Stephanie McMahon says WWE Women's Rumble 'proudest moment'
Friday 19 January 2018 11:49, UK
Stephanie McMahon admits announcing the first Women's Royal Rumble is her favourite moment during the history of Monday Night Raw.
WWE's flagship show celebrates its 25th anniversary, live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Tuesday morning, but the company's chief brand officer insists ending the long wait for equality at one of the biggest events tops anything she has been involved in.
Live WWE Late Night Raw
"I had the opportunity as my character to make the announcement, it's definitely the most memorable moment for me" McMahon told reporters.
"The six women in the ring after their tag match had no idea what I was going to say, so the tears and emotions were genuine.
"It ended up with the crowd chanting 'this is hope'. We got a bit of criticism for breaking character that night but it was the best way to for these women to appreciate the moment."
McMahon has been one of the driving forces behind the 'Women's Revolution' in WWE, that has seen female competitors lose the 'diva' tag, get more air-time and see them pushed up the card.
There have been a fair few 'firsts' over the last 18 months, including Sahsa Banks and Charlotte Flair headlining Hell in a Cell, and Banks and Alexa Bliss breaking cultural ground by taking part in a singles match in the UAE.
"We're just getting started," insists McMahon, "we haven't made it until women headline Wrestlemania."
That may not be a concept too far away with both McMahon and her husband Triple H publicly stating their interest in UFC star Ronda Rousey.
But it will be interesting to whether WWE makes a play for another controversial ending to a gender-equalling match during the Women's Royal Rumble, live on Sky Sports Box Office, after the first ever all-female Money in the Bank encounter ended with a man, James Ellsworth, pretty much winning it on behalf of Carmella.
"I'm not giving away our secrets," McMahon told the international media, "but anything can happen in a Rumble match. Stay tuned."
This Monday means a lot to McMahon, who made her debut on Raw as a 16-year old in a backstage segment with 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.
"We needed an extra and I was in the right place at the right time, it wasn't a strategic decision for me to go on TV," she said.
Live WWE Late Night Smackdown
"But to be part of this huge show and to work first time with Austin, it's a memorable moment for me.
"Monday Night Raw has been a huge part of my life. It's how I met my husband and we now have three beautiful girls.
"I've had the chance to develop a character as the 'ultimate antagonist as part of The Authority. I love playing the villain and it's been a pleasure to interact with the fans, even second guessing their chants aimed at me."
Sky Sports will be in New York for Raw 25, which will be live on Sky Sports Arena at 1am on Tuesday morning.
