From the WWE Rumor Mill: Ronda Rousey spotted at Performance Center

What’s the Story?

Anticipation for Ronda Rousey’s in-ring debut continues to build as WrestleMania draws near and the former UFC Bantamweight Champion was spotted at the WWE Performance Center prepping for her first match.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Rousey has made sporadic appearances at WWE events dating back to her time as a UFC fighter but made the transition to professional wrestling earlier this year when she confronted members of the Women’s Division and Stephanie McMahon after the Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

The Heart of the Matter

Rousey was spotted at the Performance Center this past Monday and Tuesday in preparation for her career as a professional wrestler according to a report originally published by PWInsider.

Rousey has been absent from WWE programming since her Royal Rumble debut back in January due to her filming obligations for “Mile 22,” which is expected to be released in July 2018.

The film is currently in post-production and will star Rousey alongside Mark Wahlberg, John Malkovich, Lauren Cohen and others.

Her training at the performance centre was due to her finishing up her obligations for “Mile 22” and her focus seems to have shifted to making a great first impression when she enters the ring for WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans.

WWE released a video of her pro-wrestling training on Monday and included interviews with the Women's wrestlers talking about her legacy.

Rousey is expected to take on McMahon at WrestleMania 34, but the nature of the match is currently unknown.

WWE wants The Rock to team with Rousey against McMahon and Triple H, but whether The Great One will be able to return to the ring for WrestleMania or if he’ll be allowed to wrestle remains to be seen.

Not counting his brief encounter with Erick Rowan at WrestleMania 32, The Rock’s last match at the big show took place at WrestleMania 29 when he lost the WWE Championship to John Cena. The injuries he suffered in that match delayed the filming of the movie “Hercules” and lead to many in the film industry not wanting him to wrestle when he has filming obligations.

What’s Next?

Rousey’s next WWE appearance will take place this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber when she signs her WWE contract in the presence of Stephanie McMahon.

Regardless of what type of match Rousey and McMahon compete in, expect this contract signing to serve as the catalyst for their feud.

Author’s Take

The legacy of MMA fighters transitioning to professional wrestling has yielded mostly positive results over the years and hopefully, Rousey continues that trend.