It looks like Ronda Rousey is definitely joining the WWE, as made apparent by the UFC icon's appearance and subsequent gesticulation at tonight's Royal Rumble.
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Rousey was sportin' a shirt with her name on it, in Rowdy Roddy Piper's signature font. See for yourself:
Everyone's eyes are on #WrestleMania 34…
…including @RondaRousey's!!! #RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/ynkps4gqx5
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Many fans are unhappy with the timing of the announcement, saying that it took away from the results of the first Women's' Royal Rumble. That honor went to Asuka.
HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE! @WWEAsuka is GOING to @WrestleMania as the first-ever winner of the Women's #RoyalRumble match!#RumbleForAll pic.twitter.com/xtuNPLshQQ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2018
Turns out, Rousey was also wearing Roddy Piper's leather jacket, which was apparently given to her backstage by Roddy's son before she came out for the announcement.
The jacket Ronda Rousey is wearing at the @WWE Royal Rumble was Rowdy Roddy Piper's jacket. His son gave it to her beforehand.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 29, 2018
The former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion has signed a contract with WWE, and will more than likely (judging from her pointing at the sign) make her WWE debut at WrestleMania 34 in April.
Despite the chilly reception Ronda had during her moment at Royal Rumble, she reportedly shook hands with Steph McMahon after the match.
Ronda Rousey with @TripleH and @StephMcMahon pic.twitter.com/bmCXAHVzLZ
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 29, 2018
We'll let you know when there's more information.
About Mary Anne Butler
Bleeding Cool News Editor Mary Anne Butler (Mab, for short) has been part of the fast-paced world of journalism since she was 15, getting her start in album reviews and live concert coverage for a nationally published (print) music magazine. She eventually transitioned to online media, writing for such sites as UGO/IGN, ComicsOnline, Geek Magazine, Ace of Geeks, Aggressive Comix (where she is still Editor-in-Chief), and most recently Bleeding Cool.
Over the past 10 years, she’s built a presence at conventions across the globe as a cosplayer (occasionally), photographer (constantly), panelist and moderator (mostly), and reporter (always).
Interviews, reviews, observations, breaking news, and objective reporting are the name of the game for the founder of Harkonnen Knife Fight, a Dune-themed band with an international presence.
Though she be but little, she is fierce. #MabTheProfessional