Angel Reese, one of the most hyped rookies in the WNBA, is no stranger to the spotlight. Whether it’s on the court or on social media, the former LSU star commands attention. But this time, it’s for a reason she likely didn’t expect.

After posting a workout video intended to showcase her grind ahead of the WNBA season, Reese found herself facing unexpected backlash — and it all came after a viral clip of the Indiana Fever’s intense preseason training, led by fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, had fans drawing comparisons.

What was meant to highlight dedication ended up sparking debate about effort, optics, and the standards being placed on WNBA rookies in the social media era.

The Workout That Sparked the Fire

Angel Reese took to Instagram and TikTok to share a video of herself hitting the gym — dressed in her signature style, executing drills, light shooting, and posing in between sets. The caption?

“No days off. Locked in.”

While her loyal fans hyped her up in the comments, others weren’t impressed — especially after a video of the Indiana Fever’s grueling team workout had already gone viral just hours earlier.

The Fever video showed players, including Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, going through fast-paced, high-intensity conditioning. The contrast in energy and focus between the two clips fueled the narrative online: Was Reese doing enough to compete at the next level?

Social Media Reacts

Critics didn’t hold back. Comments flooded in across X and Instagram:

“This ain’t the same energy as the Fever’s grind. Looks more like a photo shoot than a workout.”

“Caitlin Clark out there sweating through drills. Angel Reese posing for the camera.”

“If you’re gonna talk big, you gotta work bigger.”

The workout post, intended to build excitement around her WNBA debut, instead became a lightning rod for criticism — fair or not.

Supporters quickly pushed back, defending Reese’s work ethic and calling the backlash another example of how female athletes, especially Black women, face harsher scrutiny.

One user wrote:
“Let’s be real. Angel works hard — just because she posts her workouts differently doesn’t mean she’s not grinding. Y’all just want a reason to hate.”

The Caitlin Clark Effect?

Part of the controversy stems from the league’s increasing visibility thanks to players like Caitlin Clark, who’s bringing millions of new fans into the WNBA. With that attention comes new expectations, and comparisons are inevitable.

Reese and Clark have long been linked — dating back to their intense college rivalry — and now, as both step into the pro spotlight, fans and analysts alike are dissecting everything they do. Clark’s viral training clips, intense practice videos, and team-first interviews have set a tone that’s being treated as the new “standard.”

Whether fair or not, Reese now faces the pressure of living up to that standard in the eyes of the public — even if she’s putting in the same kind of work behind the scenes.

Angel Responds… Subtly

While Reese hasn’t directly responded to the backlash, she posted a cryptic story on Instagram hours after the video went viral:
“They only hate when they see you shining. Keep watching.”

The message, clear to her fans, was this: she sees the hate — and she’s not backing down.

Her teammates and supporters, including LSU coach Kim Mulkey and rapper Latto, have voiced support for Reese, calling her “a generational talent who thrives under pressure.”

Bigger Picture: Style vs Substance?

This situation raises an important question: Are athletes being judged more for how their grind looks than how it actually is?

In an era where social media dominates perception, players like Angel Reese — who mix performance with personality and branding — often walk a fine line. Fans want access, but they also want authenticity. When that balance tips too far in one direction, the criticism can come quickly.

Still, Reese has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. And if history is any indication, she thrives best when people doubt her.

Conclusion

Angel Reese’s workout video was supposed to be a flex — a reminder that she’s staying ready for her WNBA moment. But in the social media age, every move is dissected, especially when the spotlight is this bright.

With the season just around the corner, the real test won’t be in the comments — it’ll be on the court. And if there’s one thing we know about Angel Reese, it’s that she hears the noise — and she usually responds with buckets.