Ronda Rousey Was Reportedly Brought In To Elevate Stephanie McMahon
The transformation of Stephanie into a mainstream star has been reported as a key reason.
A key reason for the signing of Ronda Rousey is the elevation of Stephanie McMahon into a major mainstream star, at least according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer.
'As far as Rousey goes, the key item not really talked about is the goals and a major reason why she is there from a company standpoint. All the different questions about her value to the company financially I’m told are secondary.
The key to Rousey is more about Stephanie McMahon, which is why they want that super high-profile match (and if they can get Johnson, it makes it even more high-profile). Stephanie McMahon is a big star in wrestling, but she is not a mainstream star at all.
Rousey is a major sports star. The idea that she was the single most searched female athlete in the U.S. on the Internet in 2017, a year she never competed and for the most part laid low in, speaks volumes. The idea for the program is to make Stephanie a star outside of just the pro wrestling world.'
Rousey made her debut in the immediate aftermath of the women's Royal Rumble match, confronting winner Asuka and offering her a handshake. The gesture was declined, but Rousey did succeed in a hesitant handshake with Stephanie (who was on commentary for the match).
There are rumours of a WrestleMania 34 match between Stephanie and Rousey - perhaps also featuring Triple H and a male partner for Ronda. A potential candidate could be The Rock, who brought Rousey into the ring at WrestleMania 31. The pair had a showdown with Stephanie and Triple H, which ended with Ronda standing tall.
Many fans have expressed fears online that Rousey's arrival will overshadow (or has already overshadowed) members of the women's division, especially after the social media coverage dedicated to her debut by WWE.
'As far as Rousey goes, the key item not really talked about is the goals and a major reason why she is there from a company standpoint. All the different questions about her value to the company financially I’m told are secondary.
The key to Rousey is more about Stephanie McMahon, which is why they want that super high-profile match (and if they can get Johnson, it makes it even more high-profile). Stephanie McMahon is a big star in wrestling, but she is not a mainstream star at all.
Rousey is a major sports star. The idea that she was the single most searched female athlete in the U.S. on the Internet in 2017, a year she never competed and for the most part laid low in, speaks volumes. The idea for the program is to make Stephanie a star outside of just the pro wrestling world.'
Rousey made her debut in the immediate aftermath of the women's Royal Rumble match, confronting winner Asuka and offering her a handshake. The gesture was declined, but Rousey did succeed in a hesitant handshake with Stephanie (who was on commentary for the match).
There are rumours of a WrestleMania 34 match between Stephanie and Rousey - perhaps also featuring Triple H and a male partner for Ronda. A potential candidate could be The Rock, who brought Rousey into the ring at WrestleMania 31. The pair had a showdown with Stephanie and Triple H, which ended with Ronda standing tall.
Many fans have expressed fears online that Rousey's arrival will overshadow (or has already overshadowed) members of the women's division, especially after the social media coverage dedicated to her debut by WWE.
Written by Jack King
jack.king@cultaholic.com Twitter: @JackTheJobber
