Legendary WWE announcer Jim Ross thumbed down the notion that reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey can leave the Octagon behind to become a full-time player for the WWE.
Rousey memorably made an appearance in the recent WrestleMania 31 with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, where she performed a judo toss on Triple H and twisted the arm of Stephanie McMahon.
But Ross answered a firm "No" when asked by MMA Mania if it was possible for Rousey to leave the UFC and go to the WWE instead.
"Only a special attraction for an event like Wrestlemania," Ross said of Rousey. "She's an attraction… Not an everyday player."
Ross said it will serve both the UFC and the WWE if Rousey is not "overexposed."
"Many UFC fans are displaced pro wrestling fans, simply waiting on a reason to reinvest in the genre. Cross promotion must be organic, and not a scripted effort," he explained.
At the same time, Ross could not deny the positive impact that Rousey has on both the UFC and the WWE with her appearance at Wrestlemania.
"Ronda is becoming a pop culture icon with the 'it' factor, and an ever growing fan base who will support her various projects," he said.
"Cross promotion is good for any entity like WWE and the UFC. More interested eyes equates to more, new monies," he added.
A report by Dave Meltzer at MMA Fighting has since claimed that the WWE is hoping to pit Rousey against McMahon – the daughter of owner Steve McMahon and the WWE's chief brand officer – in a singles match in next year's Wrestlemania.
But Meltzer noted that there are "huge issues" that may prevent Rousey from ever competing in the WWE ring, including her lack of experience as a WWE performer. He further pointed out that Rousey risks suffering an injury should she compete in a wrestling match.
Meltzer also pointed out that there are "creative issues" in pitting Rousey and McMahon against each other, as Rousey "wins most of her fights in one minute in the realm of real fighting."
"Big pro wrestling matches hinge on building drama, which takes time to put together," he added.
On the other hand, Rousey's "celebrityhood" can only increase if she fights at Wrestlemania, Meltzer said, and this is something that the UFC will have to consider.
"WWE would have to be confident. Rousey's appearance wasn't advertised, so it didn't sell pay-per-views or live tickets. It was clearly designed for a payoff, not as the payoff," he said
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