Ronda Rousey, known widely as “The Baddest Woman on the Planet”, took the world by storm when she transitioned from MMA to WWE in 2018. The incredible debut stirred reminders of legendary figures who had done the same, leaving an indelible mark on the WWE universe. But even with such a meteoric rise, something held Rousey back from reaching the zenith of WWE greatness.
WWE Hall of Famer, Mick Foley, recently shared his insights on what Ronda might have lacked, following the news of her rumored WWE departure. With his vast experience and expertise, his words hold weight and may offer a perspective that few can match.
Rousey’s debut was nothing short of electrifying. Her rapid rise through the ranks paralleled legends like Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, and The Rock. She displayed the kind of potential that set her apart, right from her debut. It was this very prowess that allowed women to headline WrestleMania, a feat previously considered unattainable.
Yet, as her tenure progressed, the chinks in her armor started to show. And while her in-ring ability was nothing short of phenomenal, her promo skills – or the lack thereof – became a point of contention.
Foley, in a heartfelt note, praised Rousey’s achievements but pointed out a significant factor she couldn’t nail down – the ability to cut a compelling promo. “That’s really all that was missing, all that prevented Ronda from being considered an all-time great,” he lamented.
Delving deeper into the issue, Rousey’s struggles with promos trace back to her childhood. She has been open about her battle with a motor speech disorder, a condition that made promo-cutting, an integral part of wrestling, a daunting task for her. Despite undergoing years of speech therapy, the idea of public speaking still rattled her. This was evident in her frequent word slurs or mispronunciations, which became a point of concern among the wrestling community.
Numerous fans and pundits suggested a solution – to pair Ronda with a mouthpiece, like Paul Heyman. This would safeguard her from her own limitations and allow her wrestling prowess to shine without being overshadowed by her verbal struggles.
Yet, despite the challenges, Rousey’s impact on WWE is undeniable. Her debut set a precedent, and her matches brought stadiums to their feet. But, as Foley so rightly pointed out, in a world where your words can define your legacy, Rousey’s hesitance on the mic might just be the one thing that keeps her from being termed an all-time great.