Ronda Rousey’s rowdiest moments in her WWE rookie year

9. Debut match on the Grandest Stage

It’s one thing to have a debut match on the main roster of the WWE, it’s another thing to do it at the biggest show of the year, WrestleMania. This unique experience adds the pressure of millions of people watching your every move, ready to scrutinize your efforts and perhaps waiting for you to fail.

For all her accomplishments in the Olympics and the UFC, Rousey was an outsider stepping into the world of the WWE for the very first time. High stakes were nothing new to Rousey, she’d had eyes on her before and she always delivered. This time she would have back-up in the form of two-time Olympic gold medalist and former WWE champion Kurt Angle. Their opponents that night, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, also knew how to carry a match. Rousey was in good hands but it turned out she could hold her own.

Coming in off a hot tag, Rousey was quick to showcase her in-ring skills. She dominated McMahon, showing great pacing and timing. Rousey would also mix it up with Triple H, throwing fists to back him into the corner and at one spot hefting 245lbs of “The Game” up on her shoulders and holding him there while waiting for McMahon to intervene.

The match exceeded expectations. Rousey was heralded for her efforts and many said the match stole the show at WrestleMania 34. Rousey had put in dedicated work to make the match special, and it showed.