WWE Royal Rumble 2018 video: Ronda Rousey appears, doesn’t do much of anything

Ronda Rousey did indeed appear at the Royal Rumble. But she didn’t contribute a whole lot.

A lot of the intrigue surrounding the WWE’s latest version of the Royal Rumble had to do with a certain former UFC women’s bantamweight champion. The pro wrestling organization was pushing their first Royal Rumble featuring an all-female cast, and Ronda Rousey was expected to play a big part in it.

And she did. Sort of.

After they went through the first 29 contestants, nearly everyone expected Rousey to come out to the glorified battle royale as the 30th and final entrant. But she didn’t – that honor went to WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus. After a long battle involving Stratus, Nia Jax, The Bella Twins, and Japanese superstar Asuka, it was Asuka that came out on top. The two WWE women’s champions entered the ring, with it being up to Asuka who she faced at WrestleMania.

This is when Rousey made her entrance, to Bad Reputation and wearing one of Rowdy Roddy Piper’s jackets.

After slapping some fan’s hands she entered the ring, continually pointed at the big WrestleMania sign, and stared down Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss for a bit before offering Asuka a handshake. Asuka slapped her hand away, which was the coolest part of the whole deal. Ronda just laughed it off though, then left the ring to go shake hands with a wary Stephanie McMahon at ringside. She then interacted with the crowd some more on the way out.

In other words, she didn’t do much of anything. The post-Rumble appearance was a good swerve, but they failed to capitalize on it. At least right away. They pushed “breaking news on social media” as the show ended, which turned out to be ESPN’s SportsCenter announcing Ronda’s full-time WWE contract:

ESPN also posted a video of Ronda talking about the move, with some quotes:

“This is my life now. First priority on my timeline for the next several years. This is not a smash-and-grab; this is not a publicity stunt. When I first met with Triple H, I told him, ‘There are other things I can do with my time that’ll make way more money, but I won’t enjoy nearly as much.’”

…

“It’s funny — it’s kind of like acting, in that it was something I always wanted to do but I never thought was in the cards for me. And now that I realize I really do have this opportunity, I feel like my 6-year-old self would totally kick my ass if I didn’t take it.”

Here are the full results from the show, which featured an excellent men’s Royal Rumble and some good action in the other matches. Thaat included former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar successfully defending his Universal Title in a three-way match featuring Braun Stroman and Kane.

Gran Metalik, Kalisto, & Lince Dorado defeat TJP, Jack Gallagher, and Drew Gulak

The Revival defeated Gallows and Anderson

Bobby Roode defeats Mojo Rawley to retain the US Title

AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens and Sami Sayn to retain the WWE Championship

The Usos defeated Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin in two straight falls to retain the Smackdown Tag Team Titles

Shinsuke Nakamura wins the Men’s Royal Rumble, eliminating Roman Reigns last. He chooses to challenge Styles for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania

The Bar defeat Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan to win the Raw Tag Team Titles

Brock Lesnar defeats Braun Strowman and Kane to retain the Universal Title

Asuka wins the women’s Royal Rumble, eliminating Nikki Bella last