One fighting career concluded at the T-Mobile Arena over two years ago for "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, and on Sunday night, back in Sin City once again, another career officially began.
Rousey appeared live at World Wrestling Entertainment's Elimination Chamber to sign her wrestling contract, but prior to putting ink to paper, the former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion inflicted some pain onto the company's COO, Triple H.
She was visibly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment upon entering the ring, and had difficulty expressing herself into the microphone at times. A longtime fan of the industry, Rousey thanked the late "Rowdy" Roddy Piper for his influence on her. She added that despite her reputation, all she wants to do is earn her keep and win over the fans with her in-ring work, and not receive any special treatment.
All she asked for was an invitation to attend WrestleMania 34 on April 8 in New Orleans. Triple H did her one better, however, and confirmed she'll be competing in a match.
"Raw" general manager and former Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, along with brand commissioner Stephanie McMahon, were also present. Stirring the pot, Angle brought up how Rousey embarrassed Stephanie and Triple H three years ago at WrestleMania 31, and that because of her actions on the grandest stage of them all, the WWE's power couple desired to keep her down as an act of retribution.
This prompted Triple H to escort Angle from the ring, with the excuse that Angle had been dealing with a case of the flu over the weekend, and was having a relapse. Stephanie did admit that she and her husband were indeed embarrassed over what transpired at Levi's Stadium; but that was then, and all they want is for Rousey to officially join the company now.
Before heading backstage, Angle mentioned Stephanie referred to Rousey as a "has-been," and that Stephanie said she could take the former mixed martial artist one-on-one.
Triple H was forced to intervene to keep Rousey from pummeling his wife, but was met with a belly-to-belly suplex through a table set up for the signing.
Stephanie then struck Rousey in the face, asking Rousey who she thinks she is. Before Rousey could retaliate, Stephanie escaped under the bottom rope and up the entrance ramp.
Rousey stared down Stephanie, signed her contract, and tossed it onto Triple H's lifeless body before exiting to the sounds of Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation."