Bella Twins Challenge WNBA Stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham to WrestleMania Showdown

The crossover event could elevate the profiles of the athletes involved and inspire a broader audience.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Bella Twins have issued a public challenge to WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham for a tag team match at WrestleMania 42, sparking excitement over a potential crossover between women's basketball and professional wrestling. This comes amid uncertainty surrounding the 2026 WNBA season as the league and players' association negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, with Cunningham hinting at a possible transition to WWE.

Why it matters

The prospect of Clark and Cunningham entering WWE represents a unique blending of two worlds that have recently advanced the visibility of women in sports and entertainment. With established WWE stars like Bianca Belair encouraging their participation, this development could elevate the profiles of the athletes involved and inspire a broader audience.

The details

During an interview, Nikki Bella embraced the idea of stepping into the ring with Clark and Cunningham, welcoming the prospect of a WrestleMania match and confidently accepting the challenge. WWE superstar Bianca Belair previously expressed enthusiasm for Clark joining the wrestling world, inviting her to participate in the 2025 Royal Rumble event and highlighting the growing prominence of women in WWE.

  • In February 2026, the Bella Twins issued the public challenge to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.
  • Bianca Belair invited Caitlin Clark to participate in the 2025 Royal Rumble event.

The players

Bella Twins

Professional wrestlers and former WWE superstars.

Caitlin Clark

WNBA star who has been invited to participate in WWE events.

Sophie Cunningham

WNBA star who has hinted at a possible transition to WWE alongside Caitlin Clark.

Bianca Belair

WWE superstar who has expressed enthusiasm for Caitlin Clark joining the wrestling world.

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What they’re saying

“They asked me to do it. You know, maybe after I retire or off-season, maybe us two will be the new WWE duo.”

— Sophie Cunningham (theconwaybulletin.com)

“She was in an interview and she called us out. We were like, 'OK, you want to take the Bella Twins on in the ring?' Sophie and Caitlin vs. the Bellas, Book it, Wrestlemania!”

— Nikki Bella (Yahoo Sports)

“That's OK, We're ready!”

— Brie Bella (Yahoo Sports)

“The WNBA is doing that. WWE, we've done a lot of unprecedented things where it comes to women. Whether it's women main eventing WrestleMania, main eventing on a weekly basis on Raw, SmackDown, or PLEs. It would be really cool for the two worlds to combine and have an even bigger impact for women. Caitlin Clark, if you're watching, come on and join.”

— Bianca Belair (CBS Sports)

“Come in the Royal Rumble. You can be one of the 30 participants. That's what's exciting about the Royal Rumble. You never know what's going to happen. It could be the past, present, future, or just someone you don't expect. You might see Caitlin Clark 2025 Royal Rumble in Indianapolis.”

— Bianca Belair (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The prospect of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham entering WWE represents a unique blending of two worlds that have recently advanced the visibility of women in sports and entertainment, with the potential to elevate the profiles of the athletes involved and inspire a broader audience.