Ronda RouseyCredit: WWE.com
Rousey deserves credit for taking on the WWE challenge as a full-time performer. She probably could have arranged some sort of part-time deal that positioned her to be the female Brock Lesnar. However, she didn’t want that kind of role. That initially worked for her and it only augmented her appeal as a former UFC champion. Rousey’s athleticism and rapid growth as an in-ring performer helped to put her over even more.
The pop she’d get in arenas all over the world was among the loudest of anyone on the roster. Her piggybacking on the legendary status of Rowdy Roddy Piper also helped. With so much going for her, the WWE Universe was willing to forgive her intermittent issues on the mic and misplaced smiles. Suddenly, things have changed.
Fans don’t seem impressed by Rousey wearing Piper’s jacket to pay homage to the late legend. The fans are jumping all over Rousey when she delivers a below-average promo with an odd delivery and facial expressions. Perhaps most importantly, Rousey now has a rival that the WWE Universe simply likes better in Becky Lynch.
As much as you’d love it not to be the case, I am the champion, The Man, the one you didn’t plan for – and nothing makes me happier.
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) November 20, 2018
For the first time in Rousey’s short, but successful tenure in the WWE, she’s being rejected by the fans.
Lynch has risen to new heights over the past few months, and as her feud with Rousey has heated up, the fans were pushed to pick a side. If you’re wondering which side the fans have chosen, all it takes is one quick listen to the crowd whenever either of the two women makes an appearance on WWE TV. Lynch is showered with the cheers that used to be reserved for Rousey.
When Rousey appears, there are still some cheers to be heard, but the positive responses are drowned out by boos and chants of “Becky!” Is it me or does Rousey look legitimately uncomfortable with the rapid switch in reception?
Hey Ronnie, does this give you me-ness envy? pic.twitter.com/IjbtStggoa
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) November 21, 2018
This change can’t be what Rousey originally signed up for, but at the end of the day, it could be a program that ultimately elevates both women, female wrestling and the WWE. Lynch is inactive, but she still finds a way to stay relevant and entertaining on social media. If she is allowed to take yet another major scalp–following the clean win over Charlotte–Lynch could be in line for an even bigger year in 2019.
If Rousey can find her groove on the mic and shine in the ring, she could gain respect from fans. There is a chance Rousey and Lynch could main event WrestleMania 35. If that happens, it would mark the first time women have main evented a WrestleMania. If Rousey is to maintain her appeal she needs to improve upon her weaknesses and ride Lynch’s coattails until its safe for another push.
She also can’t let the WWE Universe know it if they’re getting under her skin. If she shows that weakness, this initial rejection will grow into something much larger. If the WWE wants to keep Rousey as a face, she’s going to have to find a way to deal with the rejection and turn it into her favor.
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When Ronda Rousey was still new, she saw the best side of the WWE Universe. Now she’s finding out what life is like on the other side.
Ronda RouseyCredit: WWE.com
Rousey deserves credit for taking on the WWE challenge as a full-time performer. She probably could have arranged some sort of part-time deal that positioned her to be the female Brock Lesnar. However, she didn’t want that kind of role. That initially worked for her and it only augmented her appeal as a former UFC champion. Rousey’s athleticism and rapid growth as an in-ring performer helped to put her over even more.
The pop she’d get in arenas all over the world was among the loudest of anyone on the roster. Her piggybacking on the legendary status of Rowdy Roddy Piper also helped. With so much going for her, the WWE Universe was willing to forgive her intermittent issues on the mic and misplaced smiles. Suddenly, things have changed.
Fans don’t seem impressed by Rousey wearing Piper’s jacket to pay homage to the late legend. The fans are jumping all over Rousey when she delivers a below-average promo with an odd delivery and facial expressions. Perhaps most importantly, Rousey now has a rival that the WWE Universe simply likes better in Becky Lynch.
As much as you’d love it not to be the case, I am the champion, The Man, the one you didn’t plan for – and nothing makes me happier.
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) November 20, 2018
For the first time in Rousey’s short, but successful tenure in the WWE, she’s being rejected by the fans.
Lynch has risen to new heights over the past few months, and as her feud with Rousey has heated up, the fans were pushed to pick a side. If you’re wondering which side the fans have chosen, all it takes is one quick listen to the crowd whenever either of the two women makes an appearance on WWE TV. Lynch is showered with the cheers that used to be reserved for Rousey.
When Rousey appears, there are still some cheers to be heard, but the positive responses are drowned out by boos and chants of “Becky!” Is it me or does Rousey look legitimately uncomfortable with the rapid switch in reception?
Hey Ronnie, does this give you me-ness envy? pic.twitter.com/IjbtStggoa
— The Man (@BeckyLynchWWE) November 21, 2018
This change can’t be what Rousey originally signed up for, but at the end of the day, it could be a program that ultimately elevates both women, female wrestling and the WWE. Lynch is inactive, but she still finds a way to stay relevant and entertaining on social media. If she is allowed to take yet another major scalp–following the clean win over Charlotte–Lynch could be in line for an even bigger year in 2019.
If Rousey can find her groove on the mic and shine in the ring, she could gain respect from fans. There is a chance Rousey and Lynch could main event WrestleMania 35. If that happens, it would mark the first time women have main evented a WrestleMania. If Rousey is to maintain her appeal she needs to improve upon her weaknesses and ride Lynch’s coattails until its safe for another push.
She also can’t let the WWE Universe know it if they’re getting under her skin. If she shows that weakness, this initial rejection will grow into something much larger. If the WWE wants to keep Rousey as a face, she’s going to have to find a way to deal with the rejection and turn it into her favor.
