Nia Jax is not happy about the attention Ronda Rousey is getting for her WWE Royal Rumble appearance, not happy at all.
Nia Jax responded on WWE’s own Twitter status about “reliving the moment, you’ve ALL been talking about #RAW #RoyalRumble @RondaRousey” with more than a hint of sarcastic disdain. Jax wrote, “Cool she’s here…. I guess 30 women making history can just be forgotten”. Nia Jax is clearly not happy that the spotlight placed on the women’s Royal Rumble has somewhat been swept aside, all in the wake of the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion arriving.
Both the WWE and mainstream coverage has naturally focused on Rousey signing full-time with the WWE, drawing the subtle ire of Jax and other long-time women’s talents like The Bella Twins.
The first ever all-female Royal Rumble took place as the main event of Sunday’s pay-per-view, its 31st itertation. Ronda Rousey arrived to the ring with Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” just as Asuka was choosing between competing against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. Rousey pointed to the WrestleMania sign in the rafters before making an attempt to shake Asuka’s hand, which was turned down. Afterwards, Rousey went down the ramp and again pointed to the WrestleMania sign, indicating naturally she’ll be competing there in some fashion.
Cool she’s here....I guess 30 women making history can just be forgotten https://t.co/fHqMezduEH
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) January 30, 2018
UP NEXT: We relive the moment you've ALL been talking about... #RAW #RoyalRumble @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/7K957nHFAu
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2018
Whether Nia Jax’s comment was meant as classic wrestling kayfabe to get the media talking or a true backstage slight is not clear as of yet. It could be both, and it could also be an attempt at vying for a match with Rousey. — the same way UFC/boxing talents tweet at the ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor for an opportunity of a lifetime. Judging by the Royal Rumble, Rousey is more likely to be facing Asuka at WrestleMania rather than Jax in a match. Nevertheless, the current perception is more than a few talents feel their first-ever Rumble run has taken a backseat to Rousey’s main event descent upon the WWE.
Next: Royal Rumble 2018: Review, results and more
Will the tweets expand to something on-screen? A match with Rousey means career-changing national coverage and immense mainstream attention. We’re talking 3.45 million followers alone for Rousey at the time of this article’s publishing. Her mere presence can change a career.