Trailblazing MMA superstar Ronda Rousey made a shocking debut in the WWE over the weekend. More so, the former UFC bantamweight champion walked into the famous ring while wearing one of the promotion’s most historic jackets. Now the story behind the iconic garb has been revealed.
On Sunday night, Jan. 28, WWE’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view went down in Philadelphia. Following the completion of the night’s first women’s Royal Rumble, Ronda Rousey shocked the crowd with her debut.
The former fighter walked out to the sound of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” while wearing the iconic leather jacket of WWE legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and sporting the iconic professional wrestler’s nickname.
Piper’s classic flame font was even used to light up Rousey’s name on the Titantron. It would later be revealed by ESPN that “Judo” Gene LeBell, who trained both individuals in grappling, gave Rousey the blessing in using the nickname.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne later took to social media to report that Piper’s own son gifted Ronda Rousey the WWE legend’s leather jacket to be used in her debut.
Roddy Piper passed away July 31, 2015 after suffering a heart attack.
