Ronda Rousey, a powerhouse both inside and outside the wrestling ring, departed WWE with a bang following her SummerSlam match against Shayna Baszler last year. Since then, she’s been an open book, sharing her candid thoughts about her time in the wrestling world, much to the intrigue of fans and critics alike.
Her departure didn’t mark the end of her involvement with WWE, but rather the beginning of a new chapter where she felt compelled to speak out about her experiences, which she often characterized as less than ideal. Rousey’s dissatisfaction stemmed from a perceived misalignment between her expectations and the reality of her WWE journey.
Central to Rousey’s grievances was her vision for her WWE career, which she believed wasn’t given the attention and creative direction she desired. Despite her aspirations for specific storylines and matches, such as a WrestleMania showdown with Becky Lynch, WWE opted for a different trajectory, leaving Rousey feeling unfulfilled and disheartened.
In her autobiography, “Our Fight,” Rousey revealed a poignant conversation with Triple H, WWE’s Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development. During this exchange, Rousey expressed her heartfelt desire to tag with Shayna Baszler, have her turn on her, and ultimately put Baszler over before departing WWE. However, as the summer months approached, Rousey’s plans remained unfulfilled, leading to mounting frustration and emotional distress.
Furthermore, Rousey sought equal treatment in terms of travel privileges, aspiring to have the same accommodations as WWE megastar Roman Reigns. This desire for parity in treatment underscored Rousey’s belief in fair treatment and respect for her contributions to the company.
However, Rousey’s outspokenness and candid critiques of WWE’s handling of her career led to backlash within the wrestling community. She was labeled a “bitter woman” by some, with her remarks sparking heated debates among fans and pundits alike.
Despite the criticism, Rousey remains resolute in her stance. Her focus has shifted away from pro wrestling as she prioritizes other career ventures. While her departure may have left a void in WWE, Rousey’s determination to speak her truth and seek fulfillment beyond the squared circle is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to personal authenticity.
As the wrestling world continues to grapple with Rousey’s departure and her candid criticisms of WWE, the question lingers: Was Ronda Rousey justified in her critiques, or were her expectations unrealistic? The debate rages on, fueled by a desire for transparency and accountability within the industry.
In the end, Rousey’s WWE journey may have ended in controversy, but her legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for change continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of wrestlers to speak up and demand the respect they deserve.
