Ronda Rousey, a former WWE Superstar, has competed in three SummerSlam matches during her wrestling career. Notably, one of these encounters resulted in her opponent suffering three significant injuries. The match in question took place two years ago at SummerSlam, where Rousey faced Shayna Baszler under MMA Rules. This encounter combined the realistic combat of mixed martial arts with the scripted nature of professional wrestling, creating a challenging environment for both athletes.
Despite the scripted framework, Baszler was physically impacted by the bout. On The Ariel Helwani Show, she detailed the injuries that left a lasting effect, even revealing genuine physical damage received during the fight.
“Me and Ronda have this MMA-style match at SummerSlam, and you could say what you want. We knew going in what was going to happen. We were pretty handcuffed for a lot of what went on around that. But I got so messed up, I legitimately like, my eye was swelled shut. I broke my thumb. I hyperextended my elbow. I got so messed up in that match,” Baszler said. [9:18 – 9:43]
Although these injuries were severe, Baszler and Rousey maintain a strong friendship. Both are part of the Four Horsewomen of MMA alongside Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, underscoring a close bond forged through shared experiences inside and outside the ring.
Ronda Rousey’s Wrestling Career Since SummerSlam and Her Recent Activity
Following her loss to Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam, Rousey left WWE and announced her retirement two months later. Yet, she returned to live wrestling in October during a Lucha VaVoom event called Area 51 held in Los Angeles. There, Rousey teamed with Marina Shafir to defeat Brian Kendrick and Taya Valkyrie in a tag team match, signaling a renewed but selective involvement in the wrestling scene.
Rousey and Shafir soon competed again at The Wrestling Revolver event in Los Angeles, facing Athena and Billie Starkz in another tag team contest. That same month, Rousey made her debut in Ring of Honor, once again pairing with Shafir for a rematch against Athena and Starkz. This time, Rousey and Shafir secured victory, marking Rousey’s last recorded competitive appearance.
Since then, Rousey has shifted focus to her personal life, announcing her pregnancy in July 2024 and later welcoming her second child in January. This period of her life marks a pause in her active wrestling career after an intense journey highlighted by physical toughness and resilience.
The Lasting Impact and What Lies Ahead for Rousey and Her Peers
The injuries sustained in the dreaded SummerSlam MMA Rules match demonstrate both the physical risks of blending real combat techniques with scripted wrestling entertainment and the dedication of athletes like Rousey and Baszler. While Baszler endured significant pain, their friendship remained intact, reflecting a mutual respect that transcends the ring. As Rousey focuses on motherhood, her sporadic returns to wrestling hint at a possible future where she balances family and select appearances, keeping fans engaged in her evolving legacy.
