At WWE SummerSlam 2023, Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey faced off in a much-anticipated MMA Rules match that captivated fans with its intense physicality and emotional backdrop. However, in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Baszler opened up about the behind-the-scenes challenges that “handcuffed” the creative potential of the bout, revealing how logistical and production limitations influenced the storytelling and execution of this landmark contest.

Baszler explained that one of the primary hurdles was the venue itself: Ford Field in Detroit, the massive stadium setting for SummerSlam 2023. Unlike traditional wrestling arenas equipped with a central jumbotron and more intimate crowd proximity, Ford Field’s layout posed unique obstacles. The absence of a central jumbotron meant WWE had to adapt how the match was broadcast visually, limiting certain camera angles and the typical close-up storytelling that WWE fans expect in high-profile bouts. This impacted how the intensity and nuances of the MMA Rules match could be fully conveyed to the live audience and viewers at home[1][4].

Moreover, Baszler pointed out that the match’s strict MMA Rules format mandated that the contest could only end by knockout or submission — no pinfalls, rope breaks, or count-outs were allowed[3]. While this elevated the realism and brutality of the encounter, it also constrained the creative freedom the performers usually have in WWE’s scripted environment. “You’re limited to what the rules allow,” Baszler said, noting that certain dramatic WWE-style moments were impossible in this setup. This meant both she and Rousey had to carefully choreograph inside stricter parameters, which in some ways stifled the broader theatrical storytelling WWE often relies on[1][3].

The narrative construct of the match further intensified these challenges. Baszler and Rousey were not just opponents but former tag team partners and friends, once part of the celebrated “Four Horsewomen” faction. Their personal history added emotional weight but also created expectations for a deeply layered storyline. They had previously shared the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships before Baszler’s shocking betrayal of Rousey, turning on her during a Money in the Bank defense just weeks prior to SummerSlam. Baszler’s win at SummerSlam via submission with her signature Kirifuda Clutch served as a powerful statement that she was “knocking Rousey down a peg,” fueling speculation about Rousey’s WWE future afterward[2][4].

From a backstage perspective, sources close to WWE confirmed that the creative team initially envisioned a more cinematic or hybrid presentation to amplify the MMA aspect of the contest. However, the live stadium environment and broadcast logistics mandated a more straightforward, traditional in-ring contest approach. This clashed somewhat with Baszler’s and Rousey’s background as legitimate MMA fighters, who thrive in different combat sports settings, and WWE’s usual high-production value storytelling. According to a WWE insider, the company was “trying to strike a balance between realism and WWE spectacle,” but the scale of Ford Field forced compromises that restrained those ambitions[1][4].

Audience reaction at SummerSlam was mixed but largely appreciative of the effort to present something fresh and hard-hitting. Baszler’s victory was praised for its legitimacy and closure for the heated rivalry, but some fans expressed disappointment that the match could not utilize the full creative range WWE is famous for. Analysts on Ring Rust Radio and Fightful echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the match was one of the few in WWE’s modern history to heavily lean on MMA authenticity, making the limitations even more noticeable[2].

Despite the creative handcuffs, the match provided significant storyline payoff and delivered for WWE’s storytelling goals. It positioned Baszler as a dominant figure in the women’s division and served as a strong send-off for Rousey, who departed WWE in October 2023 shortly after SummerSlam. The fight underscored Baszler’s mantra that she earned her position through hard work, contrasting with her belief that Rousey had been “handed” opportunities in WWE without similar trials[2][4].

In summary, Shayna Baszler’s candid reflections on the SummerSlam 2023 MMA Rules match highlight the complexities WWE faces when blending combat sports realism with its entertainment model. The Ford Field venue’s unique logistics, combined with the restrictive MMA Rules format, limited the dynamic storytelling WWE typically delivers. Still, the match remains a landmark moment for WWE’s women’s division and a memorable chapter in the saga of two former friends turned fierce rivals.

Key Takeaways:

• Shayna Baszler revealed that the Ford Field stadium setting at SummerSlam 2023 limited creative options, particularly due to the absence of a central jumbotron and challenges in broadcast presentation[1][4].

• The MMA Rules match format, allowing only submission or knockout ends and forbidding pinfalls or rope breaks, imposed strict limitations on standard WWE storytelling methods[3].

• Baszler’s victory over Ronda Rousey carried heavy narrative weight, fueled by their real-life history as part of the “Four Horsewomen” and a prior tag team partnership, ending with Baszler’s shock betrayal before SummerSlam[2].

• Backstage WWE sources indicated the company aimed for a balance between realism and spectacle but was constrained by logistical realities of the large stadium environment[1].

• Fan and analyst reactions noted the match’s authenticity but also the frustrations stemming from its limited creative presentation compared to typical WWE pay-per-views[2].

• Rousey’s loss at SummerSlam preceded her WWE departure in October 2023, while Baszler solidified herself as a top-tier competitor in the WWE women’s division[4].

This analysis draws from Baszler’s own comments on The Ariel Helwani Show, official WWE coverage, Fightful reports, and fan analysis to provide a comprehensive look at the challenges and impacts of this rare MMA Rules match in WWE history.