Ronda Rousey Signs Full-Time Contract With WWE

After she made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble tonight, WWE announced, via ESPN SportsCenter, that Ronda Rousey “has signed a full-time contract with WWE.”

UFC's Ronda Rousey has signed a full-time contract with WWE, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. pic.twitter.com/ZeGZeSnwHZ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 29, 2018

An ESPN story had this quote from Rousey, saying that this will be her “first priority […] for the next several years.”

“This is my life now. First priority on my timeline for the next several years. This is not a smash-and-grab; this is not a publicity stunt,” Rousey told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne of her decision to join WWE. “When I first met with Triple H, I told him, ‘There are other things I can do with my time that’ll make way more money, but I won’t enjoy nearly as much.'”

After Asuka’s Royal Rumble win, Asuka stood in the ring next to Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair and prepared to choose which title she wanted a shot at. “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett hit and Ronda Rousey suddenly walked out to a pretty big pop. Rousey went to shake Asuka’s hand, but Asuka slapped it away. Rousey then smiled and pointed at the WrestleMania sign, obviously indicating that she’ll be there, probably in a wrestling role. Rousey then walked to Stephanie McMahon, who was doing commentary at ringside, and she offered a handshake to Stephanie, who hesitantly accepted.

It’s a pretty good swerve, since Rousey was interviewed by TMZ a couple of days ago at an airport, saying that she was on her way to Colombia to shoot scenes for a movie. She then started posting photos of Colombia on her Instagram, so they did a good job keeping her appearance secret.

More info as it becomes available…