One of WWE's main issues of late is that they've found it rather difficult to create epic encounters that outside of WrestleMania main events are must-see matches. There's some truth to Vince McMahon's statements about talent being afraid to grab the brass ring in that regard. This is in the sense that many WWE main-event level talents have never been put in the situation where they've been forced to draw tons of money, and thus don't get what that type of feel requires from a visual and emotionally connective standpoint. Ronda Rousey was a medal-winning judoka before entering UFC. Thus, she's been in high-pressure fight situations before. Thus, when it's time to main event UFC 190, she knows exactly what's required on every level. Similarly, performers like Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Samoa Joe and Finn Balor have been main eventers for years elsewhere, and thus get what it takes insofar as that something extra to give every big match that extra-important "big fight feel."
Besides having been an independent professional wrestling manager for a decade, Marcus Dowling is a Washington, DC-based writer who has contributed to a plethora of online and print magazines and newspapers writing about music and popular culture over the past 15 years.
