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In less than two months, bona fide star Ronda Rousey is expected to make her in-ring debut at WrestleMania. But three short weeks ago, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey exploded onto the WWE scene, at the annual Royal Rumble event.
The former UFC star stole the spotlight and sent the internet into a dizzying spiral of excitement. Oh, and whose spotlight was it that she stole, you ask? Asuka's.
Mere seconds after Asuka made history and won the first ever all-women's Royal Rumble match, Rousey pops up, and instantly everyone forgets about Asuka.
As if that wasn't enough to start a feud in WWE, here are three reasons why Ronda Rousey should face off against Asuka at WrestleMania.
#1 Their styles mesh perfectly
Asuka has a lot of strikes and armbars in her arsenal. What did Ronda Rousey do a lot of in the UFC? Strikes and armbars.
Her pro wrestling style will obviously be different, but it would be absurd to think that her MMA background won't heavily influence what she does in the ring. Plus, working with someone who has a style like Asuka's for her first match would be a much smoother transition for her.
And let's be honest, seeing these two trade armbars and submissions, in general, would be a blast on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
#2 Asuka has enough charisma to embrace the spotlight
Ronda Rousey has more mainstream fame than anyone in the WWE, with maybe John Cena as the exception. It would be very easy for whoever she's feuding with to be in her shadow during the whole program.
But Asuka? She has enough connection with the fans, and a brilliant mind for the business, to not just play second fiddle. The fearless way she presents herself, the confidence she exudes, her dominating body language, all of these combine to make her stand out on screen.
If she were to work with Rousey at 'Mania, she wouldn't just be "that person Ronda beat in her first match." She would probably walk away from it with a few new fans of her own.
#3 Asuka can match Rousey's intensity
Have you ever seen Ronda Rousey fight in the UFC? You should; it's pure intensity. And if you don't think she's going to bring that same attitude to the WWE ring, you're crazy.
She's going to get rough and tough in between the ropes, and there's only one woman on the main roster that can keep up. Asuka can match Rousey's ferocity, and in a match with two tough strikers, ferocity is a perfect thing to have.
With how hard Rousey will be going in the ring, I wouldn't want someone like Carmella returning strikes. That's another reason why Asuka is the perfect choice.
#4 Rousey ending Asuka's streak would start her off in the right way
Asuka's streak is one of the most pushed concepts on RAW. It's not anything quite like the Undertaker's Streak yet (nothing ever will be), but it does give her a special place on the roster, and keeps her getting wins until the time is right to give someone that rub.
At WrestleMania, against Ronda Rousey, the time would be right. Traditional wrestling logic says a new Superstar must always win his/her first match. This should absolutely hold true for Rousey as well, who could not only establish herself by ending Asuka's streak, but would be skyrocketed.
#5 Asuka's the best woman on the roster
Let's be real for a second. Yes, Ronda Rousey is incredibly athletic. Yes, she's a legitimate star that can handle the spotlight; yes, she's a huge pro wrestling fan. But that doesn't mean she'll be a good pro wrestler. WrestleMania will be Rousey's first full match, where she won't be smooth or polished in the ring, because no one is in their first match.
To make the match entertaining, and to make Rousey look good, WWE needs to pair her with someone that is creative enough to know how to hide her weaknesses and emphasize her strengths in the ring. who's technically sound enough to make up for any of Rousey's rookie mistakes, and safe enough performing her moves to ensure that Rousey doesn't hurt herself.
Asuka is the absolute best wrestler to fulfill all of those responsibilities.
What did you think? Is Asuka the best partner for Rousey's first go around? Who would be better? Let me know in the comments!
