WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has strongly criticized former UFC and WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey for remarks she recently made regarding her WWE tenure, stating that she “spit in the face of professional wrestling.” The controversy ignited following Rousey’s candid interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast, where she expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with how her WWE run was handled.
Booker T’s Response to Rousey’s Comments
Booker T, a respected veteran in the wrestling world, did not hold back in his response to Rousey’s blunt assessment of WWE and professional wrestling. He conveyed that her public disparagement showed a lack of respect for the industry. According to Booker, Rousey’s remarks undermined the dedication and craft required to succeed in pro wrestling, a business that blends athleticism with storytelling.
“A lot of what she said just spit in the face of professional wrestling,” Booker stated in an interview with Wrestling News. “You can’t come in here and not understand that wrestling is more than just fighting — it’s entertainment, it’s hard work, and respect. What she said disregards everything this business stands for.”
This isn’t the first time someone with a wrestling background has pushed back on Rousey’s comments. WWE Hall of Famer JBL also called her remarks “naive” and “disrespectful,” emphasizing that merchandising and entertainment value are crucial parts of professional wrestling’s business model[2].
What Did Ronda Rousey Say?
Ronda Rousey’s critical tone stems from her views about the WWE’s handling of her storylines and opponents. On The Lapsed Fan podcast, she remarked that certain matchups, including her feud with Alexa Bliss, were “ridiculous” and dictated by business metrics like merchandise sales rather than pure athletic competition or storyline logic.
Rousey revealed she felt disconnected from WWE’s backstage environment, describing it as “an anxiety-filled and chaotic s— show” that made her experience less enjoyable[1][4]. She confessed that a major reason she left WWE was because she never got to fulfill her dream of working extensively with the company’s renowned Four Horsewomen — Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Mercedes Moné — despite expressing interest.
Moreover, she stated she has little reason to return to WWE, feeling she already “accomplished everything” she wanted there and that many of her close friends had moved on from the company[1].
WWE’s Perspective and Industry Reaction
Sources close to WWE and insiders have expressed disappointment at Rousey’s recent statements, suggesting her remarks lack appreciation for the complex balance WWE maintains between performance, charisma, and athleticism. One insider commented, “WWE is a business that thrives on storytelling and character-building. Ronda’s comments overlook the effort behind creating great wrestling TV and pay-per-views.”
Another backstage source revealed, “She’s coming from an MMA mindset, where everything is about merit and fighting ability. Wrestling requires understanding entertainment value, audience engagement, and long-term storytelling.”
JBL reinforced that stance, stating, “In wrestling, it’s inevitably about who sells the show — not just who’s the best fighter. Ronda’s comments show she doesn’t fully grasp the business side, which is key to wrestling’s success.”
Rousey’s Future in Wrestling: A Closed Chapter?
Ronda Rousey’s recent interviews also reaffirmed her apparent reluctance to return to WWE or professional wrestling anytime soon. She confirmed that she was not contacted for WWE’s all-women’s event Evolution II in 2025 despite her headlining the inaugural show in 2018[3][5]. This lack of outreach seemed to exemplify the mutual distance between Rousey and WWE.
In her own words, Rousey has effectively retired from pro wrestling, focusing instead on other endeavors. “I really have no reason to go back,” she told Yahoo! Sports. “I wanted to do a run with the Four Horsewomen, but that never materialized. At this point, I’ve done everything I set out to do in WWE.”
Though she has made sporadic appearances on the independent wrestling scene, including ROH matches alongside MMA Four Horsewomen Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, Rousey’s wrestling chapter appears largely closed for now[1].
The Divide Between MMA and Pro Wrestling Cultures
The backlash to Rousey highlights the enduring tension between MMA fighters crossing into pro wrestling and wrestling purists. MMA rewards direct combat skill in sanctioned fights, while pro wrestling demands performance in scripted matches where storytelling and crowd reaction are paramount.
As a former UFC champion, Rousey’s approach is rooted in fighting legitimacy. However, as industry veterans like Booker T and JBL point out, wrestling requires a different mindset—one that embraces showmanship as much as physical skill.
Final Thoughts
Booker T’s vocal criticism of Ronda Rousey’s recent comments underscores a larger debate in the wrestling world about respect, entertainment, and the business fundamentals of WWE. While Rousey’s accomplishments in both UFC and WWE are unquestionable, her forthright critiques have exposed cultural clashes and differing expectations about what professional wrestling entails.
According to a WWE insider who wished to remain anonymous, “This is a business built on passion, resilience, and entertainment. When someone with Ronda’s stature questions its value publicly, it stings the locker room and the fans who live and breathe wrestling every day.”
As for Ronda Rousey, her future in WWE remains uncertain, but her impact on both MMA and wrestling will be remembered—albeit with a complex legacy marked by both triumph and controversy.
