Former WWE star Ronda Rousey has publicly confirmed that one of her most infamous promos—where she declared that “wrestling is scripted”—was not a spontaneous outburst, but a carefully planned and scripted segment. This revelation sheds new light on a moment that blurred the lines between reality and storyline, sparking wide discussion among wrestling fans and insiders alike.

The Promo That Shook WWE Fans

Ronda gained considerable attention when she delivered a blistering promo targeted at her rivals and the WWE Universe, openly dismissing the scripted nature of professional wrestling. She infamously stated, “Wrestling is scripted. It’s made up. It’s not real,” along with the controversial line, “None of those bitches can f*cking touch me.” The promo aired during a pivotal storyline involving Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair and immediately generated buzz due to its seemingly candid tone and raw energy, leading many viewers to wonder if Ronda had gone off-script[2][3][5].

Backstage Confirmation of a Scripted Segment

Contrary to initial perceptions, sources close to WWE have revealed that the entire promo was indeed scripted and approved by WWE’s creative team. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Bryan Alvarez reported that Ronda was actually responsible for writing every word of the promo herself, from some of the more shocking insults to the carefully crafted digs at other superstars and WWE’s own history[1]. According to a WWE insider, “Ronda insisted on having creative control over this segment. She wanted it to be brutal and real, but within the framework of a storyline.” This approach was rare because WWE usually scripts promos in-house, but Rousey’s input lent the segment undeniable authenticity[1].

Ronda’s Unique Approach and WWE’s Creative Evolution

Ronda’s promo highlighted a broader conversation about WWE’s historic struggles with overly scripted promos and rigid character work. Many fans and critics alike have long called for WWE to allow wrestlers more freedom to speak in their own words, arguing that some of the most memorable promos in wrestling history—such as those by Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Paul Heyman—came from improvisation and personal creativity rather than strict scripts[1]. Ronda, despite being relatively new to the wrestling world, demonstrated her talent for promo work by channeling this approach into her segments, earning respect even from longtime wrestling insiders.

Fightful and other wrestling news outlets noted that while wrestling is a predetermined sport-entertainment show, allowing performers to deliver nuanced, unscripted promos can create deeper engagement and more compelling stories. According to sources, Ronda’s candid style was embraced by WWE creative as a fresh way to connect with fans, adding edginess and realism to her character while still fitting within the scripted storyline framework[7].

Fan and Industry Reaction

The promo’s impact was not limited to shock value. It sparked widespread debate about “breaking kayfabe,” the wrestling term for maintaining the illusion of reality. While some criticized Ronda for “breaking” the scripted fantasy, others praised her for bringing a new level of honesty and intensity to her role. On podcasts and in interviews, wrestling analysts emphasized how moments like this—when carefully scripted yet delivered with conviction—can enhance storytelling, rather than detract from it[4][6].

Moreover, Ronda’s promo indirectly highlighted the challenges wrestlers face balancing their real personalities with scripted characters. It served as a reminder that WWE’s product is carefully crafted theater, even when it appears momentarily unscripted.

Looking Ahead: Ronda’s Legacy in WWE Storytelling

Though Ronda Rousey has since moved away from full-time wrestling, this promo remains a defining moment of her WWE tenure, emblematic of her fearless, confrontational style. Sources close to Cody Rhodes and other WWE talents suggest that Ronda’s promo helped push WWE toward granting top talent more freedom in their promos, recognizing that authentic voice can be a valuable asset in storytelling.

According to Fightful, WWE has quietly begun encouraging select superstars to contribute more substantially to their promo scripts, blending scripted guidelines with improvised lines that feel personal and dynamic[7]. Ronda’s trailblazing moment is often cited as a turning point encouraging this creative shift.

In summary, while Ronda Rousey’s notorious “wrestling is scripted” promo felt like a break from tradition, it was a carefully constructed segment showcasing her input and WWE’s evolving creative strategy. It remains a standout example of how blending scripted storytelling with genuine personality can produce some of WWE’s most memorable moments.

Sources include Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Inc, and multiple interviews and podcasts from the 2019 WWE storyline era.