Ronda Rousey Makes Surprise Appearance at AEW Revolution, Sets Sights on MMA Return

Ronda Rousey sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling world this weekend with a surprise appearance at All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) Revolution pay-per-view event in Los Angeles, California. The former UFC champion’s appearance came just months before a scheduled return to mixed martial arts against Gina Carano on a Netflix broadcast scheduled for May 16th.

Confrontation with Toni Storm

Following Toni Storm’s victory over Marina Shafir, Rousey entered the ring and directly challenged Storm, prompting a face-to-face confrontation. Security intervened to separate the two wrestlers as tensions escalated. The segment concluded with Shafir blindsiding Storm with an attack as reported by Post Wrestling.

Potential Alliance with Marina Shafir and The Death Riders

Rousey’s actions suggest a potential alignment with Shafir and the AEW stable, The Death Riders. This marks Rousey’s first appearance in a professional wrestling ring since a Ring of Honor taping in November 2023, where she teamed with Shafir according to Fox News.

Return to MMA and Criticism of the UFC

Simultaneously with her wrestling appearance, Rousey is preparing for her return to MMA, facing Gina Carano in a highly anticipated bout on Netflix. During a recent press conference promoting the fight, Rousey leveled sharp criticism at her former promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She described the UFC as “one of the worst places” for fighters to earn a living and receive fair compensation as detailed by Yahoo Sports.

Rousey accused the UFC of prioritizing short-term profits over the well-being of its athletes, stating, “They’re bleeding talent as of their short-term greed. They’re thinking about the next quarter. They’re thinking about the shareholders and not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport.”

Legacy and Future Prospects

Rousey’s career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in both MMA and professional wrestling. An Olympic medalist in judo, she played a pivotal role in paving the way for women’s participation in the UFC. Her recent ventures demonstrate a continued commitment to combat sports and a willingness to challenge established norms. Whether her appearance at AEW Revolution signals a long-term return to professional wrestling remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reignited excitement among fans.