The Hater's Ball: Why Stephanie VS Ronda is stupid, any way you slice it

[Con T.]

So, Meltzer is saying the plan is Ronda/Stephanie for Mania 32. Which will draw a shit ton of money, and we'll all mark out. I'm sure this plan is getting fucked up along the way; See Brock and Rock, for this year. But allow me to reconvene the hater's ball, and tell you why this is a terrible, terrible idea.

Listen, I'm as much a guy to argue you should do the thing that draws money as much as possible. But realistically, unless this match lasts eight seconds and winds up with Ronda destroying Steph, this will be bad. The most high profile women's match in the history of WWE could very well end up including a McMahon. Stephanie humiliates almost everybody she's in the ring with, nobody ever gets their heat back on her, and now that it's time to put somebody over you bring in somebody from outside the company just so it's clear that everybody in your company is still a joke (except Steph, of course). I know that Rousey is a big money draw, and I think it's great that she might want to do a match, but you have a year to build up one of your actual wrestlers as a legit athlete and fighter to take on Rousey and instead you want to do Rousey vs. McMahon. This would be like them booking Mayweather vs. Shane in '05 (or whatever year that was). It's ridiculous.

Actually, it's really worse than the Mayweather analogy. At least Mayweather takes part in boring matches that take twelve rounds. Part of Ronda's appeal is that she beats everyone in under a minute. Her last two fights took a total of thirty seconds. If you're planning a match for Mania (and it isn't the eight second match I proposed, which ha), then it should be about nine minutes. And no matter how you slice it, that's Steph lasting longer than any woman ever could with Ronda. She's better than all of the divas in WWE, and better than any woman in UFC. She is Steph, alpha female, hear her roar. No one wants to see that, be we all know that's what we're getting. Steph is going to be tougher than all of those shemales in that godless UFC; goddamnit, we need to keep Steph strong.

I know we're all going to mark out about this match, but that's really the basis of this match. A non-wrestler is going to go toe to toe with the best woman athlete in the world, and is going to last some time, probably get in quite a but of offense, in a storyline that will only stand to make Steph look good.

Gentlemen...

 

[Stone Cold Tea]

You make some great points there. Maybe they will mix it up and have a mixed tag and when Rhonda gets in the ring she can beat the living shit out of Steph. If it's a singles match maybe she spends the full match taking liberties with her.

I remember when Brock had his matches with HHH and at 'Mania HHH spent about 3 minutes in the Kimura. I found that pretty ridiculous.

 

[SoulTrain4]

She can do what Vince would do, send a parade of heel divas out there to wear Ronda out an then come in and pick up the scraps before getting beaten.

It's a great match no matter how you put it. I don't think anyone would consider this in a straight up one on one match, it needs shenanigans in order to be interesting and if you gonna put Rousey in a wrestling against a non-wrestler or fighter like Stephanie it makes sense for her to utilize her resources to get an unfair advantage.

I honestly hope they do that match. Stephanie needs to be humbled and Ronda is perfect for the role.

The problem with having a younger diva do it is that you leave ALOT of money on the table, might as well do it while Ronda is still a hot topic in sports.

 

[Seosa]

I want the match to happen but Ronda really has to squash Steph. I'm getting seriously sick of Steph, both the on screen character and the off screen corporate egomaniac.

 

[Sexcellence of Sexecution]

If this was the Attitude Era, Ronda Rousey would fight a guy.

"THE MATCH THE UFC WON'T GIVE YOU! ONLY IN THE BY GAWD WWF!"

I don;t have a problem with Ronda vs. Steph. It's a work, and Steph is the biggest female heel they have by far. SHe'll use her pwoer to try and stack the deck against Rousey, with a bunch of run-ins, crooked officiating, etc. But in spite of that Ronda will still crush her. It'll be fine kids don't worry.

 

[wrestler36]

That's only one way of looking at it. McMahon can stack the deck against Ronda, maybe making it a last second one hand tied behind back match, negating her arm bar. She can also have other heels help her cheat. In return, somebody can aid Ronda, like Paige or Naomi, etc, ultimately getting a rub from being in such a high profile match. After Mania, when Ronda's gone, McMahon can call out the next big face and blame her for losing the match, setting up McMahon vs_______, or McMahon introducing a new heel diva to feud with the face. In any case, Ronda's the biggest female athlete related to pro wrestling, so not involving her in any sort of feud would be a mistake

 

[rmp0012002]

It would depend on where she is at in her career in UFC and what her contract is. I'm sure she's being paid well in UFC but is she ready to move on and become Vince's property.
If it's a one time Ronda vs Steph match with Ronda in a squash, or better a shoot, then im fine with it but I don't want to see any mixed tag matches.
She may be tops in her weight class but at 135 she can't go against the guys the way Chyna somewhat did and being put as a diva doesn't give her and WWE the exposure.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I have no real problem with it. Pro wrestling matches are scripted, they're not legitimate fights. As a result, any number of potential scenarios can be worked up in which Stephanie has a fighting chance to give Rousay a, kayfabe, tough fight. For instance, one rough idea would be for the match to be a "street fight" during which Stephanie can make use of equalizers; a steel chair here, a Kendo stick or two, maybe some "brass knuckles", maybe even hubby's sledgehammer, etc.

Ultimately, a lot would depend on the build for the match and in which direction they wanted to go. If it's just something like a comedic, "sports entertainment" stunt out of Vince's idea, then I can honestly say I'd have absolutely zero interest whatsoever. I've seen enough corny segments and matches where a celebrity and/or fighter makes a wrestling character look like some full out chump. If it's booked as something "serious" in which there are no cornball comedy skits, Steph doesn't cower or run for her life, then, depending on what sort of stipulations are involved, I think more fans would get into it.

You have to remember that the key to a pro wrestling match is entertainment because everyone knows it isn't a legit fight. The build up for this match would have to have enough skewing for Steph to make fans suspend disbelief enough, to create the illusion through the build up, stipulations, etc. that Steph has a shot of winning somehow. If it's some "sports entertainment" fiasco, then it'll be a golden opportunity wasted, but I don't think that's likely. Let's say the match does happen and Rousey is still the hottest commodity in mixed martial arts; in which case, I don't see this being booked to look like some sort gag match because Rousey, as big of a fan as she is, also has her reputation to consider, so turning the whole thing into a joke would probably turn her off the idea altogether. If done properly, this could generate a friggin' forest of money trees for WWE because a lot of people will pay for the novelty of seeing Ronda Rousey in a pro wrestling match, especially if the storyline isn't some "sports entertainment" fiasco, and making money's the name of the game.

At the same time, I kinda see where the OP is going. I mean, a LOT of people loved all the happenings with Sting vs. Triple H at WrestleMania XXXI but I have to say that it didn't do much for me. Maybe it was the best way in order to sort of protect Sting by hiding his limitations, the man's 56 years old after all and he's just not remotely close to what he was 10 years ago, or 5 years ago for that matter. If that's the case, then I can understand why they went that route but it still didn't do much for me. I imagine that there'll be some who'd think the same thing for a Rousey vs. McMahon match.

 

[Burritocover]

Obviously the two getting in the ring in a regular one on one match would be a disaster but since it's wrestling there are a lot of things they could do to make it interesting. Maybe triple h is the referee. And they make it a street fight. Maybe get steph some muscle before hand to help her out. Someone like Tamina maybe. Someone who looks physically tough. Rhonda gets steph in the armbar and Tamina breaks it up. There are lots of ways to make it a fun match. Mayweather vs Big Show could have been a disaster but for what it was it was a fun match but it was all smoke and mirrors which in wrestling is fine.

 

[Kodo Sawaki]

Am not interested unless Steph take a beating of a lifetime where Ronda would go out and beat the living crap out of her. Reason: As I said on other theme, Steph's "feminazi behavior" deserves nothing less but some asskicking and since apparently in modern WWE PG wrestling no man can hit a women when she insults him and atacks him, have no problem that Ronda do that job.

 

[Terry Gyimah]

After seeing Ronda in Furious 7 and even in The Expendables 3 I would say that if she were to ever get into the ring with Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 32 she would literally beat the hell beat the crap out of Stephanie and the only way Stephanie would have a fighting chance is if they made it No DQ and have divas try to interfere on Stephanie's behalf trying to soften up Ronda only for the face divas to make the save for Ronda

 

[Navi]

I have no real problem with it. Pro wrestling matches are scripted, they're not legitimate fights. As a result, any number of potential scenarios can be worked up in which Stephanie has a fighting chance to give Rousay a, kayfabe, tough fight. For instance, one rough idea would be for the match to be a "street fight" during which Stephanie can make use of equalizers; a steel chair here, a Kendo stick or two, maybe some "brass knuckles", maybe even hubby's sledgehammer, etc.

While I usually agree with most of what you say JH this time I have to disagree. Rousay is one of the toughest female fighters on the planet today, and someone like Stephanie McMahon doesn't stand a chance in a month of Sundays against her. She is seen as the female Brock Lesnar and we all have seen what he can do in the ring.

Rousay is undefeated in UFC and well known for ending matches in minutes. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but even putting her into a scripted fight that lasts longer than that would be ridiculous. Add into account Dana White would never let her do anything to do anything that would call her credibility into question. That is if he even allows her to get into any WWE match while she is still under contract to him.

The WWE would love to see it, they have 100k seats to fill, but if the match could potentially damage Rousay's career or standing, I don't see it happening. Wouldn't be surprised to see her at Mania again, but it would take the booking of the century for this to take place.

 

[Kamala316]

Another "grab that brass ring" moment for the members of the WWE roster not named McMahon or Levesque. In the meantime, HHH and Steph get to write their own storylines, take someone else's spot, and book themselves to look strong I guess Steph is tired of watching HHH do it for years, and now she wants in on the action. I like how her match with Brie last year got over 20 minutes - that's a month's worth of Divas matches on Raw! So what does she plan to do? Pay Rousey a King's ransom to get in the ring with her and lose? Simply put: Ronda would kill Steph, and I have no interest in seeing it.

 

[Aquaman6686]

I don't think any match could possibly interest me less. Celebrity involvement at WrestleMania is never a plus, it just takes attention off the more important matches. This match would provide me with a piss break and nothing more. Absolutely ZERO interest.

 

[klunderbunker]

Here's the thing: yeah, the standard wrestling story here would see Stephanie cheat like there was no tomorrow to last against Rousey, but it would have to go so far beyond the realm of believability that it's going to destroy a lot of the match. It also won't help that half of the fans are going to come in saying "Oh look: now we get to see Stephanie act like she can fight and praise her for her hard work etc." That works fine against say, Brie Bella, who has no reputation for being tough. This isn't bringing an All-Pro linebacker into the ring. This is bringing in someone known for being able to grab almost any woman she fights and making them scream in a matter of seconds. That last part is the key: seconds. Even if she was in trouble, Rousey should be able to break Stephanie's arm in half within about four seconds of physical contact. Without nailing the circumstances, it becomes really, really hard to believe that a businesswoman who has had a handful of worked matches in years can hang with the best female fighter of all time.

It could be entertaining, but they would have to be very, very careful with it.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Me has da feeling The Rock connection will get cousin Tamina some how involved in the match thus giving Steph a reasonable opportunity to be competitive.

Granted I don't think this match will ever happen and I further don't think it is that much of a draw. Especially for Mania.

 

[JoeyJoeJoe]

You have a willing party in Rousey, and the biggest female heel in the company in McMahon, so this is probably the right match. Even if the WWE build some other diva up to be Steph's muscle, the story is still about Rousey vs. Steph. Is that a bad thing? I can complain about all the times a McMahon has stepped in the ring against some of its talent, thereby undercutting "someone" on the card and sacrificing believability , or I can enjoy watching them get their asses kicked.

A few scenarios for this:

1) Steph hires someone to do a number on Rousey at the beginning of the match, meaning Rousey needs to start the fight from being in the hole.

2) Rousey has to fight some "real" wrestler in order to get 5 minutes with McMahon. Just a variation on #1 but both extend the match while making Rousey look good the whole time while creating a threat.

 

[Cats Pajamas]

I’m not understanding how this match could affect Rousey’s career? Isn’t credibility in WWE sort of like Disney Dollars? It doesn’t have any value besides while you’re there.

But it would be a great match for the casual fans that Mania attracts every year. Most of the people who only watch 4 hours of wrestling per year will know who Ronda Rousey is, and it only takes about 10 seconds of listening to Stephanie to know why she needs her ass kicked. Billion Dollar Princess vs the Baddest Bitch on the Planet, voila! As these guest celebrity matches have a tendency to go, it’ll probably be a circus anyway so have fun with it.

From a personal standpoint, I feel like I see enough of Stephanie on a weekly basis and am a little worn out on her, so I don’t care about seeing her in this match. Truthfully, I don’t care to watch her character, ever. But it works out, because I don’t watch UFC and don’t care about Rousey either, so I get a world class intermission if it makes it to the card for Mania 32. Win-win!

Yeah, I do think it’s a stupid idea, but life’s not always about me. Book it!

 

[CyberPunk]

Ronda at Mania 32? Sign me up! Wait, Ronda vs Stephanie McMahon? Hmm. Hell, no! Steph needs her ass kicked alright, but not by Ronda. It doesn't do anything for Ronda and it doesn't do anything for Steph. So, Steph gets to take the beating, so what? She needs to get off my TV NOW. This would mean that another year of Steph making everyone's life on roster hell (kayfabe I mean), and finally an outsider delivers the comeuppance? I'd rather have Paige do it.

As far as Ronda at Mania goes, in my fantasy world, I'd rather have go her against Triple H (and no, I don't hate Haitch). Now THAT'S a draw!

Honestly, I'd love Ronda in the WWE ring, but this match doesn't draw my interest.

 

[sjdigitall]

i would be more interested in debuting Charlotte, booking her like the female Brock Lesnar for a year, then have Rousey Vs Charlotte at WM32 with Steph in Charlotte's corner.

 

[MartialHorror]

It is stupid, but primarily because there is no way Steph would have a chance against Rhonda. Stephanie isn't a fighter, nor is she a wrestler and part of the reason Brie lost momentum was because Stephanie somehow stole the show from her. Steph should NOT be that strong in the ring.

Instead, they should find a way for Ronda to take on a real wrestler, whether it's Paige, Nikki or whoever is relevant at the time. Another reason it is stupid is because who will carry the match? Neither women are wrestlers.

 

[OYDK]

Well, anybody who thinks this would be a legitimate "match" may be losing it. I see Steph running around the ring for 5 minutes, maybe some guys come down to the ring to restrain Rousey, Steph gets some slaps in, Rousey breaks out and submits Steph... or something along those lines. I REALLY don't see Rousey vs Mcmahon, 1 on 1 in a 10 minute back and forth match. As much as people want to attack Steph's ego, it's never really been a problem and Steph has always done her job well enough.

As for my interest, I'm meh at this point. I'm a huge MMA fan but I'm not a big Ronda Rousey fan. Shocking, I know... blasphemous some would say, but that's how I feel. She is undoubtedly one of the biggest female stars in the world at this point though, and MANY people would pay to witness Rousey in a WWE ring, especially if Brock Lesnar is on the same card. I can safely say, I would be much more interested in this had WWE kept Kharma around and brought her back as Steph's weapon. THAT would get me interested in Rousey in the WWE. Any other Diva at this point, can't be taken as a serious threat no matter how well they're built... Imagine if Chyna debuted today instead of 18 years ago.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

The Nancy Kerrigan style "attack" angle is a good one here... but they have to be careful not to damage her standing with UFC, who will be VERY protective.

The reality to this match isn't that it's going to be a competitive one... it's going to be a massacre and the fun is in Steph's egocentric character talking her way into it, then frantically trying to get out of it... no one is going to be expecting less than a 10 second match... but the fun will be in the stunts Steph tries to pull once in that ring or god forbid to get a DQ win...

The nearest we've had to this was Austin in a Cage vs Vince, it was gonna be a massacre and then Big Show showed up... Vince lost the match but the story wasn't about a win or a loss... It was that he "faced his enemy" and then cheated... Steph could set up the whole roster to be Lumberjacks for example... threatening anyone who doesn't do their job with their firing... anything like that covers the reality of a shoot between her and Ronda being over quicker than Vince would last with Lana if he got the chance...

 

[LBGetBack]

I think this could be enjoyable. It would likely have some pretty good buzz around it.

Stephanie can be fantastic on the mic. She will be entertaining in the buildup, talking junk and biting off way more than she can chew.....and we know she's going to attempt to stack the deck.

Why are WWE fans approaching this like it's an MMA fight?

The funniest thing is a lot of the people shooting this down because "if it was real Ronda would win in 10 seconds" are the same people who threw a fit because Daniel Bryan didn't go against Brock Lesnar at Mania. Guess what? If it was real, Lesnar would destroy Bryan.

It's friggin wrestling!

 

[Skuzzy]

ok what if we get Team Rosey [Rousey, Paige, Natalya, some NXT chick] vs Team Mcmahon [The Bellas, Cameroon, Red hair chick, Cameron, whoever]. it wouldn't be the first multi-divas tag match at WM, and at least keeps Rosey from killing the divas until the end when she cleans hose..

terrible,, but better than Steph lasting more than 2 minutes with Ronda and actually going toe to toe with her just because steph is the greatest female in the universe..