Credit: WWE.com
Former WWE Women’s Champion and MMA legend Ronda Rousey has confirmed she is “pretty much” retired from professional wrestling, expressing deep frustration with WWE’s handling of her potential storylines, particularly the highly anticipated Four Horsewomen saga that never fully materialized. This candid revelation came during an interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast, where Rousey opened up about her reasons for stepping away and criticized WWE’s creative decisions.
Ronda Rousey’s Departure: The End of an Era
Ronda Rousey first entered WWE with tremendous fanfare in 2018, instantly becoming one of the most prominent female figures in wrestling by headlining WrestleMania 35 alongside fellow Four Horsewomen members Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. However, despite the promising setup, WWE never capitalized on the full potential of this group, which also includes Shayna Baszler and initially, NXT standout Marina Shafir.
Rousey told podcast hosts that her initial motivation to join WWE was clear: “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.” She described the frustration of watching that promise remain “just a carrot dangled” but never fully delivered throughout her tenure.
The Four Horsewomen Storyline That Never Was
The Four Horsewomen concept had massive anticipation from fans and insiders alike, combining some of the toughest and most skilled female wrestlers across MMA and WWE backgrounds. While Rousey did share the ring with Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in major spots, WWE’s storytelling never extended to a meaningful collaborative or adversarial arc that united all four.
Sources close to WWE creative revealed that backstage there were multiple attempts to build toward this storyline, but they kept falling apart due to creative differences and booking priorities focusing elsewhere. According to a WWE insider, “There was genuine interest in making the Four Horsewomen a defining faction for women’s wrestling, but internal politics and timing issues sabotaged those plans.” Consequently, the storyline was largely abandoned, which heavily contributed to Rousey’s disillusionment with the company.
The Final Push: Rousey and Shayna Baszler
Toward the end of her WWE run, Rousey made it clear she would not extend her career without the opportunity to work with Shayna Baszler, the last member of the Four Horsewomen she had not teamed with or fought extensively within WWE. This ultimatum led to the formation of their tag team in 2023, where they captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and unified it with the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles.
Their alliance was strategically booked to implode, culminating in Baszler turning on Rousey at Money in the Bank 2023. This feud set up Rousey’s final WWE bout a loss to Baszler at SummerSlam 2023, officially closing her chapter in WWE.
Rousey’s Criticism of WWE’s Backstage Culture
Beyond storyline grievances, Rousey has openly criticized WWE’s backstage environment. She referred to Bruce Prichard, a senior WWE executive, as “Vince’s avatar,” indicating dissatisfaction with the company’s leadership and cultural climate. These candid comments have painted a picture of a locker room and creative team that failed to utilize her talents or foster the kind of narrative she envisioned for her career.
An industry source remarked, “Ronda is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but she was met with a frustrating creative ceiling in WWE. This isn’t just about storylines it’s about the company’s inability to fully support her vision or provide a healthy workplace.” This sentiment is echoed among other wrestlers who have faced similar challenges within WWE’s creative system.
Is There Any Chance of a Wrestling Return?
Despite confirming her retirement, Rousey has not completely closed the door on wrestling. Some insiders speculate that she might consider a return for a special appearance or a “one last match,” although nothing is confirmed. Recent chatter within the wrestling community hints at a potential comeback to face stars like Bianca Belair, who recently praised Rousey for bringing new fans to WWE.
However, multiple reports emphasize that Rousey’s return hinges on better creative prospects and possibly changes in WWE’s backstage culture or a move to a different promotion such as AEW. Notably, WWE released Shayna Baszler in mid-2025, and there is speculation about whether WWE would re-sign Baszler if Rousey showed renewed interest.
The Legacy of The Rowdy One in Wrestling
Ronda Rousey’s impact on women’s wrestling is undeniable. Her crossover star power helped elevate the WWE women’s division and draw in mainstream attention. Even with her frustrations, she remains a trailblazer who pushed boundaries as a former UFC champion and Hall of Famer turned WWE main eventer.
As Bianca Belair noted in a recent interview, “Ronda opened doors and brought eyes to what women’s wrestling could be. Her influence is still felt in every match.” Whether Rousey will lace up her boots for WWE again remains uncertain, but her legacy as a pioneer continues to inspire the industry.