(AP) — Ronda Rousey has ditched UFC for WWE.
Once the most dangerous women in MMA, Rousey officially made the anticipated jump to WWE on Sunday night with a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble in Philadelphia.
The former UFC bantamweight champion also told ESPN that she’s fully committed to wrestling and not just planning cameos at WWE’s biggest events.
She says, “This is my life now. Yeah, they have first priority on my time for the next several years. This is not a smash and grab, this is not a publicity stunt.”
Rousey appeared to roaring fans Sunday night after the women’s Royal Rumble in Philadelphia, and pointed to a WrestleMania sign — scheduled for New Orleans in April — as Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” blared through the arena.
Rousey smiled when Royal Rumble winner Asuka slapped her hand away on an offer for a handshake. Rousey left the ring and walked over to WWE executive and Royal Rumble commentator Stephanie McMahon. Rousey shook hands with McMahon and left without saying a word. She slapped hands with fans at ringside.
Rousey told WWE.com. “”This has been a dream of mine since me and all my girlfriends would sit around and watch wrestling together,” No matter how much I tried to do other things in my life, this kept following me around. It’s time to take a hint from the universe and go for it.”
