10 Wrestlers We're Most Thankful For In 2018

4. Ronda Rousey

Pac, Becky Lynch, Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Much doubt was cast upon Ronda Rousey when she first entered WWE.

Her initial appearances weren't entirely convincing, particularly a Royal Rumble debut that amounted to little more than a whole lot of awkward smiling punctuated by WrestleMania sign-points. It was a disappointing arrival, but while Rousey enduring a handful of wobbly moments during the ensuing months, she has since destroyed those early concerns and now looks every bit 'The Baddest Woman On The Planet.'

It began with that awesome WrestleMania 34 performance, which might be the most mind-blowing debut match in professional wrestling history. Her standards have barely slipped since then, either. Ronda's Survivor Series clash with Charlotte Flair was as realistic portrayal of violence as you'll ever see in a WWE ring, and she even dragged a great match out of Nia Jax on pay-per-view as well. Who else can say that?

Rousey's star power is what we're most thankful for. Like her or not, she's a genuine celebrity at a time when WWE can't create their own stars. Her presence ensures a big spotlight for women's wrestling, and while she still has rough edges, the former UFC Champion is already one of the greatest rookies of all time.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.