Ronda Rousey on AEW Appearance, WWE & MMA Return with Gina Carano
Ronda Rousey’s surprise appearance at AEW Revolution on was more than a present of support for friend Marina Shafir. it was a deliberate statement, a calculated move fueled by frustration with her former employers and a desire to promote her upcoming return to mixed martial arts. The former UFC and WWE star detailed the motivations behind the appearance in a recently released YouTube vlog, revealing a complex mix of loyalty, rebellion, and strategic self-promotion.
Rousey’s connection with Shafir runs deep, stemming from a shared history in judo that evolved into careers in MMA and, professional wrestling. “Marina is my best friend in the whole wide world and we grew up doing judo together as little kids,” Rousey explained. “We both quit judo and started doing MMA and then we both quit MMA and started doing pro wrestling. She’s absolutely crushing it and I’m so proud of her. I’m so happy that everybody’s finally starting to take notice of how incredibly special she is.” Shafir was competing in her first pay-per-view singles match at Revolution, facing Toni Storm, and Rousey’s presence was intended to bolster her friend’s profile.
Yet, the appearance wasn’t solely about supporting Shafir. Rousey revealed that AEW officials went to considerable lengths to maintain secrecy surrounding her involvement, a level of discretion she found somewhat unusual. “I was brought into the arena in a particularly unique… I thought this was going to be much more chill like whatever kind of day, but they’re acting like it’s freaking Royal Rumble super secret whatever,” she said. “But they had me jump into a wheelchair and throw a tarp over me and wheel me in here.” This clandestine arrival underscored the surprise element of her appearance, maximizing its impact.
Beyond the personal connection and the element of surprise, Rousey admitted the appearance was, in part, a pointed message to TKO Group, the parent company of both WWE and UFC. “It’s kind of a cool little bit of a ‘f*** you’ to the TKO group,” Rousey stated, acknowledging the irony that WWE now streams on Netflix, the same platform that will host her upcoming MMA fight against Gina Carano on . She rationalized the move as a calculated risk, believing it was “easier to inquire for forgiveness instead of permission,” particularly as she was simultaneously promoting her Netflix fight.
Rousey’s relationship with WWE has been strained since her departure in , with the former champion publicly expressing dissatisfaction with her experience within the company. Her appearance at Revolution, can be viewed as a continuation of that narrative, a demonstration of her willingness to explore opportunities outside the WWE umbrella.
In comparing AEW to WWE, Rousey described the former as “a less restrictive, more adult version of WWE,” suggesting a more relaxed and creatively freeing environment. “I indicate, it’s a little bit weird, but also familiar, but also it’s like AEW, so it’s nice. It’s a little bit more laidback,” she said. She also noted that her previous experience with the promotion was limited to a pre-taped match for Ring of Honor, making Revolution her first full-fledged AEW appearance.
Although Rousey enjoyed the experience, she clarified that her Revolution appearance was a one-off, mirroring the nature of her Ring of Honor match. There are currently no plans for a longer-term commitment to AEW. Her primary focus remains on her return to MMA, where she will face Carano in a highly anticipated bout on Netflix.
The move to Netflix represents a significant shift for Rousey, allowing her greater control over her career and the opportunity to showcase her skills on a platform that aligns with her vision. Her appearance at Revolution served as a strategic promotional tool for this fight, generating buzz and reminding fans of her presence in the combat sports world.
Rousey’s willingness to step into the AEW arena, even for a single night, underscores the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and the increasing fluidity between different promotions and combat sports. It also highlights the power of athletes to leverage their platforms and make independent choices, even in the face of established industry norms. The “f*** you” to TKO, as she described it, wasn’t simply a rebellious act, but a calculated business decision designed to maximize her exposure and control her narrative as she embarks on the next chapter of her career.