In an eye-opening revelation from her forthcoming autobiography “Our Fight,” Ronda Rousey delves into the intricate backstage dynamics of WWE, shedding light on the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her second championship reign and the abrupt change of plans that saw Liv Morgan crowned champion instead of Lacey Evans.
Rousey’s return to WWE at the 2022 Royal Rumble was met with fervent anticipation, and she wasted no time in making her mark by clinching victory in the match, thereby earning herself a high-profile showdown against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 38. Although her bid for the championship fell short at WrestleMania, Rousey bounced back with a resounding triumph over Flair in an “I Quit” match at WrestleMania Backlash.
However, Rousey’s reign atop the women’s division would prove to be short-lived, as Liv Morgan, the Money in the Bank contract holder, seized a golden opportunity to capture her first championship. Initially, the plan was for Rousey to relinquish the title to Lacey Evans, a decision that Rousey wholeheartedly endorsed. Yet, plans took an unexpected turn, with Morgan emerging as the new champion instead.
In her autobiography, Rousey offers a candid glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster she experienced behind the scenes. From informing Evans of her impending victory to receiving a phone call from Paul Heyman revealing the change in plans, Rousey’s narrative is one of surprise, frustration, and disillusionment with the company’s creative process.
“ I was standing in my kitchen washing baby bottles when my phone rang. Paul Heyman’s name appeared on the caller ID. I dried my hands on the dish towel and picked it. “Hey, Paul, what’s up?” I asked. “So Lacey’s out, Liv’s in,” he said. I was confused. “Lacey’s hurt?” I asked. I had just talked to her. It didn’t make sense. “No, it’s just going to be Liv.” “Why the change?” I asked. “Vince is just feeling Liv this week,” Paul said matter-of-factly.
“I hung up, throwing the phone on to the counter, immediately regretting it as the noise startled Pō from her nap. I was angry. Angry for Lacey. Angry that WWE had put me in this position. Angry because Lacey probably didn’t even f*cking know and was out there walking around excited about a moment that would never come.
Angry that this old man with our careers and legacies in his hands put no more thought into his decisions than how he was feeling in the moment. Angry that it wasn’t Liv’s years of back-breaking work, sacrifice, hard-earned fan support, or star power that made this moment happen but the whims of a geriatric billionaire who treated us like action figures. Despite the progress that had been made, our efforts were more frivolous than ever.”
The sudden shift in direction, reportedly orchestrated by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, left Rousey grappling with a myriad of conflicting emotions. While she maintained a close relationship with Morgan, Rousey couldn’t help but empathize with Evans, who had been led to believe that her moment of glory was imminent. The episode underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE’s storytelling and the considerable influence wielded by McMahon in shaping the company’s direction.
Rousey’s revelation offers a sobering glimpse into the inner workings of WWE, where backstage politics and creative decisions often intersect in unexpected ways. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wrestlers as they navigate the volatile landscape of professional wrestling, where success and opportunity can hinge on the whims of those in power.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Our Fight,” Rousey’s autobiography promises to provide unprecedented insight into her storied career and the intricate dynamics of the wrestling industry. With revelations like these, Rousey’s candid account is sure to spark conversation and debate within the wrestling community.