Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has delivered a candid critique of her time in WWE under Vince McMahon’s leadership, revealing deep frustrations with the company’s creative direction and management culture. In her most recent interviews and speaking engagements, including a notable appearance on The Lapsed Fan podcast and excerpts from her memoir Our Fight, Rousey paints a revealing picture of what it was like to navigate WWE’s backstage landscape during the twilight of Vince McMahon’s reign[3][2][1].

Rousey, who joined WWE with the hope of advancing the women’s division and elevating competition, bluntly stated that instead of experiencing what she describes as a “Triple H era” focused on innovation and respect for talent, she was instead caught in the “death throes of Vince McMahon.” This phrase encapsulates the turmoil and creative stagnation she felt during her WWE tenure, a time marked by what she perceives as outdated thinking and underwhelming storytelling[3].

A Turbulent Creative Environment

In her interviews, Rousey has detailed instances of feeling creatively stifled and disrespected under Vince McMahon. Sources close to the star’s exit report that she faced significant dissatisfaction with how women wrestlers were treated, contrasting harshly with the opportunities and respect afforded to male talent. Rousey, who had a strong athletic background and was initially viewed as a major asset to WWE, became disillusioned by what she called a misogynistic culture deeply ingrained throughout the company’s hierarchy[1].

One stark example Rousey shared involved the booking of her signature armbar submission move. While Triple H had collaboratively designed the move’s execution in a way that balanced realism and safety, Vince McMahon reportedly pushed for repetitive, punishing segments where she continuously applied the hold on Becky Lynch. This creative decision did not sit well with fellow women wrestlers, like Nia Jax, who felt the finisher was being overused and devalued[2]. Rousey’s blunt dismissal of Vince’s authority as “an 80-year-old f**king pervert” during these backstage discussions further emphasizes her frustration with the company’s top leadership[2].

Contrasting Relationships with WWE Executives

While Rousey’s relationship with Vince McMahon was fraught with tension and contempt, she has expressed more favorable opinions regarding other key figures in WWE leadership. Her memoir and interviews show that she maintained positive and professional respect for Triple H (Paul Levesque) and Stephanie McMahon. Wrestling Observer journalist Dave Meltzer has highlighted that although Rousey “despised” Vince McMahon, she remained friendly with Stephanie and spoke highly of Triple H, appreciating their collaborative approach to creative aspects of her character and matches[1].

This distinction suggests a divide between the older conservative management style represented by Vince and the somewhat more progressive, wrestling-centric philosophy Triple H championed, especially concerning the women’s division. Rousey appears to view the Triple H period as a missed opportunity that could have led to more meaningful growth and respect for women’s wrestling if it had arrived earlier in her WWE career[3][1].

Behind the Scenes: The “Sheisty Carny” Tactics

Rousey has not only criticized creative decisions but also shed light on the darker side of Vince McMahon’s business methods. In various interviews, including one covered by Ringside News, she described experiencing “sheisty carny” tactics—a term referring to unethical, underhanded manipulation typical in carnival business environments. This characterization underscores her sense of being taken advantage of and mistreated during her WWE run[5].

According to sources close to the situation, these experiences contributed heavily to Rousey’s eventual decision to leave WWE. The combined weight of creative frustration, perceived gender inequality, and mistrust of management ultimately placed her at odds with the company’s leadership structure[1].

The Missed “Triple H Era” and What Could Have Been

Rousey’s reflections are particularly relevant given the broader industry context. Since Vince McMahon’s retirement and Triple H’s ascent to WWE’s top creative role, there has been a noticeable shift toward wrestler-driven storytelling and a stronger emphasis on the women’s division. Fans and insiders alike view this as a positive era characterized by respect for in-ring skill and character development.

Rousey’s lament that she “got the death throes of Vince McMahon” rather than the “Triple H era” captures a painful missed chance to be part of what could have been a transformative period for women’s wrestling. Many believe her unparalleled athleticism and charisma would have perfectly aligned with the new creative vision under Triple H’s stewardship[3].

Sources Close to Rousey

According to a WWE insider familiar with the star’s mindset, “Ronda was excited to push women’s wrestling to new heights but quickly realized the system was broken at the top. She admired Triple H’s approach but was bitterly disappointed that Vince’s old-school mindset still dictated her run. It’s why she left with little desire to return.” Similarly, Fightful highlighted Rousey’s reflections and quotes from The Lapsed Fan podcast, bringing to light her raw and unfiltered take on working directly with Vince McMahon[2][4].

Moving Forward

Since departing WWE, Rousey has remained active in sports and entertainment, maintaining a positive relationship with UFC President Dana White, whom she credits as a stronger, more supportive figure in her career. While WWE may not have been the ideal environment for her during Vince’s tenure, her storyline and star power continue to influence women’s professional wrestling and the broader sports world.

Her revelations contribute to ongoing discussions about wrestling culture, management ethics, and the evolving role of women in this industry. As WWE progresses under new leadership, many hope it can finally align with the vision that talents like Rousey longed for—a respectful, creative, and empowering platform that highlights women’s wrestling at its best.

This article incorporates insights from multiple sources including WWE.com, Wrestling Inc., Fightful, Ringside News, and podcast appearances as of September 2025.