Ronda Rousey makes WWE debut

Former UFC star ready to challenge Raw, SmackDown women’s champions in WrestleMania

KARACHI: Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view became a historic night for several reasons, but the most important headline of the day was made when former UFC star Ronda Rousey made her debut on the show.

Rousey, former Bantamweight champion, appeared on the show and pointed at the WrestleMania sign, implying that she also intends to go to the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’ and face either of the women’s champions.

As women’s Royal Rumble champion Asuka, Raw Women’s champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Live Women’s champion Charlotte stood in the ring, Rousey appeared, wearing a ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper t-shirt and a leather jacket, in tribute to the late WWE Hall of Famer who lent her the nickname ‘Rowdy’.

She came and tried to shake the Royal Rumble winner Asuka’s hand, who didn’t quite return the gesture. While the three women stood in the ring, Rousey left to the ringside area to shake WWE Chief Brand Officer and on-screen commissioner of Monday Night Raw, Stephanie McMahon’s hand signifying that she is here to stay.

The handshake created intrigue regarding their partnership, as the last time Rousey was seen sharing screen with McMahon was at WrestleMania 31, three years ago. During the show, Triple H and Stephanie were confronted by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson who then brought Rousey as an equaliser. She then proceeded to perform an arm lock on Stephanie.

Earlier, Japanese superstar Shinsuke Nakamura won the men’s Royal Rumble match and opted to face current WWE Champion AJ Styles at WrestleMania in April.