Former WWE star Ronda Rousey is one of the most polarizing pro wrestling figures in recent years. Following a legendary career in UFC, where she popularized the women’s division of the promotion, she achieved global fame. Almost as soon as her fighting career was over, there were rumors already swirling that she would someday be in World Wrestling Entertainment. It made sense, as she was already a celebrity, had a ready-made gimmick, and had expressed interest in the past.

Ronda followed in the footsteps of former amateur stars like Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar, legitimate fighting athletes who made the smooth transition to the squared circle. Rousey’s time in the industry ended up being incredibly controversial and full of ups and downs. It’s undeniable, however, that one accomplishment will always stand the test of history, and that’s Ronda’s role in the first-ever women’s main of WrestleMania.

WWE Fans Hate Ronda Rousey With a Passion

Rousey’s image in WWE was already a little negative when she began making a series of comments on social media and interviews casting a negative light on the promotion. In general, she attacked the pro wrestling industry – and notably – many of its fans. When comparing UFC to WWE, she was quick to scoff, saying that she emerged from a legitimate sport, not a form of entertainment. Needless to say, this did not go over well with the audience.

It was a strikingly different reaction that Rousey received when she made her awesome emergence in the promotion. Her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34, where she teamed with The Rock to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, was lauded by some critics as the best in modern history.

For months moving forward, Rousey received huge ovations. She was booked as a dominant fighter and champion, however, her limits soon became evident. It’s safe to say that Ronda never wanted to fully become a pro wrestler, embracing the nuances of an in-ring performance, and this ended up influencing her matches. Unfortunately, as fans began to turn on her, her disdain for the audience became more and more apparent.

The Rowdy One would depart the company in 2023, following two long stints away from the ring. Rousey’s comments after leaving WWE only made things worse, as he seemed ungrateful toward the fans, the company, and the entire business. Her time with WWE will likely be remembered as a ‘failed experiment’ of sorts. But along the way, she left behind a groundbreaking WrestleMania moment.

Ronda Made History in WWE at WrestleMania 35

The Women’s Title Match Was The First Of Its Kind

As mentioned, it wasn’t always the darkest of days for the former UFC star during her time in the squared circle. With the Women’s Division on the rise, the decision was made for the first-ever all-female main event at WrestleMania 35. Rousey battled fellow stars Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch for both the RAW and Smackdown Championships.

With Lynch at an all-time high in popularity, she would walk out with both belts. However, even at this historic moment, some controversy swirled around Rousey. Video replays later showed that Rousey wasn’t cleanly pinned, which put a bit of an asterisk on the epic encounter. Even still, the meeting between the three women was a once-in-a-lifetime event. And despite her loss, it’s doubtful that the door for the first women’s WrestleMania main event would have been opened if it wasn’t for The Rowdy One’s presence.

Without Ronda Rousey, WrestleMania’s First Women’s Main Event May Never Have Happened

Former UFC Legend Brought Superstar Status To The Event

Despite her critics and naysayers, there’s no doubt that Ronda Rousey had a major impact on WWE and its history. While many of her former fans will treat her attitude and departure as a bit of a betrayal, there’s no denying her star power. Without her, the historic three-way dance at WrestleMania 35 likely would not have happened. As much as hardcore wrestling fans want to deny it, bringing in “mainstream” celebrities is always a huge boon to the business, and Ronda surely played her part.

In many ways, it’s unfortunate that she soured on wrestling because it does tarnish the image of this incredible moment. Even still, in a promotion that didn’t always support the women’s roster, she helped take it to a whole new level with a milestone achievement. No matter how much WWE fans may hate Ronda Rousey, or how much she may despise the business of pro wrestling, she will always be remembered as a big history-maker.