Cody Rhodes has opened the door to Erling Haaland potentially stepping into the WWE ring one day. Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon ahead of his SummerSlam title clash against CM Punk, the wrestling star was asked about celebrities crossing over into professional wrestling. When Haaland's name came up alongside Tom Holland, Travis Kelce, and Jason Momoa, Rhodes gave the Manchester City striker a genuine compliment.
"Haaland is a great athlete, and with the hair, we could pass as cousins, because in wrestling we're all relatives, so he could be my cousin," Rhodes said. The WWE champion was referring to the Norwegian's distinctive blonde hair—though Rhodes keeps his signature look much shorter and dyed. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Haaland matches the stature of wrestling legends like The Rock, suggesting he already possesses the physical presence that translates well to sports entertainment.
American Stardom and Wrestling Crossovers
Haaland's profile in the United States exploded during Norway's 2022 World Cup run to the quarter-finals, where he captivated audiences with his clinical finishing. The 26-year-old accumulated over 32 million social media followers on the back of that tournament, establishing himself as a global sports icon beyond football. His combination of athleticism, height, and mainstream appeal makes him an attractive prospect for WWE's celebrity crossover events, a tradition dating back decades in professional wrestling.
However, don't expect the prolific goalscorer to trade the penalty area for the squared circle imminently. With multiple seasons ahead at the elite level and numerous goals still to chase in the Premier League and European competitions, Haaland remains fully committed to his football career. Whether he ever follows celebrities into WWE appearances remains purely speculative—but Rhodes has clearly left the invitation open.
