Mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Ronda Rousey is no stranger to the world of professional wrestling. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s bantamweight queen made an appearance during WrestleMania 31 and has since been speculated to return to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ring in the near future. But on the doorstep of her Octagon return later this month opposite current women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on Dec. 30, Rousey’s future is completely up in the air. If she loses again like she did to Holly Holm back at UFC 193, Rousey is almost guaranteed to leave professional MMA, especially after her interview on “Ellen” earlier this year, and could very well reenter the WWE universe.
“Our fans love Ronda,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s chief brand officer and television personality, during a recent interview with USA Today. “Ronda has this cross platform appeal in terms of all forms of entertainment. We would welcome her with open arms. She is the total package.”
Rousey is in fact the total package. Like some of the WWE’s biggest draws, such as The Rock and John Cena, Rousey has already made a name for herself in Hollywood. The fighter-turned-movie-star is on her way back to the Octagon at UFC 207 in an attempt to reclaim her bantamweight strap, but a hiccup opposite Nunes may very well spell her retirement from MMA. That could lead to a huge opportunity for WWE to cut in line, scoop Rousey off her feet and let her conquer yet another entertainment circle.
“The moment was awe inspiring,” added McMahon when discussing Rousey’s spot appearance at WrestleMania 31. “Our business works the best when there is magic and energy in the air, and Ronda’s presence brought that.
“With a guest appearance like Ronda’s, to work best it has to be genuine and authentic. Pop culture is a huge strategy for WWE, our storylines are reflective of what’s happening in the world and what’s popular. In sports, it doesn’t get much more popular than Ronda.”
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