6 Steps To Make Ronda Rousey WWE's Biggest Star By WrestleMania
UFC star said to have inked deal.
News that mixed martial arts fighter Ronda Rousey could be about to sign up with WWE has got everyone inside and out the wrestling business talking.
The 30-year-old has been one of UFC's biggest box office draws over recent years, breaking new ground for women's sport as she held the Bantamweight Championship for close to three years, maintaining a near-perfect record inside the Octagon in the process.
Expectation is understandably high as Rousey gears up for what is predicted to be a starring role at next year's WrestleMania, with many hoping she will be able to join the likes of Brock Lesnar and Ken Shamrock in the elite group of fighters who can claim successful fighting careers both inside the wrestling ring and out.
And that means the pressure is in turn on the WWE writing staff to ensure that they make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity that has come their way, by booking the UFC star in a manner that makes her one of the company's biggest attractions.
If they don't, it likely represent a colossal waste of money for Vince McMahon and co.
6. Let Her Train
With fewer than six months to go until WWE hosts its biggest show of the year in New Orleans, Rousey has precious little time to train for life in the squared circle, which is a huge step into the unknown however relevant her experience in a previous life.
Whilst pulling off a five-star match is neither a fair expectation to place on her shoulders nor - quite frankly - a priority for WWE (who will likely be more concerned with that effect she has on their Network numbers), you would like to think they are aiming for something special on the night.
Rousey ought to be given a fair amount of time to practice her new craft before being pushed into the ring, particularly given that she will be joining an uber-competitive women's division with very few, if any, passengers. Fortunately, the signs are good.
There's no way WWE are going to risk her stealing the recently-debuted Asuka's thunder, and the aim of generating some WrestleMania buzz is probably better served by leaving her television bow until as close to the event as possible.