Wrestling fans were shocked last week when news broke that Ronda Rousey was not only backstage at AEW’s Friday night television tapings but actually wrestled a Ring of Honor match. The former WWE competitor teamed with her close friend Marina Shafir against Athena and Billie Starkz in a match that just aired on HonorClub, and since then, fans have been wondering what Rousey’s future with the promotion was. And now, in the news that will disappoint her fans, it has been confirmed by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio that it was simply a one-off appearance, done as a favor for Shafir.
“So with Ronda, it’s a one-shot deal. Obviously, if Ronda wants to work more, they’ll use her anytime. She was doing a favor for Marina, to help Marina, and you know, that’s that. It could change, but I do not expect, there’s a reason that Ronda wanted to finish. It’s a family reason.”
Dave MeltzerThe former UFC star’s pro wrestling career began when she officially signed with WWE in 2017, going on to make an appearance at the 2018 Royal Rumble. Her in-ring debut would come a few months later at WrestleMania 34 when she teamed with Kurt Angle against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a highly praised match. Then, at the following year’s event, she would make history by being one of the first women, along with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, to main event a WrestleMania. Subsequently, she would take a break from the ring, becoming a mother during this time, before returning at the 2022 Royal Rumble for her second, less successful run with the company.
