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What's the story?
Former UFC Champion Ronda Rousey made her debut on WWE at the 31st annual Royal Rumble match and shocked Charlotte, Alexa Bliss and Asuka when she made her way to the ring and made it clear that she wanted to go to WrestleMania.
But it seems that there was more than just her first WWE match on her mind as she made her way to the ring.
In case you didn't know...
Ronda Rousey personally asked Roddy Piper for permission so that she could use his "Rowdy" nickname as part of her UFC career before she dedicated her match against Bethe Correia at UFC 190 to the WWE Hall of Famer, merely days after he passed away back in 2015.
Ronda has been a huge fan of the WWE legend throughout her career and it seems that on her PPV debut with the company she wanted to continue to pay tribute to the late, great superstar.
The heart of the matter
Ronda made her way to the ring following the end of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match and not only did her titantron use the same font that Roddy Piper became known for, but she also wore a Roddy Piper shirt and the iconic jacket that belonged to the man himself.
ESPN writer Ramona Shelburne shared the story on Social Media after Ronda made her appearance at The Royal Rumble.
What's next?
It is unknown who Ronda will face at WrestleMania just yet, but it seems highly likely that WWE will opt for Ronda to face Charlotte since it's been a rumoured match for a number of months.
Author's take
Ronda Rousey has arrived and it seems that she wanted to pay tribute to the man that she grew up watching and grew to love. She looked incredible in the jacket as well, which is perhaps why it has caused such a buzz online. It will be interesting to see how the former UFC Champion continues to pay tribute to the WWE Hall of Famer on the Road to WrestleMania 34.
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