Sports
Fresno’s Cavinder Twins Talk About Signing Deal with Pro Wrestling Behemoth
Hanna the Hammer?
Haley vs. Bayley?
Hanna and Haley Cavinder, the twin stars of social media and Fresno State basketball, could go from main eventing the Save Mart Center for basketball, to main eventing the SMC for pro wrestling.
The WWE announced that the Cavinder twins are in the inaugural class of 15 for the “Next in Line” program — an initiative to recruit college stars into the world of pro wrestling.
“The comprehensive program serves to recruit and develop potential future Superstars, and further enhances WWE’s talent development process through collaborative partnerships with college athletes from diverse athletic backgrounds,” a WWE news release says.
The Cavinders are ready.
“It’s a great brand with a passionate and loyal following. We love competition and the spirit of WWE and its athletes really connected with us,” the twins told Off the Bottom Rope by email.
These are the athletes joining @GableSteveson in the inaugural class of #WWENIL!
First up: @CavinderHaley, a basketball player from Fresno State! pic.twitter.com/l0hNmuUIz5
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) December 8, 2021
Social Media Caught WWE’s Attention
The twins caught WWE’s attention by being the first in another NIL. The sisters were the first college athletes to sign a Name, Image and Likeness deal this past summer. It allows them to be paid to market products and services.
On Instagram, Haley’s 341,000 followers is 3,000 more than her sister.
A pro wrestler needs to talk and cut a promo. The Cavinder twins are adept at TV interviews. An HBO Real Sports segment heavily featured the twins pitching products.
Just this week, the Cavinders appeared on CNBC, one of many national interviews they have participated in.
Are the sisters serious on hitting the mat when their basketball career ends?
“We have always loved sports. Having the opportunity to partner with one of America’s most followed and watched sporting events is just cool. You never know where opportunity takes you,” they said. “We truly are focused on this b-ball season and the next game. Whatever happens next will happen. We love sports and competition.”
A Piece of The Rock
The 20-year old twins are too young for the WWE “Attitude Era” of the early 2000s. Who were their favorites growing up?
“We caught a few here and there as kids and of course are familiar with Triple H and the Rock. The sport has evolved greatly and couldn’t be more excited to help bring our audiences together,” they said.
They said they are brushing up on the current action. The twins have a standing initiation to attend the WWE’s performance center in Orlando, and attend live WWE events.
Haley’s twin sister, @CavinderHanna, who also hoops for Fresno State, is joining her in the #WWENIL program! pic.twitter.com/pEldYA8wj8
— WWE Recruit (@WWERecruit) December 8, 2021
