WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has been open about his thoughts on various aspects of the wrestling industry, and his latest comments have sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits alike. In a recent interview, Bischoff expressed his opinion that Ronda Rousey’s transition from heel to babyface during her WWE run was a misstep.
Ronda Rousey’s WWE tenure, which lasted from 2018 to 2019, was marked by a significant shift in her character. Initially, she portrayed a tough and intimidating figure, but as her storyline progressed, she transitioned into a more crowd-pleasing, babyface role. While this move was likely intended to make her a more relatable and sympathetic character, Bischoff believes it was a mistake.
“The thing that I think hurt Ronda Rousey most during her WWE run was the decision to turn her into a babyface,” Bischoff said in a recent interview. “She was already a massive star when she came in, and by trying to make her more likable and relatable, WWE lost some of the edge and unpredictability that made her so compelling in the first place.”
Bischoff’s comments are not without merit. Rousey’s initial heel persona was built around her tough and intimidating presence, which made her a formidable opponent in the ring. By turning her into a babyface, WWE may have made her more palatable to a broader audience, but it also reduced her impact as a heel.
A Missed Opportunity for a Heel Turn
Ronda Rousey’s WWE run was marked by a series of high-profile matches and feuds, including her iconic bout with Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 34. However, her heel persona was not fully developed, and her transition to a babyface role was not as smooth as WWE had hoped.
According to a WWE insider, Rousey’s creative team was initially hesitant to turn her into a heel, fearing that it would alienate her existing fanbase. However, by the time they finally made the switch, it was too late, and Rousey’s character had already become too entrenched in the audience’s minds.
“Ronda Rousey’s heel persona was never fully fleshed out, and by the time they decided to turn her into a babyface, it was a case of too little, too late,” the insider said. “She had already become a fan favorite, and WWE didn’t want to risk alienating her existing fanbase. As a result, her heel turn was never fully realized, and she ended up being a bit of a square peg in a round hole.”
Ronda Rousey’s Current Endeavors
Ronda Rousey’s WWE run may be over, but she is far from done with professional fighting. In a surprise announcement earlier this year, Rousey revealed that she would be facing Gina Carano in a highly anticipated showdown on May 16, 2024. The bout, which will be promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, is set to be streamed on Netflix.
While Rousey’s return to fighting is likely to be a major draw, it remains to be seen whether she will be able to recapture the magic that made her a global superstar during her WWE run. With a new opponent and a new promotion, Rousey will have to work hard to prove herself once again.
Conclusion
Eric Bischoff’s comments on Ronda Rousey’s WWE run have sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits alike. While some may disagree with Bischoff’s assessment, it is clear that Rousey’s transition from heel to babyface was a complex and multifaceted issue. As the wrestling world continues to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how Rousey’s legacy is remembered in the years to come.
In the meantime, Rousey’s return to fighting is sure to be a major draw, and fans will be watching with bated breath to see how she performs against Gina Carano on May 16, 2024. One thing is certain: Ronda Rousey is a force to be reckoned with, and her impact on the world of professional wrestling will be felt for years to come.