The Rowdy Ronda Rousey made her big return to WWE at Royal Rumble 2022. She was one of the surprise entrant in the women’s royal rumble match, which was ultimately won the Rousey by last eliminating SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
Several may have noticed that Rousey seemed a bit off during her appearance at the show and didn’t display much emotion after her huge victory. On the Raw after Royal Rumble, Rousey cut a promo and it seemed like she wasn’t too thrilled to stand in front of the WWE Universe.
Later, on the post Royal Rumble edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Ronda Rousey picked Charlotte Flair as her WrestleMania opponent, and she was very receptive to fans this time around.
Now, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that WWE had a talk with former Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey after her return at Royal Rumble event and over her on-screen demeanor towards fans.
“I believe that people were talking to her, about Monday,” said Meltzer. “Yeah, she acknowledged the fans. She was very very bitter coming back, and I think that was not a good attitude to have, especially since she is being portrayed as a babyface. People, when they saw her, it’s like, ‘Oh my god, she’s being a heel.’ No. That’s just Ronda. Then they had to talk her out of, basically, going… these people are cheering you. You have to acknowledge them.” [00:23-01:06] (H/T: Sportskeeda)
Dave Meltzer also further noted that Ronda Rousey was bitter over fans turning on her during her first run in WWE. At Survivor Series 2018, Ronda Rousey headed to the event as babyface to battle Charlotte Flair in an inter-brand match. Originally, Rousey set to wrestle Becky Lynch, but WWE had to change its plans at the last moment due to Becky Lynch’s injury.
That match was ended in disqualifion after Flair using a kendo stick. After the match, Flair brutally attacked Rousey and fans cheered for The Queen. While, Rousey leaving to back, fans in attendance loudly booed her, and she looked visibly upset. Following that incident, a report came out stating that Ronda Rousey was emotionally hurt due to fans turning on her.
Following her Royal Rumble 2022 win, Ronda Rousey appeared in a backstage interview and addressed the cheers that she received while in the ring. She made it clear that she wasn’t going to fall for it this time around.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet @RondaRousey reacts to winning the 2022 #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/CJccxIHLKx
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2022
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