WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff recently shared his thoughts on Ronda Rousey’s time with the company, stating that she would have been a more effective and natural fit as a heel character. Speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Bischoff explained that the promotion’s decision to portray Rousey as a babyface (good guy) was a missed opportunity.
A Heel’s True Potential
According to Bischoff, Ronda Rousey’s background and personality traits make her a natural fit for the heel role. He believes that her tough, no-nonsense attitude and willingness to push boundaries would have been better utilized as an antagonist in the WWE universe.
“In my opinion, Ronda Rousey is a natural performer who can tap into that heel persona with ease,” Bischoff said. “She has a certain… let’s call it ‘edge’ that lends itself perfectly to the role of a heel. I think the WWE missed a significant opportunity by trying to make her a babyface from the start.”
Bischoff’s comments have sparked a debate among wrestling fans and experts, with many agreeing that Rousey’s heel persona would have been a more compelling narrative. However, others argue that her babyface character helped to establish her as a fan favorite and contributed to her success in the WWE.
A Look Back at Ronda Rousey’s WWE Run
Ronda Rousey’s time with the WWE began in 2018, when she signed a seven-figure contract and made her debut at WrestleMania 34. Initially, she was portrayed as a heel, feuding with several top female wrestlers, including Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks. However, after winning the Raw Women’s Championship in 2018, Rousey’s character began to shift towards a more babyface persona.
As a babyface, Rousey’s character was rebranded as a heroic, crowd-pleasing figure, which some argue detracted from her natural heel persona. Despite this, Rousey went on to have a successful run in the WWE, winning multiple championships and headlining several high-profile matches.
Backstage Insight: Why Ronda Rousey Was Positioned as a Babyface
According to a WWE insider, Ronda Rousey’s character was deliberately positioned as a babyface to appeal to a broader audience and increase her marketability.
“The WWE wanted Ronda Rousey to be a crossover star, someone who could appeal to both wrestling fans and mainstream audiences,” the insider revealed. “By portraying her as a babyface, the company hoped to create a more relatable and likable character that would resonate with a wider demographic. While it worked to some extent, I think Eric Bischoff’s point about her being a natural heel is well-taken.”
The Impact of Ronda Rousey’s Character Shift
The shift in Ronda Rousey’s character from heel to babyface had a significant impact on her storylines and matches. While she was initially booked as a dominant force in the WWE, her character change led to a more nuanced and complex portrayal.
However, some argue that the character shift also led to a decrease in her in-ring credibility. As a babyface, Rousey’s matches often featured her being booked as a heroic figure, which detracted from her natural competitive spirit and in-ring prowess.
Conclusion
Eric Bischoff’s comments about Ronda Rousey’s WWE run have sparked a lively debate among wrestling fans and experts. While some agree that she would have been a more effective heel, others argue that her babyface character helped to establish her as a fan favorite.
One thing is certain, however: Ronda Rousey’s time in the WWE was marked by a significant character shift, which had both positive and negative consequences. As the WWE continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how they book their top talent and create compelling storylines that showcase their unique personalities and abilities.
In the words of Bischoff, “Ronda Rousey is a natural performer who can tap into that heel persona with ease. I think the WWE missed a significant opportunity by trying to make her a babyface from the start.”