American martial arts superstar Ronda Rousey has just surprised everyone by entering the ring of the Royal Rumble pay-per-view wrestling show organized by WWE in Philadelphia.
Although the “Queen of UFC” did not say which match she would be participating in, Ronda Rousey sent a clear message when she stood in front of WWE champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Royal Rumble winner Asuka, and pointed at the Wrestlemania logo, an action that symbolized her presence in WWE. In an interview with ESPN, the Olympic bronze medalist said: “This is my life… This is something I always wanted but never thought I would have. And now I realize that I actually have a chance. I think my 6-year-old self would kick me if I didn’t take this opportunity.”The 30-year-old is also known by the nickname “Rowdy.” It was the nickname that WWE legend Roddy Piper used during his career, and the late wrestler gave Rousey permission to use the name during her UFC career. Rousey’s special relationship with Piper (who passed away in 2015) and WWE was once again on display when she showed up to the Royal Rumble wearing his old jacket, which his family had given her.
 Rousey (left) wants to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a WWE superstar AFP |
Rousey’s decision to move to WWE attracted a lot of attention from the world of mixed martial arts and the US. Because Rousey was the first American female athlete to win an Olympic bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics. However, Rousey left judo after the Olympics to pursue her new passion for MMA (mixed martial arts). Rousey became a pioneer in the world of mixed martial arts when she became the first woman to win a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) featherweight match and the first female world champion in 2012.Rousey has successfully defended her world title six times, becoming a global icon of the sport.
In addition, the martial arts superstar is also famous for appearing in many Hollywood blockbusters – including The Expendables 3, Furious 7… – but her reputation declined after being stripped of her championship belt by Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Melbourne in November 2015. Rousey disappeared for 13 months after that and when she returned at UFC 207 in late 2016, she continued to be defeated by reigning champion Amanda Nunes in 48 seconds. The intention to move to WWE was from the moment she left the Octagon after losing to Amanda Nunes.Rousey has yet to officially announce her retirement from the UFC, but everyone is considering her loss to Nunes as her last UFC match. And now, Rousey is moving from the UFC octagon to the regular ring to fulfill her ambition of becoming a WWE superstar. And just like every time Rousey steps into the octagon, the world will eagerly watch her on the WWE stage.
