Vince McMahon wasn't initially sold on idea of Rousey joining WWE
Harvard Business School's upcoming case study on WWE includes some interesting details about the company's signing of former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.
In the case study, which was provided to William Windsor of Wrestling Inc., it's revealed that Paul "Triple H" Levesque had been eyeing Rousey since her time with mixed martial arts organization Strikeforce. It wasn't until several years later that the idea of her joining WWE became a real possibility, though.
"When that second (UFC) loss happened, everything shifted," Levesque said. "That's when the question of what was she going to do next moved to the forefront."
However, WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon wasn't initially sold on the idea of bringing Rousey aboard, as he questioned her ability to make the transition from MMA to wrestling.
"I don't know if I would have gone after her with the same zeal as my daughter (Stephanie McMahon) and son-in-law (Triple H) are pursuing her," he said.
Rousey is currently on hiatus from WWE while she focuses on starting a family with husband Travis Browne.
HEADLINES
- The Undertaker Explains Why Triple H Was Right About Outside Stars Struggling In WWE - Wrestling Inc.
- Becky Lynch wins Women's World Championship
- Becky Lynch Says 'Vacation' Is Over Ahead Of WWE Raw Battle Royal For World Title - Wrestling Inc.
- Tony Khan Assesses AEW's Relationship With CMLL - Wrestling Inc.
- Dave Meltzer Reacts To Recent WWE Releases - Wrestling Inc.