"I'm not doing WWE" - Ilona Maher responds to rumours of swapping rugby for wrestling

This career trajectory would emulate that of former WWE champions turned acting A-listers Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson or John Cena. The speculation began following Maher's recent interview with BBC Sport, in which she discussed her thoughts on the possible career change, and confirmed that she had in fact been "approached by WWE" .

Maher made her Women's Rugby World Cup debut for the USA this evening, as the Eagles succumbed to a heavy 69-7 defeat to England to ignite Pool A. After the match, Maher spoke to RUCK in the post-match mixed zone, and set the record straight in her candid style, about the likelihood of her about her future between the ropes.

"I'm not doing that s***, they like to place click bait. I said I wouldn't, and they're just click baiting s***. So I'm not doing WWE."

USA fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their powerhouse centre is set to continue her career on the pitch, and not inside a wrestling ring. Maher impressed the record breaking Women's Rugby World Cup crowd upon her tournament debut, as the midfielder got a resounding ovation every time she got her hands on the ball.

42,723 fans set a new attendance record for the competition, going above and beyond the former record of 42,579 set at the 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup Final in Auckland's Eden Park, when the Black Ferns defeated England for a sixth World Cup title. Maher is ademant that this momentum will keep rolling towards a sold-out 2025 Final at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

"This is just the beginning. I mean, I think they've sold out Twickenham, right, 82,000 at the Allianz. This was just the beginning. I think this is the beginning for rugby in general, not just the World Cup stage. We have to keep building on this momentum. We can't stop."

"I love the crowd. I've always played for the crowd. I play rugby for myself, but also for my family, for the fans. So, to have [over] 40,000 people there, it was just amazing and they were so excited. They were chanting a lot of England, but that's okay. They hyped me up anyway, and I'm leaving frustrated, but ready to go again."

Maher had an on-field reunion with a long-time rival from the Olympic sevens circuit, with whom she's formed a solid off-field friendship with. Maher clashed with England's Meg Jones out in the Stadium of Light, with the American relishing the opportunity to test herself once again up against the Great Britain and England sevens star.

"I've played her [Meg Jones] a lot, so I was excited to get to play her in this realm. Great player, great person. And you know, rugby is one of those where you can be the best of friends, greatest friends, off of it, but on the field, you're down to business."