The first-ever Women's Royal Rumble Match took place in 2018, almost 20 years after trailblazer Chyna entered the men's match for the first time in 1999. The women's bout was the main event of the pay-per-view, as it was so historic, but fans were left with a different image to end the night, rather than Asuka's triumphant victory over 29 other stars and returning legends. The hotly-anticipated debut of Ronda Rousey overshadowed Asuka's victory, after the "Rowdy" one's music hit as Asuka stood in the ring, staring down champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair.

Rousey came down the ramp all smiles, wearing "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's signature black leather jacket, and got in the ring to point at the WrestleMania sign multiple times, though she wasn't the one to win the match. The champions and Asuka looked on as Rousey continued to play up to the fans, with commentary in shock over her appearance. While fans were initially pleased with Rousey's long-rumored debut, it has since been looked upon as controversial, with Asuka barely getting any credit for winning the historic match. Things went from bad to worse for Asuka at WrestleMania that year, when SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair snapped the winning streak of "The Empress of Tomorrow," and retained her title in front of the New Orleans crowd.