Ronda Rousey signing a full-time contract with WWE is huge news. It’ll be a great boost for the women’s division no matter what brand they associate Rousey with.
“Rowdy” Ronda Rousey made her first WWE appearance at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view in Philadelphia just moments after Asuka won the first ever women’s Royal Rumble match. Rousey interrupted before the Empress of Tomorrow had the chance to choose which women’s champion she would face at Wrestlemania.
The former UFC Champion had nothing to say during her appearance but rather simply pointed to the Wrestlemania sign several times after entering the ring. Rousey’s appearance was bad timing on the WWE’s behalf because it took the attention away from the history that was made by 30 women who shattered glass ceilings and reached for the stars that night.
It was a huge night for every woman on the roster. They proved that they deserved as many opportunities in the ring as the men. The main event Royal Rumble match elevated the women’s division to heights it had never reached before. Asuka had accomplished something no other female had ever done or will ever do again and she deserved her time in the spotlight.
Rousey’s role at the pay-per-view was a small one and could have easily been pulled off the following night on RAW and given the women on the roster, the opportunity to bask in the limelight of their incredible accomplishment.
Rumors that the women’s locker room was not happy with Rousey being used to steal their thunder was solidified by tweets by some of the women who participated in the Royal Rumble, including Nia Jax and Nikki Bella.
Shortly after WWE shared a video on Twitter of Rousey sharing her thoughts about making an appearance at the Royal Rumble Nikki Bella responded with:
“Wonder what all the 30 other women candid thoughts were too? N #firsteverwomensroyalrumble.”
Shortly after Bella’s response Nia Jax shared her thoughts: “Cool she’s here…I guess 30 women making history can just be forgotten.”
Rousey’s appearance on the pay-per-view also received criticism from many fans on social media who felt her appearance took the spotlight from the women’s history-making moment.
The timing of Rousey’s arrival was really bad timing, but hopefully, the signing of such a huge crossover superstar will help the women’s division break more glass ceilings in the future.