The One Missing Thing Ronda Rousey Needs In WWE
How to capitalise on the year's biggest debut.
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...
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