Haaland floated as future WWE guest as Cody Rhodes hails Man City striker on US TV

Erling Haaland has been talked up as a potential future WWE performer after American wrestling star Cody Rhodes publicly backed the Manchester City forward to step into the ring.

Rhodes, who is set to face CM Punk for the WWE title at SummerSlam this weekend, was asked about celebrities crossing over into WWE when he appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Among the names suggested were Hollywood actor Tom Holland, NFL star Travis Kelce, Aquaman actor Jason Momoa – and Manchester City’s prolific No 9, Erling Haaland.

Rhodes, quoted by The Sun, highlighted both Haaland’s sporting ability and his look as reasons he could fit naturally into the WWE universe.

“Haaland is a great athlete, and with the hair, we can act like we’re cousins, because in wrestling we’re all relatives, so he can be my cousin,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes, like Haaland, is blond, although the American’s hair is shorter and dyed, in contrast to the Norwegian striker’s longer, natural style.

US fans taken with Haaland

Haaland has strengthened his profile in the United States this year, winning over American audiences during Norway’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup this summer.

His performances and growing global profile have helped push his social media following to just over 32 million across platforms.

Standing at 6ft 5in (1.95m), the 26-year-old would not look out of place physically in a WWE ring – a stature comparable to that of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, one of wrestling’s most recognisable figures.

However, there is currently no suggestion that Haaland is considering a switch of career. The article stresses there is effectively no chance of the Norway international trading the penalty area for the squared circle any time soon, with several years at the top level of football still expected and many more goals likely to come.

Celebrity crossovers part of WWE history

WWE has a long track record of drafting in big names from other sports and entertainment for one-off appearances and special matches, ranging from boxers and mixed martial artists to film stars and musicians.

The question now being posed in the United States is whether Haaland might eventually join that list of celebrity participants in a cameo role, capitalising on his popularity and imposing frame without stepping away from football.

For the moment, though, any such appearance remains purely hypothetical. Haaland’s focus is set firmly on his club and international commitments, while WWE continues to explore which mainstream stars might next be tempted between the ropes.