Ronda Rousey’s Pivotal Role in Women’s Wrestling Highlighted by Mick Foley
The WWE Hall of Famer underscores Rousey’s contribution in elevating women’s wrestling to WrestleMania’s main event status.
The Catalyst for Change
WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley recently took to Facebook to highlight a notable, albeit controversial, figure in the realm of women’s professional wrestling: Ronda Rousey. Foley’s main argument? Without Rousey’s undeniable star power and crossover appeal, women might never have had the chance to headline WrestleMania in 2019.
Many fans will recall that historic match, where Rousey stood toe-to-toe with wrestling superstars Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a nail-biting triple-threat clash. This battle saw both the “WWE Raw” and “WWE SmackDown” Women’s Championships on the line, culminating with Becky Lynch capturing the victory. Notably, this landmark event paved the way for Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair to subsequently headline WrestleMania 37, further cementing the place of women’s wrestling in WWE’s main events.
From MMA to WWE Stardom
Foley stated, “I still believe the real marquee match would have been Becky versus Ronda in a singles match — but nonetheless, let the record show that Ronda Rousey main-event WrestleMania with just one year of professional wrestling experience.” It’s no small feat for any wrestler to achieve such a prominent spot in the business within such a short time, let alone in the world’s premier wrestling organization.
However, the dream match between Lynch and Rousey remains an enigma in the wrestling community. Fans have been clamouring for this showdown for years, but it has remained elusive. Rousey’s most recent run in WWE came to a potentially conclusive end after a defeat against Shayna Baszler at WWE SummerSlam, where Rousey, in a twist of fate, was forced to submit in an MMA Rules match.
After the match, Rousey hinted at her departure from the wrestling scene, stating she felt she had no further purpose in the industry.
Praise, With a Side of Critique
Mick Foley’s praise for Rousey is not without caveats. While he recognizes her rapid ascent in the wrestling business, comparing her meteoric rise to legends like Steve Austin and The Rock, he also identified what might have kept Rousey from becoming one of the all-time greats: her promo skills.
In professional wrestling, it’s not just about what you do in the ring. Cutting promos, engaging with the audience, and stirring emotions play a significant role. Foley believes that while Rousey had an incredible in-ring presence and brought unmatched star power, her microphone skills might have held her back from reaching the pinnacle of wrestling greatness.
A Legacy Set in Stone
Regardless of criticisms, Ronda Rousey’s contribution to women’s wrestling cannot be denied. She played an integral role in shattering the glass ceiling, helping female wrestlers attain the spotlight they rightly deserve at events like WrestleMania.
While the future is uncertain for Rousey, and fans might not witness the once highly sought-after singles match against Becky Lynch, the indelible mark she’s left on the world of professional wrestling remains evident.
As we look forward to more women main-eventing WrestleMania, we mustn’t forget the trailblazers like Rousey who have made these moments possible.
