USA rugby sevens powerhouse Ilona Maher is setting her sights on a spectacular career pivot once her duties at the Rugby World Cup are complete. The athletic phenom, who has captivated millions with her charismatic TikTok presence, is openly targeting a move into the glitzy worlds of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) or the ballroom of Dancing With The Stars.
Maher, a key player for the Eagles, has become one of the sport's most recognisable figures off the pitch. Her hilarious and unfiltered videos from the Olympic village in Tokyo catapulted her to social media stardom, amassing a devoted following of over 430,000 on TikTok.
This platform has given her a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrant personality that she believes is perfect for entertainment. "I would love to be a WWE wrestler," Maher confessed with characteristic enthusiasm. "I feel like that's a very natural transition for me. I'm a larger human, I'm very athletic, and I have a big personality."
But the wrestling ring isn't her only dream stage. She's also drawn to the challenge of the popular dance competition. "I would also love to be on Dancing With The Stars," she added. "I think that would be a blast. I'm not a dancer, but I'm very athletic so I feel like I could pick up the choreography."
Maher sees these potential moves not just as a personal challenge, but as a powerful way to elevate the profile of women's rugby on a global scale. By crossing over into mainstream entertainment, she aims to bring new eyes to the sport she loves, demonstrating the diverse and marketable talents of its athletes.
Her immediate focus, however, remains firmly on the ongoing Rugby World Cup. Maher and her USA teammates are determined to make a deep run in the tournament, hoping to translate their skill and dedication into a podium finish before any thoughts of television glory can take hold.
