Ronda Rousey put in work at WrestleMania 34.
If you ask me about WWE my most likely response a few years back would have to do with my fond memories of the staged matches I saw in my youth. I also would have commented on the fact that their scripted nature sometimes took the excitement out of proceedings. “If I want to see something exciting and physical, then I’ll just watch an MMA match.” That notion still rings true today, but in recent years I’ve come to accept professional wrestling for what it is: a stage show with stunt performers who act.
The athletic ability required coupled with the nerve racking task of memorizing lines is no doubt daunting and for that reason you have to give pro wrestlers the respect they deserve.
As far as crossover with other endeavors are concerned, the WWE has had a long standing theme that individuals from all walks of life are welcome on the platform if they can make a compelling storyline out of it.
Enter Ronda Rousey.
As the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey turned heads and made quite the name for herself as she molly wopped the competition. Rousey submitted or knocked out all her opposition during her tenure as champion until facing the sore taste of defeat on back to back occasions.
While it may have been bittersweet, it also worked as a wake up call for Rousey. Perhaps her days of competing in the high stakes game of mixed martial arts was at its end. Perhaps her budding acting career and cameo appearances at WWE events could be the light at the end of the tunnel.
Well last night she got her opportunity to truly thrust herself into the pro wrestling lexicon as Ronda Rousey teamed up with Olympic wrestling champion and famed wrestler Kurt Angle for her first ever WWE match. While I may not be an expert on the subject, Rousey seemed to acquit herself well in the wrestling ring and was pretty damn convincing as a pro. Facing off with the popular Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, the match was pretty entertaining and showed that Rousey does have a legitimate future in pro wrestling.
Looks like all that #WrestleMania training that @RondaRousey has been doing just might pay off… she is DOMINATING on The #GrandestStageOfThemAll! pic.twitter.com/1pwXIFZvti
— WWE (@WWE) April 9, 2018
After winning the match, Ronda Rousey took to Instagram to show her excitement and appreciation for getting a chance to perform under the bright lights at WrestleMania 34.
It was certainly a fun watch and one that makes me consider watching more wrestling events in the future. While it may be fictional matches, that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their fair share of excitement and memorable moments.
As far as Ronda Rousey is concerned, it’s good to see that she’s found something she can throw herself into that clearly gives her a great deal of joy. Here’s to seeing more out of her in the future.
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Managing Editor at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.