In a candid revelation, former WWE Women’s Champion and UFC legend Ronda Rousey has confirmed that her professional wrestling career is “pretty much” over, signaling a definitive shift away from the squared circle[1][2][3]. Speaking on the “Lapsed Fan” podcast to promote her graphic novel Expect The Unexpected, Rousey expressed frustration with WWE’s creative direction, especially the unfulfilled promise of a Four Horsewomen storyline involving her and fellow MMA circle friends Shayna Baszler, Marina Shafir, and Jessamyn Duke[1][2]. This tangled history ultimately pushed her to step back from in-ring competition.

Rousey explained her initial desire to join WWE was fueled by a longing to wrestle alongside her real-life friends. She said, “I got into WWE because I wanted to be able to wrestle with my girls… And they kind of dangled that carrot for my whole run and never let it happen”[1]. Despite multiple teases and storyline hints stretching from her 2018 debut at the Royal Rumble through WrestleMania 35—where she headlined alongside Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch—the eagerly anticipated Four Horsewomen collaboration never materialized on WWE television[2].

Her frustration culminated during her second WWE run, which ended after her SummerSlam 2023 loss to Baszler in an MMA Rules Match, marking what appears to be her final WWE bout[1][2]. Rousey noted she had to demand a program with Baszler to even work with her, stating, “By the end, I was like, I’m fcking leaving unless I can wrestle with Shayna.”* This led to the pairing that captured the WWE and NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships but also set the stage for their eventual breakup and Baszler’s heel turn[2]. While Rousey briefly wrestled in independent shows late last year to help Marina Shafir, sources suggest her active wrestling career is officially behind her[1].

Meanwhile, controversy stirred backstage as former WWE star Matt Riddle publicly criticized CM Punk, labeling him a “creep” who spends excessive time lingering around the NXT locker room. According to a Fightful report, Riddle’s comments highlight ongoing tensions concerning Punk, who has maintained a visible presence in WWE despite not being an active roster member[1]. Riddle’s remarks reveal friction among talent over Punk’s off-screen behavior and question the veteran’s role within the locker room environment.

On the international front, prominent AAA promotion talent have reportedly been let go in a wave of releases attributed to creative restructuring and budget cuts[1]. This development impacts AAA’s roster stability and signals a period of transition for the Mexican wrestling giant as it adjusts its future direction.

Backstage sources close to Rousey confirmed her sentiments toward wrestling and WWE’s creative use of her character, reinforcing that the former UFC sensation’s focus has shifted firmly toward ventures outside wrestling, including her burgeoning graphic novel career and acting opportunities[1][3]. Industry insiders suggest Rousey’s departure leaves a significant void in WWE’s women’s division, but her impact remains indelible.

As WWE charts its path forward, the departure of a major star like Rousey, coupled with the divisiveness surrounding CM Punk’s locker room presence, plus roster changes in AAA, signals a transformative period for professional wrestling across multiple markets.

Sources:

• Ronda Rousey’s full interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast[1]
• Fightful.com reports on Matt Riddle’s comments and AAA releases[1]
• WWE.com for official career timelines and match results[1][2]
• Ringside News and PWMania coverage of Rousey’s retirement announcement[1][3]