The whole world tuned in to see the most recognised female MMA fighter in the history of the sport square off against Amanda Nunes for the Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 207! Those who were rooting for Ronda Rousey were heartbroken as she lasted only 48 seconds inside the treacherous Octagon.
Even before the fight, Ronda had admitted that this was one of her very last MMA contests. While her legendary UFC career might be coming to a close, it opens up many other possibilities.
Could she be leaving the Octagon behind to step into the squared circle? If so, here are 5 possibilities that could play out very well for this talented woman.
#5 Facing Charlotte at WrestleMania 33
WWE has been building up a streak for Charlotte, where she’s been undefeated in singles competition at every single pay-per-view yet. One assumes that her next program is against Bayley at the Royal Rumble, where it is likely that she will go over again.
This gives the Genetically Superior one bragging rights, and the power to summon any woman to topple her throne! Enter Ronda Rousey.
Charlotte vs. Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania 33 will be a huge money draw and will pull many, many casual viewers to the event. WWE has never refrained from putting celebrities in high profile matches at Wrestlemania, and it does not get bigger than this in the Women's division.
Since celebrities invariably always win at Wrestlemania, it’s likely that Charlotte’s streak will come to an end at the pay-per-view. This is consistent with WWE booking part-timers to break streaks.
#4 Ending Asuka’s dominant run
On NXT, Asuka has been running roughshod over all her competition and has been consistently asking for new opponents. So much so, that William Regal is bringing legends from the past, like Mickie James, to fight her (and obviously put her over).
One assumes that the same kind of booking will continue when she comes to the main roster. Once Asuka runs through the entire division, as she’s bound to do in almost no time, she could get cocky once again. She could call out anyone at all to come challenge her. Ronda Rousey could then, answer this challenge.
With the right kind of booking, Asuka could look like a credible threat to Rousey, and the match could be built as a big deal indeed. Ronda Rousey’s credentials will add an element of suspense, as to who will go over in the eventual match. Considering that Rousey's bound to be green in the ring, Asuka can carry her for the match’s duration.
#3 Challenging the Four Horsewomen
Ronda Rousey is part of a group she likes to call the Four Horsewomen, a tribute to the legendary stable comprising of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and many others through the years! Well, there was a bunch of four women, who came up from NXT who would redefine the face of the developmental territory forever, known as The Four Horsewomen as well.
Rousey could take offence to this, and challenge the women, one after the other.
This gives us four big-ticket Ronda Rousey matches, against Becky Lynch, Bayley, Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair. It is a believable story and also ensures that a crossover audience can buy into the idea and be sold about the concept. Each of the matches is a big deal and draw lots of money!
#2 Program with Nikki Bella
If WWE wants to sign Ronda Rousey, the central thought behind the move would be to capture a new fan base. One that does not watch WWE on a regular basis. Nikki Bella is WWE's resident connect to the mainstream world. With shows like Total Bellas and Total Divas, she has consistently attracted new fans to the world of sports entertainment.
Imagine this. John Cena and his girlfriend Nikki Bella in a mixed tag contest with Ronda Rousey and The Rock. Four celebrities, who are known even outside the limited world of professional wrestling. The whole contest can have a Hollywood angle to it, without the storyline seeming forced at all. Sounds like fun!
#1 Unresolved feud with Stephanie McMahon
Wrestling fans who watch Raw (are there any left or have they all moved to Smackdown Live?) are sick and tired of watching Stephanie McMahon constantly raise hit, slap and strike male talent. The talent, of course, cannot retaliate as hitting women is a topic I’m sure WWE Creative would like to avoid. Even female talents hardly ever hit the boss!
Stephanie needs a thorough thrashing and who better than Rousey to deliver it to her? They could pick up where they left off at Wrestlemania 31, and maybe even have a match or two. This would be a one-sided match, but one that will definitely create excitement.
This has been a long time coming, and one believes that WWE too has probably considered this possibility.
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