Six years ago, Ronda Rousey, one of WWE’s most divisive stars, made history by helping headline the first-ever women’s main event at WrestleMania 35. A former UFC champion turned professional wrestler, Rousey brought major star power to WWE. Although her time in the company sparked controversy, her role in elevating the women’s division remains a landmark moment in sports entertainment. Despite the backlash from fans and her eventual departure from WWE, Rousey’s legacy includes one of the biggest milestones in WrestleMania history.
Ronda Rousey’s Rise from UFC to WWE
Before stepping into the WWE ring, Ronda Rousey was already a global icon. She rose to fame in UFC, where she dominated the women’s division and helped bring it into the mainstream spotlight. Her fighting skills and charisma made her one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.
Once her MMA career slowed down, rumors quickly surfaced that Rousey would transition to WWE. Her crossover made sense—she had the fame, the physical presence, and a “Rowdy” persona inspired by WWE legend Roddy Piper. Rousey officially joined WWE in 2018, debuting at WrestleMania 34 in a mixed tag team match alongside The Rock, facing off against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The match was praised by fans and critics, with some calling it the best debut in modern WWE history.
From Cheers to Jeers: Rousey Faces Fan Backlash
While Rousey’s debut was met with excitement, her time in WWE quickly turned turbulent. She was presented as a dominant force, winning the RAW Women’s Championship and taking down top names. But behind the scenes and online, things started to shift.
Rousey made several comments comparing WWE to UFC, calling wrestling “fake” and questioning the dedication of WWE fans. She stated she came from a “real sport,” sparking outrage among both fans and wrestlers. Her remarks damaged her image and made it clear that she didn’t fully embrace professional wrestling’s scripted and performance-based nature.
“I’m not going to waste my time performing for ungrateful fans,” Rousey once said on a podcast, further fueling criticism from the WWE community.
As her attitude changed, so did the crowd’s reaction. The cheers turned to boos, and her character slowly became disconnected from the fanbase. Many fans believed she never respected the business or its traditions.
WrestleMania 35: A Historic First for Women’s Wrestling
Despite growing tension, Ronda Rousey was still part of WWE’s biggest moment for women’s wrestling. At WrestleMania 35 in April 2019, she competed in the first-ever all-women’s main event, a triple threat match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. The stakes were high, with both the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Championships on the line.
Becky Lynch, riding a wave of fan support, won the match. However, controversy followed. Replays showed Rousey’s shoulders may not have been fully down during the pin, raising questions about the finish. Even with the questionable end, the match was a powerful statement about how far WWE’s women’s division had come.
And it may not have happened without Rousey.
Rousey’s WWE Departure and Final Thoughts
Rousey left WWE in 2023 after two extended breaks from in-ring action. Her departure came with more controversial remarks, criticizing WWE’s fanbase and how the company handled her career. Many fans saw her exit as ungrateful, especially considering the opportunities she received.
Despite her rocky relationship with the WWE Universe, there’s no denying her influence. Without her star power, it’s unlikely that WWE would have taken the leap to let women headline WrestleMania. Rousey brought global attention to the event and helped push women’s wrestling into the spotlight.
Legacy of a Controversial History-Maker
Ronda Rousey’s legacy in WWE is complicated. She was cheered as a hero and later booed as a villain—both in storyline and in reality. She challenged traditions, clashed with fans, and ultimately walked away from the business. But through it all, she left behind one undeniable legacy: helping create one of the most important nights in women’s wrestling history.
Without Rousey, the women’s main event at WrestleMania 35 might not have happened when it did. Her presence, no matter how divisive, played a key role in pushing the boundaries of what women could achieve in WWE.
