Ronda Rousey’s AEW Debut and MMA Return with Gina Carano

Last weekend, Ronda Rousey surprised the professional wrestling world with her debut at the 2026 AEW Revolution pay-per-view, engaging in a staredown with Toni Storm before being separated by security. The appearance has sparked discussion among fans and AEW talent regarding her potential future with the company.

Jeff Jarrett on Rousey’s Impact

Jeff Jarrett, speaking on the “My World” podcast, expressed his excitement about Rousey’s debut and its potential impact. He noted Storm’s ability to succeed across different eras of professional wrestling and highlighted the attention Rousey brought to the event. “I’m here for it. Who knows where this is going,” Jarrett said. “Toni is successful in this era and you can’t say this about all talent. She could have been successful in the 60s, 70s, when the territories got super red hot in the early 80s, the Attitude Era. Can you imagine what she had done then? She is really, really good. And I thought all that was super hype. The first three matches had [surprises]. I feel Ronda shocked some folks … [AEW’s future with] Ronda, TBD. I mean you would have to say her number one motivation to be there, how many eyeballs were on her to get views for her fight last night? A lot. She made news last night, I think, in a positive way for her fight.”

Return to MMA: Rousey vs. Carano

Rousey is also preparing for her return to mixed martial arts, where she will face Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, in an event backed by Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. This fight will mark Rousey’s first since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. MSN reports that Carano is also returning after a lengthy retirement, having last competed in MMA seventeen years prior.

AEW Contract Status

Reports indicate that Rousey is currently not signed to AEW, remaining a free agent in the professional wrestling world. Whether she will make further appearances in AEW remains uncertain, though she has previously indicated an openness to continuing her wrestling career.

The Four Horsewomen and Potential Alliances

Prior to Rousey’s appearance at Revolution, her long-time friend and fellow MMA expert Marina Shafir faced Toni Storm in a match where no one was permitted at ringside. Shafir lost to Storm but then attacked her after the match even as security intervened between her and Rousey. This has led to speculation about the possibility of Shayna Baszler, another member of the “Four Horsewomen” of MMA (along with Jessamyn Duke), joining them in AEW, specifically aligning with The Death Riders.

Jarrett on Baszler’s Potential Role

Jarrett addressed the possibility of Baszler joining AEW, stating, “Boy, that’s a good question. Hey, never say never. The reason I even had to pause there for a second was because when Marina got with [Jon] Moxley and crew, it just, to me, fit like a glove. And as a producer, creator, whatever it may be, I guess what I’m saying is I’m not sure that would be a benefit. Not saying you would have to put them together, but I don’t know where Baszler [would fit]. I don’t know if you’re assuming, loop them back together I don’t know if that’d be in their best interest. That’s kind of where my mind immediately went. Standalone, that’s a whole different question.”

Shafir has been aligned with The Death Riders, led by former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Baszler is currently a free agent in wrestling following her release from WWE in May 2025, but continues to function as a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center.