From the WWE Rumor Mill: Ronda Rousey wants Paul Heyman pairing, but WWE won't allow it

What's the story?

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Ronda Rousey has expressed her desire to follow in the footsteps of Brock Lesnar and have Paul Heyman as her advocate, but WWE reportedly decided against the idea.

In case you didn't know...

Ronda Rousey makes her in-ring debut at WrestleMania on Sunday when she teams up with Kurt Angle to face off against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. The match goes back to Ronda Rousey's contract signing, where she put Triple H through a table in a scene that came full circle this week, when Stephanie McMahon returned the favour.

The match is also a throwback to Ronda Rousey's first ever WWE appearance when she appeared at WrestleMania 31 alongside The Rock in a segment with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

The heart of the matter

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted that Rousey wants Paul Heyman to be her advocate or spokesperson, but there is a political issue with regards to why WWE don't want it to happen.

With Ronda Rousey being seen as the protagonist of the story and essentially the face going against the heel authority figures, adding Paul Heyman to the mix would confuse the narrative.

While Brock Lesnar's pairing with Paul Heyman essentially saw The Beast Incarnate transition into more of a babyface, the turn was merely due to his star power and character, rather than by design. It is thought that WWE does not want to try and replicate this story arc in case Ronda was seen as more of a heel.

What's next?

Ronda Rousey debuts on Sunday at WrestleMania 34. Where she goes thereafter is anyone's guess.

Paul Heyman, meanwhile, may be accompanying Brock Lesnar to a WWE ring for the final time if reports are to be believed - but there are rumours he may align with Roman Reigns in the future.

Author's take

Well, this one has been in the Rumor Mill for a while - mainly because there are obvious ties between Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey. Both are HUGE crossover stars known more for their legitimate fighting backgrounds than their microphone prowess.

While Brock Lesnar started off in the WWE transitioned to MMA in 2007, Rousey has gone the opposite route. A pairing with Heyman would be pretty cool and, while it's off the cards for now, you never know what the future may hold!

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