WWE News: Triple H, Vince and Stephanie reveal details of Ronda Rousey deal, hint at more big name signings

What's the story?

When Ronda Rousey showed up to close out the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, the world of wrestling and mainstream media went into meltdown.

ESPN announced that she'd signed a full-time contract with several other huge media outlets following - but in their fourth quarter press conference today, Triple H revealed that some details were still being finalised ahead of the former UFC star arriving at the Performance Center.

Ronda Rousey made quite the impression when she rocked up at the Royal Rumble as news flooded the internet that the former UFC star had signed a full-time contract with WWE.

Vince McMahon also commented on her signing and revealed more details around why she signed.

In case you didn’t know...

Well, unless you've been living under a rock for the past two weeks, there probably isn't a great deal you don't know about this story, so I'll keep this quick.

Amid masses of speculation, the former UFC Champion was initially thought to be debuting as entrant number 30 in the first ever Women's Royal Rumble Match, but that rumour was quickly killed as Rousey was said to be in Colombia on a film set, with photos of her on set even being posted during the pay-per-view.

When Trish Stratus appeared as the number 30 entrant, it seemed unlikely, but the former UFC Champion's music hit right as Rumble winner Asuka was about to choose her opponent for WrestleMania.

Rousey made her way to the ring, had an intense staredown with prospective rival Charlotte (who she previously had a run-in with on the build-up to the Mae Young Classic), pointed at the WrestleMania sign, tried to congratulate 'The Empress of Tomorrow' to only have her hand slapped away, then shook Stephanie McMahon's hand in what seemed like a potential throwback to WrestleMania 31 where she notoriously put Stephanie in an armbar.

The media was abuzz immediately after as reports emerged that Rousey had signed full-time with WWE.

The heart of the matter

During a press conference today, Triple H revealed that WWE that WWE and Rousey are finalising the deal now, but he said it is a multi-year deal.

When asked whether she would be part-time, like Brock Lesnar or an ambassador like The Rock, 'The Game' said that WWE will be Rowdy Ronda Rousey's priority.

She wants to be in the DNA of the company and wants to make this her life now.

Vince McMahon then added that Ronda Rousey fits in with what they are doing now and that it all shows what the evolution of the women's division means to them. Vince McMahon also praised Triple H and Stephanie and hailed them as being responsible for the signing.

Stephanie McMahon and Triple H with Ronda Rousey last year

Stephanie McMahon added that they’ve seen the women go to main event PPVs and have been doing their part to not only change the game for women's wrestling but also drive up revenue.

Stephanie referred to WWE's women breaking boundaries - speaking about the first-ever women’s bout in Abu Dhabi leading to a “This is hope” chant from the crowd - and added that the fans' response to the current women of WWE and Ronda Rousey exploded in terms of social media and engagement, with the segments involving female Superstars proving to be some of the highest rated segments.

Triple H added that the increased popularity in the women’s division was a major factor in Ronda Rousey wanting to be involved in what WWE is doing globally.

Triple H hinted that Ronda won't be the last big name coming to WWE.

It’s just starting to attract women like Ronda in wanting to be involved in WWE.

Rousey takes down Triple H at WrestleMania 31

What’s next?

Well, a lot of people were disappointed that Ronda Rousey didn't show up on RAW or SmackDown the week of the Royal Rumble, or since then for that matter. But it seems like WWE are building to Ronda Rousey's first ever match at WrestleMania.

Will we see her before Mania? Who knows, but it does seem that, while the fine details are still being hammered out, both WWE and Rousey are all-in.

Author’s take

It's awesome to hear Vince, Stephanie and Triple H all speak so highly of not just Ronda Rousey, but of women's wrestling and recognising how huge it has become.

I can't wait to see what happens next!.

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