WWE fans have absolutely canned the latest performance from Ronda Rousey which has since prompted the start of a damning hashtag. ‘The Baddest Woman on the Planet’ defended her SmackDown Women’s championship against Shotzi at Survivor Series this past weekend in just over seven minutes.
She was successful in keeping her title as she forced the 30-year-old to tap out, but it was a rather short and messy match that was received poorly by most of the WWE Universe. A large section of fans were also unhappy with her recent matches with former champion Liv Morgan, and now her efforts with Shotzi, which included a botched move on the ring apron, seemed to have tipped them over the edge.
During last night’s edition of Monday Night Raw, viewers lambasted the former UFC bantamweight champion's work rate and have now called for her to be sacked. This has taken place in the form of a #FireRondaRousey Twitter hashtag, which has steadily gained momentum throughout the day.
“#FireRondaRousey isn’t just about that ‘one DDT spot’ that woman has no respect for the company whatsoever. There’s no point in her being here,” this fan fumed. Another added: “I noticed that #FireRondaRousey was trending today. It seems like a good time to post this. If Ronda Rousey isn't going to try, then she needs to leave WWE. It's as simple as that.”
Another user posted: “She has go away heat. She is a dangerous wrestler. She dislikes wrestling. She's the champion. It's a big problem. Every woman on smackdown suffers from her presence. #FireRondaRousey.”
On the other hand, Rousey was defended by colleague and former women’s tag team champion Zelina Vega, during an appearance on the “That’s Dope” podcast. “I absolutely love Ronda," she said. "Here’s the thing, she wasn’t just some bozo off the street who decided to do this on a Tuesday. She was one of the absolute best (in MMA).
“If she made that career change to go to WWE, that brings in her fans, that mixes our fans with hers, and it’s something people don’t get to see, usually. 'I would love to see how she matches up with this person.’ The people who get mad that Ronda is there are the people who are upset that they’re not getting that opportunity. To me, she’s been nothing but sweet, she’s been nothing but respectful, she puts in the work, and she’s a gamer and I love that. She’s super sweet and super cool.
“When it comes to people who are not stoked that she’s there, I give her credit because not only does she get s**t from fans of UFC, but she always gets s**t from wrestling fans, and she says, ‘Screw it, I’m going to do this and have fun doing it.’
“Ultimately, it’s her life and I hate that people get so [angry], ‘I hate that she’s there and shitting on the business.’ Regardless, she is bringing money. Can you?"
It is unclear when Rousey will next defend her title, but whether fans like it or not, she is still top of the SmackDown women’s division with the title firmly in her grasp.
