What's next for Ronda Rousey? AEW rumours, next match, wrestling future for former WWE and UFC star

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(WWE)

Combat sports icon Ronda Rousey has officially left WWE, with the former three-time champion opting to move on from the company following the expiration of her contract.

The 36-year-old last competed at the SummerSlam premium live event on August 5th, losing against long-time friend Shayna Baszler and has not been featured on WWE programming since.

Rousey would announce her retirement from professional wrestling via Instagram on October 11th, but made her in-ring return alongside Marina Shafir at the Wrestling Revolver event on November 16th. 

In another shock development, Rousey now appears to be working under the AEW umbrella, making her debut at the November 17th tapings in Los Angeles as part of the Ring Of Honor brand. 

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When is Ronda Rousey's next match?

Rousey will compete in televised competition on the November 23rd edition of Ring of Honor TV after making her debut at a recent taping. 

She will stand alongside close friend Marina Shafir against Billie Starkz and Athena in tag team competition. 

Did Ronda Rousey sign with AEW?

Following her abrupt exit from WWE, speculation has been mounting regarding Rousey potentially shifting to AEW - and that appears to have been confirmed, with the former MMA star debuting for the company on November 16th.

After teaming up with long-time friend Marina Shafir at a Pro Wrestling Revolver event against Athena and Billie Starkz, Rousey would appear 24 hours later at the ROH tapings, marking her debut under the AEW umbrella. 

Ronda Rousey just made her ROH debut at the taping

pic.twitter.com/O7HB1lb76J

— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) November 18, 2023

At this stage, AEW have not formally announced Rousey's signature, but a spot on the Final Battle pay-per-view card next month potentially in the works. 

Did Ronda Rousey retire?

Rousey announced her pro wrestling retirement on social media earlier this month, after spending over five years signed to WWE following her shocking debut at the 2018 Royal Rumble event. 

However, the former world champion has backflipped on the decision, working on both the independent scene and with AEW after a short absence from the ring. 

Why did Ronda Rousey leave WWE?

Rousey's contract expired in August 2023 and following a match with Baszler at SummerSlam, she opted not to re-sign with WWE and has since exited the promotion. 

Reports from Wrestling Observer at the time indicated that Rousey had given WWE a 'hard out' date and had informed officials she would be leaving after wrapping up her storyline with Baszler. 

The former WrestleMania main-eventer has yet to explain the reasoning behind her WWE departure. 

Is Ronda Rousey returning to UFC? 

At this stage, it appears unlikely that Rousey will return to the Octagon.

The former UFC Bantamweight Champion last competed in mixed martial arts in 2016 and despite rumours back in August, Dana White has since shut down any potential comeback to the sport.

“There’s no shot... she accomplished everything she set out to do," the company's president said.

“Her dream was to win a UFC championship then win a WWE championship, and she’s done it. Now she’s starting a family. Ronda has made so much money and she’s still making a lot of money in sponsorships.”

Rousey finished her UFC career with a 12-2 record, losing her final two fights against Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm.

Author(s)
Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam is a content producer for The Sporting News Australia.