Before stepping into the squared circle for her iconic WrestleMania 35 match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, Ronda Rousey made waves in the wrestling world with some bold statements and the former UFC champion took to her YouTube channel to call out pro wrestling “scripted” and unrealistic.” As shocking as these comments were to wrestling fans, they weren’t just idle words—they were a calculated move.
Chael Sonnen’s Influence on Rousey’s Personality
Rousey recently opened up about the reasoning behind her abrasive personality, revealing that the mastermind behind her character was none other than MMA legend Chael Sonnen who is known for his mouthy tongue sharp and unparalleled trash talk skills in candid interviews r Ouse shared, “It was Chael’s own Sonnen. I’ll give it to him [He’s like] one of the greatest MMA heels.”
Rousey admitted that fans often struggled to separate her character from her true personality, but this lackluster lineup was intentional. He explained that Sonnen advised him to never regret his words or actions, no matter how much backlash he would face. According to Sonnen, admitting that something was done in response would weaken his position. Rousey said, “Where they’re like, ‘Oh you know, sorry about everything. I was just talking about promoting the war.” Don’t just ever admit it. Have you ever [let] anyone know you took them for a ride? Do you ever let them know what you said, and it’s about being deliberate about it.”
Embracing the Villain Role: Rousey’s Deliberate Decision
Ronda Rousey has never shied away from being a villain throughout her career. From her fierce trash talk to her cool landing, Rousey embraced her role among women. But why did he choose this path? The answer lies in her desire to break the mold and make women’s MMA better.
Rousey’s impact in the UFC is undeniable. She was the driving force behind and named the women’s movement, proving that female fighters could pull off big paying numbers and command as much attention as their male counterparts but this success came at a price—price which Rousey still does so pay today, in the form of fan rage.
During her appearance on ‘Ring the Belle’, Rousey delved into what inspired her to become a UFC heel. She noted that when she first entered MMA, every female fighter was trying to be a “baby face”—a universally loved and admired fighter, Rousey saw this as a problem, and made the sport less exciting and less active. She decided to take on a role that nobody wanted, saying, “One of the things I saw in women’s MMA coming out is that everybody wants to be babyfaced, everybody wants to be loved everywhere and nobody wants to piss everybody off it was nothing It made it boring. So I’ll be like a designated b**ch, you know. I was sleeping in my car and everyone was comfortable with me.”
The Cost of Playing the Villain
Rousey’s decision to appear as the villain was a calculated move, one she hoped would add suspicion and drama to the game. But it also drew heavy criticism from fans who tried to separate the character from the character. This is a struggle Rousey continues to face, as many still hold the resentment they felt towards her as a fighter
Even so, Rousey isn’t apologetic. She took on a role that no one else would, and in doing so, became one of the most successful in women’s MMA. His willingness to embrace his dark side and be a fighter that fans love to hate is what set him apart and made him a legend in the sport.
