The One Missing Thing Ronda Rousey Needs In WWE

How to capitalise on the year's biggest debut.

Ronda Rousey Charlotte Flair
WWE.com

So it's official: the biggest star in women's combat sports history is now a WWE Superstar.

Rounda Rousey's full-time signing was announced just minutes after her headline-grabbing appearance at the Royal Rumble, putting months of speculation to bed. This wasn't a huge surprise, as the former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion's debut had been telegraphed months ahead of time, with several outlets circulating reports that she'd started wrestling training as far back as last July.

Regardless, Rousey's arrival is a game-changer. In an era where WWE have never had such trouble creating their own stars, Ronda is an enormous asset, as she's already a legitimate mainstream celebrity. Her name value, MMA credibility, and star power means she'll be handed a giant push from the get go, and who can blame the company? Signings of this magnitude are as rare as watchable Eva Marie matches, so they're right to make the most of Rousey.

But while many are understandably buzzing about the situation, by no means is this a guaranteed home run. Ronda is a rookie. Yes, her athletic background gives her a head start between the ropes, and yes, she's already the biggest star in the company, but there's more to long-term WWE success than this.

If Rousey is to become a truly three-dimensional Superstar - someone who doesn't look out of place sharing the screen with the likes of Asuka and Sasha Banks - one thing is an absolute must...

CONT'D...

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.