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WOULD RONDA ROUSEY ADD STAR POWER TO WRESTLEMANIA 32?

UFC bantamweight champion 'Rowdy' Ronda Rousey has proven herself to be a smash hit across the spectrum and she is on the way to becoming a genuine crossover star into mainstream consciousness. Rousey's dominance over the women's 135lbs division inside the Octagon has drawn new legions of fans to mixed martial arts, and her work in other avenues is contributing to that.

Rousey was named ESPN's best female athlete two years running, being the first fighter from the sport to take the accolade. It's not often fighters are recognised on the same level as other athletes and this really was a landmark, especially since the women are relatively new to the UFC - the world's biggest MMA organisation.

She's also taken on some big acting roles that have helped to increase her exposure, whilst also giving her the chance to develop tools for when her fighting career eventually fades away. She's featured in blockbusters such as The Expendables 3, Furious 7, Entourage, and the upcoming Roadhouse remake.

It's her penchant for being in front of the camera which will likely keep her away from Wrestlemania 32. Of course it'd be a huge coup for the organisation to get the world's top female athlete on board for their number one show of the year, but it seems increasingly unlikely.

Rousey has been a lifelong fan and appeared in the ring for the first time at Wrestlemania 31 back in April. Her nickname gives us an inkling of her passion for pro wrestling, and she even managed to get the seal of approval from 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper himself before he sadly passed away earlier this year.

After cryptically tweeting, "We're just getting started," many fans were expecting to see much more of the Judo Olympian. However, it hasn't come to fruition just yet, and we might be waiting even longer for the privilege.

"I'm going to be in Jakarta filming my movie," said Rousey, referencing Mile 22 which she stars in alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Up until then, she'll be busy in her day job of fighting, as she prepares to take on striker Holly Holm, although she is at 1/16 in the betting at the time of writing. With commitments to the UFC and high-paying Hollywood films at the forefront of her mind, you can hardly blame her for having to swerve Wrestlemania 32.

She did leave open a slight window of opportunity though, commenting: "If I really was going to be there, would you want to know or would you want to be surprised?"

That may well be just lip service to satiate the fans who were expecting to see her back, but only time will tell if it's going to be a surprise guest appearance.

There's no doubt Rousey's name and charisma would again serve to boost the interest from certain sections of the population and when she does get the chance to step between the ropes again, it'll be well received by combat fans across the spectrum. Would it be a pleasant surprise from Rousey to feature in the spring? Certainly. Is it crucial for Wrestlemania's success that she's there? Of course not.

Miguel Discart

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