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Jim Ross: Ronda Rousey's WWE WrestleMania 34 Match Was 'Best Debut I Ever Saw'

Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistApril 23, 2018

IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR WWE - WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon, left, Ronda Rousey, center, and WWE EVP of Talent, Live Events and Creative Paul
Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Associated Press

Former UFC star Ronda Rousey made quite the splash when she debuted at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross was impressed.

Rousey faced off against Stephanie McMahon and Triple H in the ring and forced a submission from the former with an armbar.

Ross told TMZ Sports: "I thought Ronda Rousey's debut was the most impressive thing I've seen in pro wrestling in my 40-year career ... best debut I ever saw."

Ross added that hiring Rousey was a "smart move by the WWE" and the "second-best hire they've ever made," after himself. "She's a huge star, great things will come for her without a doubt," he concluded.

WWE shared a look at Rowdy in action on its official YouTube channel:

The former UFC women's bantamweight champion's arrival in the ring was long-awaited.

Rousey's last MMA fighta first-round knockout by Amanda Nuneswas on December 30, 2016, and her transition to WWE had been teased until she signed a contract with the organisation earlier this year.

Wrestling writers Brandon Stroud and John Canton saw plenty of positives in her performance:

Brandon Stroud @MrBrandonStroud

Give it up for @RondaRousey tonight. That's one of the best first matches anybody could hope to have.

John Canton @johnreport

I just watched @RondaRousey @RealKurtAngle v @TripleH @StephMcMahon for 2nd time. Loved it live and even more this time. Rousey was so impressive. Everybody was. Crowd was hot for it. Fun match that I'd recommend to non-wrestling fans too. #Wrestlemania

Rousey has continued to shine on WWE Raw after making her WrestleMania debut:

WWE @WWE

When you MESS with one of @RondaRousey's friends, you MESS with @RondaRousey! @SonyaDevilleWWE just learned that the hard way... #RAW @WWE_MandyRose @NatByNature https://t.co/Xb2E8kaNZW

The 31-year-old has taken to the squared circle like a duck to water, which will no doubt delight WWE after the hype generated by her crossover to the sport.

After such an impressive start to her wrestling career, the prospect of seeing Rousey in action again is sure to thrill many fans, particularly if she were to meet McMahon again in a rematch.