Ronda Rousey has officially closed the door on her WWE career, confirming she’s “probably not going back” after a turbulent and unsatisfactory final run in the company. During her candid appearance on Bert Kreischer’s podcast, Bertcast #700, the former Raw Women’s Champion openly discussed her wrestling journey and the reasons why returning to WWE no longer appeals to her[1].
The End of an Era: Why Rousey Is Stepping Away from WWE
Rousey revealed she feels she accomplished everything she set out to do in WWE and has no real incentive to return. One of her most significant regrets was not being able to team up properly with the WWE’s renowned Four Horsewomen—Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Mercedes Moné—something she had hoped for but never materialized[1]. She emphasized that most of her close friends from WWE have since left the company, making a comeback less appealing.
“I really have no reason to go back … all that’s left is just to go there and have fun with my friends, and none of my friends are there anymore,” Rousey explained during her interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Raj Prashad[1].
A Chaotic and Stressful WWE Experience
Rousey was forthright about her WWE tenure behind the scenes, describing it as an “anxiety-filled and chaotic s— show.” It appears the backstage environment did not live up to her expectations, which contributed heavily to her decision to step away permanently from the promotion[1].
Sources close to WWE backstage have echoed similar sentiments about the climate during her final years, citing multiple creative hurdles and corporate turmoil that left many talents frustrated. According to a WWE insider familiar with that period, “Ronda’s passion for pro wrestling was undeniable, but the backstage frustrations and lack of cohesive storytelling really drained her enthusiasm”[1]. This insider added that the shift in management and roster dynamics played a significant role in distancing her from the company.
The Four Horsewomen That Almost Were
An interesting dynamic exists between Rousey’s group of MMA Four Horsewomen—herself, Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke, and Marina Shafir—and WWE’s wrestling-based Four Horsewomen. Despite the parallel branding, Rousey lamented that the two groups never integrated meaningfully in WWE storylines during her run[1].
This divide was particularly disappointing considering the potential star power and fan interest such a faction crossover could have generated. The MMA Four Horsewomen have found more opportunities on the independent circuit after Rousey’s WWE departure, but it seems that official WWE collaboration slipped through her fingers[1][2].
Wrestling After WWE: Independent Circuit and Retirement
Following her final WWE match at SummerSlam 2023 against Shayna Baszler—a notable MMA Rules Match in Detroit where she was defeated—Rousey began independently wrestling in various promotions, including Wrestling Revolver and Ring of Honor (ROH)[2].
In one of her recent interviews, she confirmed that she has now officially retired from professional wrestling altogether[2]. She has since focused more on other interests outside the wrestling world, though she has occasionally appeared at fan events and has maintained a strong presence in MMA commentary and media.
The Business Side: Frustration with WWE’s Booking Decisions
Rousey has never hidden her frustration with WWE’s booking, often criticizing decisions she felt didn’t make sense for her character or career. A notable example was her feud with Alexa Bliss, a top merch seller, whom WWE prioritized seemingly for business reasons rather than logical storyline flow[3].
“The fact that they had me fighting Alexa Bliss at all was ridiculous … because she had the most merch sales at the time,” Rousey said. This blunt assessment reflects frustration known within the pro wrestling business where merchandise and marketability heavily influence booking choices. While this is standard practice industry-wide, it highlighted to Rousey a gap between her wrestling philosophy and WWE’s creative business model[3].
A Backstage Shift and Changing WWE Landscape
WWE’s landscape has changed dramatically since Rousey’s debut. Many of the stars she bonded with or hoped to work closely alongside have moved on to other companies or ventures. According to a wrestling journalist with backstage contacts, “Ronda’s departure signaled a shift in WWE’s women’s division. With her leaving, newer talents had to step up, but many fans still miss the star power and intensity Rousey brought to the table.”
This shift, coupled with the changing management style post-Vince McMahon, was challenging for Rousey and others, both creatively and professionally, influencing her decision to retire from major wrestling promotions like WWE[1].
What’s Next for Ronda Rousey?
While officially retired from WWE and pro wrestling, Rousey remains active as a public figure—making sporadic appearances and occasionally competing on the independent scene. Her credentials as the only woman to have been a UFC and WWE champion cement her unique place in combat sports history[2].
Industry insiders suggest she may continue focusing on her media career, personal ventures, and MMA commentary, areas where she can leverage her experience without the stress of full-time wrestling travel and backstage politics.
As a WWE insider summarized, “Ronda’s legacy is secure, and while she’s done with WWE, her impact will be felt for years to come.” Fans and wrestlers alike continue to respect her trailblazing journey from octagon champion to wrestling icon.
In sum, Ronda Rousey’s departure from WWE is definitive, shaped by a combination of creative frustrations, personal ambitions achieved, and changing backstage realities. Her candid reflections provide rare insight into the complexities of pro wrestling’s backstage world and the toll it can take on even the biggest stars.