Former WWE Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has openly criticized WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, describing him in blunt terms and revealing deep frustrations during her time with the company. Speaking candidly on The Lapsed Fan podcast and in various interviews, Rousey painted a picture of a challenging working relationship marked by creative clashes and a difficult corporate culture dominated by McMahon’s leadership style.

Rousey specifically referred to Vince McMahon as an “80-year-old f***ing pervert” while recalling a segment where McMahon insisted she repeatedly apply her signature armbar on Becky Lynch. Although the mock armbar finisher idea originated from Triple H (Paul Levesque), the execution was heavily influenced by Vince’s creative directives. Rousey explained how this segment frustrated fellow wrestler Nia Jax, who had spent considerable time building up Rousey’s armbar as a credible finisher. When Jax confronted Rousey, she retorted that decisions were beyond her control, calling herself “an avatar for an 80-year-old pervert” — a clear shot at McMahon’s authoritative grip on WWE storytelling[2].

According to Rousey, Vince McMahon’s creative control often left little room for collaboration or input from talent, especially women. She expressed disdain not only for McMahon’s age but also the overarching misogynistic culture she perceived within WWE during his reign. Sources close to Rousey have confirmed that while she despised McMahon’s management style, she maintained respectful relationships with other top executives, such as Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, suggesting the company’s culture was complex and uneven in its treatment of female stars[1][4].

The reality of wrestling under McMahon’s regime was underscored by Rousey’s account of last-minute changes and lack of rehearsal time for major matches. In her reflections, Rousey celebrated her WrestleMania debut—where she had weeks of preparation with key WWE figures—as her finest moment, describing it as “f***ing brilliant.” Conversely, her WrestleMania 35 main event match with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, which was hastily put together at the last minute, lacked the polish and quality it could have had in a more collaborative environment[3].

Rousey also revealed her frustrations surrounding storylines involving female talent such as Alexa Bliss and Shayna Baszler. She noted that WWE’s management, especially Vince, resisted allowing female wrestlers to work together or build storylines that showcased real alliances and friendships, limiting creative expression and storytelling potential. She explained how threats to leave the company became necessary to push through concepts she cared about, including performing with Shayna Baszler and pursuing marquee matches with Becky Lynch at WrestleMania — matches that McMahon was reportedly opposed to[4].

Notably, Rousey emphasized that her negative views are specific to Vince McMahon’s era and leadership. She still regards other parts of the wrestling and combat sports world positively, including her relationship with UFC President Dana White, who she described as someone she “loves” despite her issues with WWE’s management[1].

This open criticism from Rousey adds to a recent wave of outspoken accounts from former talent about Vince McMahon’s controversial tenure in WWE. The 80-year-old McMahon, who stepped away from daily WWE operations following investigations and corporate changes, has long been a polarizing figure, praised for building WWE into a global powerhouse but also criticized for reportedly fostering a backstage culture that some described as toxic or oppressive, especially toward women.

According to sources close to WWE and wrestling journalists, Rousey’s candor reflects a larger reckoning within the industry, as more performers speak out about creative frustrations and workplace conditions under McMahon’s leadership. While Triple H and Stephanie McMahon have gradually taken on bigger creative roles since Vince’s partial retirement, Rousey’s remarks underscore that fans and insiders alike still debate the full legacy of Vince McMahon’s era[1][2][4].

Ronda Rousey’s WWE journey is a compelling chapter in wrestling history, one marked by groundbreaking moments, such as headlining WrestleMania as part of the first all-women’s main event, but also by her outspoken criticism of the company’s leadership. As WWE continues to evolve post-Vince McMahon, Rousey’s reflections remind fans of the complex dynamics behind the scenes and the ongoing push for greater respect and creative freedom for women in sports entertainment.

Sources:

• The Lapsed Fan podcast with Ronda Rousey (H/T Fightful)
• Interviews reported by Wrestling Inc.
• Reports from TJRWrestling and 411Mania
• Commentary and analysis from insiders close to WWE talent and company management