Every Wrestling Rookie Of The Year: Where Are They Now?

5. 2018: Ronda Rousey

Essa Rios Lita
WWE.com

It's astonishing to recall in 2023, now that Ronda Rousey is so cold that it's as if she was never the most famous and dangerous female athlete in the world, but she was incredible in 2018.

Her debut WWE match was a masterpiece of catharsis. In a great twist, after finally getting her hands on Stephanie McMahon - and ripping out a chunk of her hair - she aimed a barrage of punches at Triple H. He sold like he'd been blown away by a machine gun.

Where has that energy gone?

Where is the Ronda Rousey who carried Nia Jax to a better much than she'll ever have in any conceivable alternate universe?

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!