The Appeal of Rhonda Rousey

Yesterday I was told that if Rhonda lost her fight tonight at UFC 207 in Las Vegas that the aura of someone who was once considered the biggest draw in the UFC would be all but gone. Now some may agree and some may not, but it would be tough to argue that another loss in the Octagon on Friday wouldn't further damper the momentum of Rhonda, but I do think she would be able to come back from it stronger than before. However, for the last few months her fight at 207 with Amanda Nunes has been shrouded with rumors that this will be her last fight in the octagon and that she will retire from MMA following UFC 207.

​Though this has yet to be confirmed as far as I know this definitely increases the drawing power for the PPV with the possibility this is Rousey's last fight in the octagon. This does bring up a question though: If you Rhonda does retire what happens next? Well recent reports have suggested that a stay in the WWE would be very likely in the future for Rousey or I honestly could see her following the path of Dwayne Johnson and becoming a movie star. As far as any confirmation to these reports we will just have to wait and see what happens in the future as this could be a big signing for the WWE.

Now to play a little devil advocate the only thing I worry about with the WWE signing Rhonda Rousey would be the believeability factor being extremely present every time she steps in the ring for a match. Much like it is present with Lesnar and in a way may hold Brock back, I think it will do the same for Rhonda if she was to step in a WWE ring. I am not saying that nobody in WWE could believably fight Rhonda in I do think that some women on the current WWE roster fight Rhonda and be believable threats to Rousey. For example: Natalya, Asuka, Becky Lynch, and a few others, but the list is limited. I also believe seeing Rhonda in the ring with a Sasha Banks, Charlotte or Alexa Bliss could be very interesting depending on who trains Rhonda for her WWE debut. ​

​I think even if she does loss tonight and the aura that once surrounded her is gone that her mainstream appeal will still be extremely present and that it could be the perfect time for Vince and the WWE to capitalize on that appeal and make 2017 even bigger than this year was. However, my only condition is that Rousey MUST be a part time performer and not subject to the brand split to give her the freedom to work with more of the roster and be a true box office draw for the entire WWE. Until we know for sure what will happen, all we can do is wait and see what will happen in the future, but remember if this year proves anything it's that the WWE is still capable of being "Phenomenal"