Ronda Rousey Appears At WWE Royal Rumble 2018

The former UFC star has signed a full-time contract.

Ronda Rousey
WWE.com

It's official: Ronda Rousey is a WWE Superstar.

As confirmed by ESPN, the former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion has signed a full-time deal with the company, having appeared at the end of last night's Royal Rumble 2018 broadcast.

Rousey made her entrance as women's Rumble winner Asuka was choosing whether to challenge Alexa Bliss or Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34, offering a handshake to 'The Empress Of Tomorrow.' It was slapped away, but Ronda was unperturbed, and left the ring to greet a pensive Stephanie McMahon instead.

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An ambiguous appearance, it did little to suggest what's next for the former MMA pioneer, though she did point to the 'Mania sign while in the ring. A bout with Stephanie had been heavily rumoured prior to the event, but Rousey could conceivably face any of the other women involved in the segment.

Many had tipped Ronda to appear in the Rumble, but this didn't come to fruition. WWE have instead opted to save her in-ring debut for further down the line - a smart move, given her inexperience.

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Regardless of WWE's plans, the fact that Rousey is now a full-time roster member, not a guest, means we can expect to see much more of her over the coming weeks and months.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.