Ronda Rousey, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, has firmly ruled out returning to WWE, ending speculation about her future in the company. This decision follows her last in-ring appearance at SummerSlam 2023, after which WWE released her, marking a clear close to her WWE chapter. Her announcement comes amid frustration over the absence of her longtime colleagues known as the Four Horsewomen, which she cited as a significant factor in her departure.
Her path to WWE was unique, transitioning from a celebrated mixed martial arts career into professional wrestling. Rousey’s initial WWE appearances included memorable moments, such as her role in an in-ring segment at WrestleMania 31 alongside Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, and The Rock. She rapidly became a star, achieving milestones like winning the 2022 Royal Rumble and becoming a 3-time WWE Women’s Champion. Most notably, Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch made history by headlining WrestleMania 35, the first time women led the event‘s main card.
Rousey’s Entry and Journey Through WWE
In 2018, Rousey officially signed with WWE and debuted in the ring at WrestleMania 34, partnering with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This rivalry had roots in her earlier WrestleMania appearances. Around this period, her former MMA associates—Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir—also joined WWE, collectively calling themselves the Four Horsewomen.
Despite her promising start, challenges arose when Rousey’s hopes of regularly wrestling alongside her close friends from the Four Horsewomen group did not come to fruition.
The Frustration Behind Rousey’s Exit
In an interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey candidly addressed why a WWE comeback was unlikely. She expressed deep frustration that, despite joining WWE largely to wrestle with her longtime friends, the opportunity was repeatedly promised but never delivered. This disappointment, combined with the fact that none of the other Horsewomen remain with WWE, ultimately led to her stepping away.
“Pretty much, I’d say so. I got into WWE because I wanted to be able to wrestle with my girls, you know, the Four Horsewomen and be able to wrestle with my friends. And they kind of dangled that carrot for my whole run and never let it happen. And then the second run, they kept dangling it. And then by the end, I was like, I’m f***ing leaving unless I can wrestle with Shayna [Baszler]. And that’s how I was able to do it at all. And now nobody even works there anymore,” she said. —Ronda Rousey
This statement highlights both her personal disappointment and the broader challenges WWE faces in maintaining alliances with key talent.
What’s Next After WWE?
Following her final WWE match against Baszler at SummerSlam 2023 in an MMA rules contest, Rousey’s release closed a major chapter in her wrestling career. Shortly after, in November 2023, she teamed with Marina Shafir for a tag team match in Ring of Honor (ROH), signaling her career is continuing outside WWE’s sphere.
Rousey’s departure not only marks the loss of a top star for WWE but also reflects the difficulties in fulfilling fans’ expectations for WrestleMania Rousey WWE Return. Without her presence, WWE must adjust its women’s division storytelling and possibly rethink how it manages top talent relationships moving forward.
