As Clark rewrites history, Angel Reese’s awkward reaction to her rival’s latest achievement has fans wondering: is this rivalry real—or is Reese getting left behind?

In a moment that summed up everything dividing women’s basketball right now, Angel Reese—one of the sport’s most recognizable rising stars—was caught off-guard reacting to the news that Caitlin Clark had just been named the “Most Influential Female Athlete” in America.

Her response? A mix of visible discomfort, forced laughter, and what some fans have labeled a “bitter mask.” But what’s fueling this tension? And how did Clark go from sharpshooting phenom to the face of a billion-dollar revolution—while Angel Reese is still fighting to be taken seriously?

The answer lies in the numbers, the narratives, and the uncomfortable truth behind their divergent paths.

The Award That Sparked a Thousand Reactions

Clark’s recent honor came from Complex, which named her the most influential female athlete in America—outranking not only Reese but Olympic legend Simone Biles. That’s no small feat, and yet, it sparked a firestorm across social media.

Within hours, memes flooded TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). One viral post, viewed over 3 million times in 24 hours, showed Reese reacting mid-livestream to the news with an exaggerated eye-roll and the now-infamous words: “Oh… her again?” Whether sarcastic or sincere, the tone didn’t sit well with many fans.

“She could’ve just clapped. She didn’t have to act like she just stepped in something foul,” one user commented.

Another post, with over 150K likes, joked: “Angel Reese watching Caitlin Clark win another award while her layup percentage stays in the 40s.”

A Tale of Two Rookie Seasons

What makes this moment so charged is the context behind it. Both Clark and Reese entered the WNBA with enormous fanfare after a record-shattering NCAA championship season. But since stepping onto the pro stage, Clark’s star hasn’t just risen—it’s detonated.

Here’s what Caitlin Clark has accomplished in her rookie WNBA season alone:

Broke 62 WNBA records, including most points by a rookie, most assists in a single month, and most three-pointers made in a season.

Increased WNBA attendance by 105%—yes, more than doubled it.

Sold out every arena she’s played in, including forcing teams to upgrade venues just to accommodate fan demand.

Generated $36 million in economic impact for Indianapolis during her rookie year.

Became the first player to be compared seriously to Michael Jordan in terms of influence—not just skill.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese’s numbers tell a less electrifying story. Despite solid defensive play and leading the league in double-doubles, Reese’s shooting percentage remains inconsistent, and her play has yet to translate into real, sustained excitement—or ticket sales.

Media Darling vs. Social Media Star

Some say it’s about more than stats. Clark’s impact isn’t just about what happens on the court. She’s changed how people perceive women’s basketball. She’s pulling in new fans. She’s making fathers bring their daughters to games. She’s getting airtime on ESPN, FS1, and every major outlet. She’s moving culture.

Reese, in contrast, is still trying to capitalize on her “Bayou Barbie” image. Her social media presence remains strong, but her name rarely trends for basketball. Whether it’s Instagram shoots, public feuds, or interviews about her haters, Reese has become more of a brand than a baller—at least in the eyes of the national media.

And that’s the issue many fans are now debating: Is Angel Reese trying to stay relevant in Clark’s shadow, or is the media creating a one-sided rivalry?

“It’s Not Just Her!” — Reese’s Defense Falls Flat

Reese has defended herself in interviews, saying, “This isn’t just about one person. I helped build this too.” And she’s right—kind of. That 2023 LSU–Iowa championship game put millions of eyes on women’s basketball. Reese’s now-iconic “you can’t see me” celebration went viral. She became a face of bold, unapologetic femininity in sport.

But as the dust settled, it became clear: Clark wasn’t just a viral moment. She was a movement.

Basketball insiders have pointed out the gap. “Angel Reese is important, no doubt,” said ESPN’s Monica McNutt. “But Caitlin Clark is inevitable. She’s redefining the limits.”

Let’s Talk Economics

If numbers don’t lie, Clark is writing the financial playbook for the future of women’s sports.

WNBA jersey sales? Clark’s sold out within minutes. Reese’s? Sitting on shelves.

Team sponsorships? Clark’s presence is bringing new sponsors to the table.

League valuation? Analysts predict Clark could increase WNBA’s value by $1.6 billion in 3 years.

How many rookies can say that?

Reese, despite strong NIL earnings and a lucrative Adidas deal, hasn’t moved the needle league-wide. Her games have seen more empty seats than camera flashes.

Why This Rivalry Won’t Go Away (And Maybe Shouldn’t)

Some critics say it’s unfair to pit them against each other. Others argue that the sport needs rivalries to grow. Truth is, both perspectives may be right.

Yes, Caitlin Clark deserves her flowers. Yes, Angel Reese deserves respect. But the optics of Reese’s salty reactions to Clark’s well-earned accolades do her no favors—especially when Clark’s doing more than win games. She’s changing the game.

And in sports, the scoreboard doesn’t lie.

The Bottom Line: One’s Making Headlines, the Other’s Making History

Clark isn’t just dominating box scores—she’s shaping a future where young girls can see a path, not just to a championship, but to cultural relevance and financial power in a league long undervalued.

Angel Reese has every right to be proud of her contributions. She’s part of this moment. But being part of it and being the reason for it aren’t the same thing.

So, when Complex named Caitlin Clark the most influential female athlete in America, it wasn’t personal. It was earned.

And Reese’s awkward reaction?

Well, let’s just say… not everyone can handle the glow-up of someone else’s spotlight.