Former WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has signaled that she is “pretty much” retired from professional wrestling, expressing disappointment over her WWE tenure and the company’s failure to capitalize on the longstanding Four Horsewomen storyline. In a candid interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey revealed that these unfulfilled creative plans heavily influenced her decision to step away from the ring[2].
Rousey, who originally made waves in the UFC before transitioning to WWE, enjoyed two separate runs with the company but never saw the potential culmination of the dream faction involving herself, Shayna Baszler, and other prominent women fighters from their shared MMA backgrounds. This group was highly anticipated by fans as a major game-changer for WWE’s women’s division, but according to Rousey, WWE “never booked it” despite ongoing teasers and buildup. This lack of execution contributed to her growing discontent behind the scenes[2].
Following her departure from WWE in October 2023, Rousey’s wrestling future has been ambiguous. While she has not officially announced a formal retirement, her recent statements and absence from high-profile matches strongly suggest she is stepping away indefinitely. Rousey’s silence around new contracts or bouts, coupled with her revealing interview, now make her retirement from pro wrestling appear all but certain[2][4].
Backstage sources indicate that despite Rousey’s exit, WWE still sees her as a valuable asset and might be open to future collaborations if the circumstances align. However, Rousey has been vocal about her displeasure with WWE’s backstage environment, specifically criticizing figures like Bruce Prichard, whom she described as “Vince’s avatar,” further indicating her reluctance to return under current conditions[2].
The wrestling industry has speculated extensively on whether Rousey could make a surprise return. Rumors and fan discussions have centered on potential one-off appearances, such as the Women’s Royal Rumble match or a high-profile showdown against top stars like Bianca Belair. Belair herself has expressed admiration for Rousey and left the door open for possible future encounters, acknowledging Rousey’s immense impact on the women’s division and the broader WWE product[3].
Outside WWE, Rousey made appearances in independent wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor, and briefly teased the option of returning to MMA or continuing her competitive fighting career. However, she has dismissed the likelihood of such returns, citing health concerns, particularly related to concussions, and a lack of drive to compete at the highest levels again[2].
Industry observers note that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) could represent a potential alternative platform for Rousey if she decided to come back. AEW has strategically positioned itself as a more appealing option in terms of backstage culture and creative freedom for women wrestlers. The company’s recent moves, including the release and rumored re-signing of Shayna Baszler, illustrate a fluid environment that might eventually entice Rousey to reconsider her options[2].
Ronda Rousey’s journey from UFC Hall of Famer and pioneering MMA athlete to WWE Women’s Champion has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant challenges. Her frank comments about her WWE experience shed new light on the complexities many crossover stars face when transitioning into professional wrestling. According to sources close to Rousey, her passion for storytelling and in-ring performance remains, yet the frustrations with WWE’s booking and backstage conditions have taken a toll[2].
As of September 2025, Rousey’s professional wrestling chapter seems to be on hold, if not closed. Whether this iconic figure makes a comeback or fully retires from wrestling, her impact on the industry is undeniable. WWE.com and Fightful have regularly covered her career milestones, but this latest interview reveals a more personal and nuanced perspective on her wrestling legacy and future ambitions[2][3][4].
According to a WWE insider, “Ronda’s departure was more than just a contract ending — it was about creative dissatisfaction and wanting to leave on her own terms. The Four Horsewomen storyline was a huge missed opportunity that still resonates backstage.” This insider adds that while nothing is set in stone, any future involvement with WWE would require a “complete overhaul” in how the company handles talent like Rousey.
Fans and wrestling analysts alike will continue to watch closely for any signs of movement from Rousey’s camp. For now, the former champion’s statement that she is “pretty much” retired stands as a significant update in one of wrestling’s most compelling stories.
This article incorporates information from interviews on The Lapsed Fan podcast, reports from Wrestling News, Fightful, and other wrestling media outlets.