Ronda Rousey was the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner.
After returning to WWE at the Rumble since her hiatus that took place after WrestleMania 35, Ronda Rousey won said Royal Rumble and was cheered. despite leaving as a heel. Speaking to Daniel Cormier on The DC Check In, Rousey explained how the cheers threw a wrench into her plans.
I was supposed to come back as a heel. Vince (McMahon) was like, ‘they popped real big, so she’s a babyface.’ I did a heel interview after and everyone was like, ‘what the hell?’ Next Monday, I’m like, ‘I’m coming in as a heel’ and they’re like, ‘No, you need to smile and you need to stop being a bitch.’ ‘No, I love being a bitch! It’s my outlet for bitchery!’ ‘No, pull it back for a little bit.’ ‘Okay, high fives.’ It’s fine being a babyface.
– Ronda Rousey via The DC Check In
Ronda said she expected a reaction similar to Batista in the 2014 Royal Rumble match.
I was expecting that. I was expecting boos. I came out with my guard up and I think I didn’t get to enjoy that moment because I was expecting it because that’s what I got on the way out. When I came out and everyone [cheered], I blocked them out and didn’t let them in and I went in, did my job, and got out. I think I missed out on really enjoying that moment because I was expecting the worst in people. That’s how the WWE Universe gets you.
– Ronda Rousey via The DC Check In
Batista was boo’d during and after his 2014 Rumble win because fans were so passionate about wanting Daniel Bryan to win. Now, Ronda faced the exact opposite set of circumstances and went on to face Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Title at WrestleMania, then ultimately won the championship at WrestleMania Backlash.
H/T Fightful
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