Ronda Rousey made her debut in WWE after the first women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018. This match was an emotional journey as it included many legends and Hall of Famers from years past. It was also a first that many women’s wrestling fans were very excited for and although the winner was slightly obvious due to her winning streak, it is a match to remember.
Asuka walked away with the victory by last eliminating Nikki Bella and had the option to face either RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss or SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. These three women stood in the ring after Asuka was declared the winner from an incredible main event moment. This good feel split-second quickly halted as Rousey’s music hit and she made her way down to the ring.
The Bella Twins had their memoir, Incomparable, recently released and Nikki had something to say about this exact moment.
“It was nothing against Ronda—it is thrilling that she is at WWE—but it was a bit of a slap in the face to all the historic women wrestlers who had come out for the match, the main event, only to have the moment upstaged by the Ronda announcement. It just didn’t need to happen like that,” says Nikki Bella.
It was obvious that WWE wanted to make Rousey’s debut as a big event, which makes sense. However, many criticized that this was moment might not have been the best way to deliver it.
Rousey and The Bella Twins would continue to interact later on that same year. First as friends before turning into rivals that lead up to Rousey vs. Nikki at the main event of Evolution for the RAW Women’s Championship. This would be the final in-ring run for Nikki prior to her retirement.
What do you think of this moment? Do you think Rousey debuting hurt the overall feel of the first women’s Royal Rumble match and Asuka’s win? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Transcription credit goes to E News.
