In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, former UFC, and WWE superstar Ronda Rousey surprised fans with a stunning appearance on Ring of Honor (ROH), which aired on November 23, 2023, but was recorded a week prior during the AEW Dynamite episode on November 17. Teaming up with Marina Shafir, Rousey faced off against Athena and Billie Starkz in what turned out to be a memorable and victorious debut for the grappling phenom.
The wrestling community buzzed with questions after Rousey’s sudden appearance. It wasn’t long before we learned that the “Baddest Woman on the Planet” had not inked a deal with All Elite Wrestling. Her participation was a one-off occurrence coined as a ‘favor’ aimed to navigate through an undisclosed ‘complex political issue’. Sources close to the situation highlighted that Rousey made the move as a gesture to support her friend Marina Shafir.
The victorious duo shared a unique ‘candid’ moment backstage after their match, hinting at their comradery. Rousey took to Instagram to express her exhilaration over the event, praising her opponents for being sports and stepping into the ring on such short notice. Both Athena and Billie Starkz received commendation for their agility and skills, showcasing the ever-evolving talent in women’s wrestling.
AEW President Tony Khan, during the Full Gear press conference, reiterated that Rousey’s AEW debut did not correspond with a contractual agreement, further fanning the flames of speculation over her future endeavours in the wrestling world. Rousey and Shafir, it should be noted, had just recently engaged with Athena and Starkz in REVOLVER Unreal on November 16, a precursor to their ROH bout.
Ronda Rousey’s last WWE match dates back to SummerSlam in August 2023, where she confronted Shayna Baszler. Since then, her wrestling career trajectory seemed vague, but this unexpected ROH match might suggest that Rousey is keeping her in-ring options open. The professional wrestling landscape is ever-shifting, with alliances and rivalries that span promotions, and Rousey’s ROH appearance has undoubtedly added an intriguing chapter to her storied career.
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This surprising appearance by Ronda Rousey demonstrates the unpredictable nature of the wrestling world and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. As reporters dedicated to uncovering the most accurate and thrilling stories in the industry, we’ll continue to follow Rousey’s journey and bring you exclusive updates as they unfold.
