. If Haaland were to make even a cameo in WWE, it would generate massive coverage in both sports and entertainment media, further extending his brand beyond soccer.
Rhodes' pitch is not the first time Haaland's name has been linked with professional wrestling. Earlier this year, a viral video showed Haaland imitating wrestling moves in training with Manchester City teammates. The clip, which showed the striker performing a mock body slam on a teammate, led to widespread speculation about a possible future in wrestling after his football career ends. Haaland himself has not publicly commented on the idea, but his occasional playful demeanor suggests he might be open to entertaining possibilities. For now, the football calendar takes precedence: the new Premier League season begins in just over two weeks, with City aiming to defend their title. Haaland will be central to their plans, and any extracurricular activities are likely on hold.
Nevertheless, the conversation around Haaland and WWE highlights the growing intersection between soccer and professional wrestling. Both industries rely on charismatic performers, dramatic narratives, and passionate fanbases. Footballers increasingly see wrestling as a form of entertainment that complements their own athletic discipline. Argentina's Cristian Romero, mentioned by Balor, is known for his aggressive playing style, which could easily translate into a wrestling persona. Similarly, other Premier League stars like Liverpool's Darwin Núñez or Chelsea's Benji Flowers — the 15-year-old prodigy whose transfer from FC Dallas made headlines despite a FIFA ban — possess the physicality and personality that wrestling promoters covet.
WWE itself continues to explore new partnerships. The company recently integrated New York Knicks players into its Saturday Night's Main Event show, a move that received positive internal reactions. Alexa Bliss, a former Raw Women's Champion, has shared her thoughts on Tom Brady potentially working with WWE, indicating that the organization sees value in high-profile crossovers. Meanwhile, wrestling legends like Mark Henry have publicly pushed for a Brady vs. Logan Paul match, further stoking the rumor mill. Haaland's name now joins this list of potential celebrities, thanks largely to Cody Rhodes' offhand but well-received suggestion.
For Haaland, a WWE appearance would represent a chance to expand his personal brand in the world's largest entertainment market. He already holds sponsorship deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and other global brands, but a wrestling cameo would introduce him to an audience that might not follow soccer. The 2026 World Cup gave him a taste of American fame; WWE could amplify that exponentially. However, his primary focus remains on the pitch. At just 25 years old (as of July 2026), he has a long career ahead of him. Whether he ever steps through the ropes in a WWE ring is uncertain, but Cody Rhodes has certainly planted the seed. As Rhodes himself might say: never say never.
Source: Yahoo Sports News