10 Expectations Vs. Reality For WWE WrestleMania 38

8. Can Ronda Rousey Level Up?

Steve Austin Expectation Reality
WWE.com

Expectation:

Ronda Rousey was incredible in 2018. A not particularly pleasant human being, yes, but one who stormed through a rookie year that was possibly more impressive than even Kurt Angle's. A "hot take" perhaps, but Angle had the benefit of working Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, and The Rock. Ronda Rousey had a rock to work with, but she had to push the f*cker up a mountain in the form of Nia Jax, and she somehow managed to do it.

Twice!

But that Ronda Rousey has not returned. This Ronda Rousey, quite understandably, lacks the same killer dynamism.

Reality:

Ronda is a star and will prove why she's a star on the biggest stage possible. That's what stars do. The first match with Charlotte Flair, at Survivor Series 2018, was exceptional. The pacing was furious, the near-misses on Ronda's back-fists were so perfectly-timed that it felt like a proper scrap, and the tone was nice and nasty. The only thing it lacked was a satisfying finish, and that should be corrected here.

Ronda looked poor at the Rumble, and Charlotte has declined since 2018 - but this should overdeliver. Flair has a habit of this.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!