In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through the professional wrestling world, former WWE Women’s Champion and UFC legend Ronda Rousey has confirmed she is “pretty much” done with her wrestling career. Speaking candidly on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey expressed deep frustration with WWE’s creative direction during her tenure, especially the company’s failure to deliver the highly anticipated Four Horsewomen storyline involving her and her MMA peers Shayna Baszler, Marina Shafir, and Jessamyn Duke[1][2][3].

Rousey explained that her primary motivation for stepping into WWE was to team and feud with her real-life friends — the MMA Four Horsewomen — a prospect that was repeatedly promised but never fully realized. “They dangled that carrot for my whole run and never let it happen,” Rousey lamented. This disappointment culminated in her ultimatum towards the end of her WWE run: unless she got to wrestle Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam 2023, she was prepared to walk away. That match did happen but ultimately marked the end of her WWE in-ring appearances[1][2].

Reflecting on her wrestling journey, Rousey described the experience as a “sabbatical,” stating she plans to apply what she learned in wrestling to other passions beyond the ring. “I will take everything that I learned from pro wrestling and apply it to all the other spaces that are bringing me joy,” she told the podcast[4]. WWE insiders suggest this latest statement strongly indicates that Rousey’s future will no longer include professional wrestling[5].

Matt Riddle Publicly Blasts CM Punk as a “Creep” Hanging Around NXT Locker Room

In related backstage drama, former WWE star Matt Riddle has openly criticized CM Punk, calling him a “creep” due to his alleged habit of lingering excessively in the NXT locker room. According to sources close to the situation, Riddle’s discontent stems from Punk’s frequent presence in areas where younger, developing talent congregate — behavior some veteran performers and staff find unsettling. While not officially confirmed by WWE, industry whispers reveal that several NXT wrestlers feel uncomfortable with Punk’s unsolicited interactions backstage.

Fights and fractured relationships between talent are not new in WWE, but Riddle’s public remarks add an unusually sharp edge to ongoing locker room tensions. No official WWE statement has been issued regarding the claims, but insiders suggest it could further impact Punk’s standing within the company if the issue escalates.

AAA Talent Cuts Spark Speculation of Turmoil Within Mexican Wrestling Promotion

Meanwhile, across the border in Mexico, AAA (Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide) has reportedly fired multiple wrestlers amid undisclosed disciplinary or budgetary reasons. Sources familiar with AAA’s internal workings have confirmed a wave of talent releases, though official statements remain sparse. Wrestling industry observers note that AAA has undergone various roster and management changes over the past year, fueling speculation that the recent firings could be linked to cost-cutting measures or attempts to shake up the promotion’s creative direction.

The released AAA talent includes several mid-card performers and a few veterans, prompting fans to wonder about the stability of AAA’s current business model and its long-term plans for talent development.

Backstage Insights and Industry Reactions

According to a WWE insider who spoke off the record, Rousey’s departure was a long time coming. “She gave WWE every opportunity to make the Four Horsewomen story shine, which could have been a game changer, but creative hesitation basically stalled that plan. When the company didn’t commit fully, Ronda lost interest — plain and simple,” the source explained.

On Matt Riddle’s side, a source close to the former BroserWeights star said, “Riddle’s comments about Punk aren’t just about personality — it’s about respect and boundaries, especially around younger talent trying to find their footing. Punk’s reputation backstage is complicated, and this just adds another chapter.”

AAA insiders, meanwhile, caution fans not to jump to conclusions too quickly. “Roster shakeups happen in wrestling promotions all the time. While some firings appear harsh, AAA is trying to position itself for a fresh start amid fierce competition from other Mexican and international wrestling companies,” said a knowledgeable observer.

What This Means for Wrestling Fans

For WWE fans, Ronda Rousey’s admission that she is “pretty much” retired confirms that the company has lost one of the sport’s most compelling crossover stars — a result largely attributed to creative mismanagement. Her clear dissatisfaction underscores ongoing challenges WWE faces in maximizing the potential of real-life narratives and multiple wrestling styles.

Matt Riddle’s public dig at CM Punk could further complicate locker room dynamics within WWE’s developmental territory, potentially affecting the morale and cohesion of NXT talent teams just as the brand attempts to rebuild its reputation post-pandemic.

The AAA roster shakeup reflects instability but also hints at a promotion attempting to adapt and evolve in a competitive marketplace, which could lead to new opportunities for released talents in other Latin American or international wrestling circuits.

Final Thoughts

Ronda Rousey’s exit remarks serve as a wake-up call regarding storytelling and booking priorities in today’s wrestling scene, highlighting the importance of fulfillments promised to athletes and fans alike. Meanwhile, backstage conflicts like Riddle and Punk’s expose the ever-present human drama behind the scenes of wrestling’s scripted spectacle.

Fans and industry watchers should stay tuned as these narratives continue to unfold, with Rousey’s legacy firmly intact as one of the most influential women to transition from MMA to pro wrestling.

This article is based on interviews from The Lapsed Fan podcast, reports by WrestlingNews.co, PWMania, Fightful, and statements from industry insiders as of early September 2025.