At WWE SummerSlam 2023, Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey clashed in a high-stakes MMA Rules match that captivated fans, culminating in Baszler’s submission victory via the Kirifuda Clutch. However, in a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Baszler opened up about the creative restrictions that shaped the bout, describing how the unique setting and match stipulations “handcuffed” the match’s storytelling potential[1][3].

Held on August 5, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, SummerSlam 2023 marked the first WWE event at the stadium since WrestleMania 23 in 2007. The largely outdoor stadium environment posed logistical challenges uncommon to typical WWE arenas, particularly impacting the production’s ability to showcase a conventional wrestling match. Baszler explained that the lack of a central jumbotron — a staple for audience visibility and match presentation — complicated how key moments could be broadcasted and dramatically emphasized to the crowd. This setup limited both in-ring creativity and how the match was visually conveyed to viewers[5].

Moreover, the MMA Rules stipulation imposed further storytelling constraints. Unlike standard WWE matches, this bout prohibited pinfalls, rope breaks, and count-outs, with victory only achievable through knockout or submission. These conditions forced the wrestlers to deliver a more realistic fight simulation, which while authentic to their Shared MMA backgrounds, restricted the broader range of wrestling moves and theatrics typically employed in WWE storytelling. Baszler noted this framework narrowed the match’s creative scope, leading to a more restrained and straightforward competition style[5].

The Baszler-Rousey dynamic added emotional depth to the bout. Both former UFC stars and longtime friends, their narrative had evolved from allies as part of The Four Horsewomen stable to bitter rivals. Baszler’s shocking betrayal of Rousey at the previous WWE event Money in the Bank, costing her partner’s tag team championship reign, set the stage for this decisive confrontation. Baszler justified her turn by accusing Rousey of being favored by the company while she had to “earn everything,” fueling personal animosity that added gravitas to their encounter at SummerSlam[1][3].

Baszler’s victory has sparked speculation about Rousey’s WWE future, especially with reports that her SummerSlam loss marked her final WWE match before departing the company in October 2023. According to insiders, the match’s creative limitations and staging challenges symbolized WWE’s struggle to fully capitalize on Rousey’s star power in professional wrestling despite her crossover appeal[3].

Sources close to WWE note that while the Ford Field production presented challenges, the decision to host the bout under MMA Rules was also intended as a unique experiment, blending MMA realism with pro wrestling spectacle. However, these dual aims created an inherent tension that, according to Baszler, restricted the match’s ability to unfold naturally within WWE’s usual narrative frameworks[5].

This candid reflection by Baszler highlights the complexities WWE faces when innovating within live events at non-traditional venues and with hybrid match types. Fans and analysts alike praised Baszler’s technical prowess and compelling performance. Still, many acknowledge that the creative “handcuffs” she described may have limited the bout’s overall impact relative to the immense anticipation surrounding a Baszler-Rousey showdown[5].

As WWE continues to explore diverse match formats and venue options for marquee pay-per-views like SummerSlam, the learnings from this encounter could influence how future star-driven matches are conceptualized and produced. The Baszler-Rousey match remains a landmark event, both for its athletic intensity and as a case study in the challenges of marrying MMA authenticity with pro wrestling entertainment under large-scale spectacle conditions.

Key SummerSlam 2023 Facts:

• Event Date and Venue: August 5, 2023, Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• Match Type: MMA Rules match (no pinfalls, rope breaks, or count-outs; win by knockout or submission)
• Result: Shayna Baszler defeated Ronda Rousey by technical submission via the Kirifuda Clutch
• Attendance: 59,194 fans
• Broader Context: Baszler’s win followed her betrayal of Rousey at Money in the Bank, intensifying their feud
• Impact: Rousey’s last WWE match before her departure in October 2023

According to a WWE insider, the match could have been elevated with a more adaptable venue setup and relaxed stipulations, allowing both Baszler and Rousey to showcase their unique blend of MMA talent and wrestling showmanship. However, the desire to deliver a novel SummerSlam spectacle led to compromises that limited their creative latitude[5].

For full coverage of WWE SummerSlam 2023 and further insights into WWE talent interviews, continue following official WWE.com updates and reputable wrestling media outlets such as Fightful and PWMania.

Article Date: August 14, 2025