Speaking to CBS Sports’ In This Corner podcast, former Raw Women’s champion Sasha Banks discussed Ronda Rousey’s arrival in WWE and how at first she did not like it as she thought it wasn’t fair for the other women in WWE.
Rousey has only wrestled on television twice, and a bit more than that at non-televised live events, but Banks has already changed her opinion on the former UFC Bantamweight champion.
“She has proven that she belongs and I’m really excited for her to be here with us. Man, I’m a big fan of her,” Banks said.
Sources backstage say that Rousey is well liked by many as she is respectful and Banks confirmed that that is the case, with the 31-year-old former mixed martial artist taking her role in WWE very seriously while still respecting her peers.
“She has been killing it,” Banks said. “She has proven all the doubters wrong, and it’s so crazy to see her matches. I’m in shock. I’m in awe. I loved her match at WrestleMania. I loved her match at Money in the Bank, and I definitely think she’s one to watch. I can’t believe Money in the Bank was only her second match. I am so impressed, and I hope that I get to wrestle her in the future. I’m so excited for her career in WWE, and man, she really has been killing it.”
Banks had high praise for Rousey’s ability to “sell” the moves, making her opponent look better in the process. It’s something that many had doubts before since she was billed as the baddest woman on the planet but the booking so far has been excellent.
“To me, when I watch that match at Money in the Bank, I believed every single thing that she took,” Banks said. “I believed that she was in pain – and probably she really was. She was entertaining. For me, I feel like she gets it, and I think it’s because she was a fan growing up. She knows what our audience wants to see, and she makes me feel everything that she’s going through. I think that’s one of the hardest things about being a WWE superstar, which is making people feel whether she’s hurt or not.”
