Ronda Rousey’s joining AEW was not exactly on our 2026 bingo card, but The Rowdy One made her debut at AEW Revolution last night. The former WWE Women’s Champion hopped the barricade following Toni Storm’s victory over Marina Shafir. As Timeless Toni got her wits together in the aisle, Ronda Rousey whipped off her jacket and challenged the former AEW Women’s Champion to get into the ring. Once Toni Storm sat up and saw Ronda in the ring, The Timeless Love Bomb member got a smile on her face. Security rushed the ring as Toni Storm and Ronda Rousey came face-to-face. It looks like Ronda Rousey is All Elite.
Ronda Rousey Joins AEW As She Preps for Netflix Fight for Jake Paul
The world of professional wrestling is a messy one. Whether it’s starring in movies or grappling in an MMA fight, pro wrestling paths will inevitably cross. Ronda Rousey joined AEW just weeks after agreeing to fight Gina Carano on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
While this fight marks Ronda Rousey’s MMA return, there are a few other notable things about this historic moment. For one, Ronda Rousey is getting back into the cage for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, and the event will air on Netflix.
Both Jake Paul and Netflix have strong ties to AEW’s competitor, WWE. Of course, Jake Paul is the brother of The Vision’s Logan Paul and has made a handful of WWE appearances himself. Meanwhile, WWE is in a long-term agreement with Netflix to air Raw. Netflix also has the right to WWE’s PLE library.
Plus, Netflix airs first-run PLEs internationally, while WWE PLEs air on ESPN+ in the USA. If you want to learn how to watch PLEs on Netflix in America, tap here!
Ronda Rousey’s Rocky WWE Past
It’s only natural for Netflix to advertise the big Ronday Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight during Raw and PLE broadcasts. After all, Ronda Rousey is a 3-time WWE Women’s Champion, as well as holding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles with Shayna Baszler.
Ronda Rousey wrapped up her run with WWE on a sour note. The Baddest B**** on the Planet left WWE after losing to Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam 2023.
After her exit, Ronda Rousey criticized the company for not really supporting women’s wrestling. She also called Vince McMahon “creepy” and stated that she never wanted to work for him again.
Lastly, Rousey said that Vince McMahon isn’t really gone from WWE. The protege of Rowdy Roddy Piper noted that Bruce Prichard is just an avatar for the disgraced former WWE Chairman.
Rousey’s interest in WWE waned even more when WWE released Shayna Baszler in May 2025. Although she no longer wrestles for WWE, Baszler has been present backstage over the past year. WWE is grooming the former Four Horsewoman of MMA to take on a producer role.
Why Did Ronda Rousey Join AEW?
It’s been almost three years since Ronda Rousey left professional wrestling. Since her departure, many fans have accused The Rowdy One of becoming jaded. She’s been very outspoken about her displeasure working for WWE, as well as how their fans treated her.
Nonetheless, the controversial Superstar is dipping her toe back into the pro wrestling water, as Ronda Rousey joins AEW. Here’s why The Baddest B**** on the Planet made the jump to become All Elite!
Mainstream Press
While Ronda Rousey’s debut at AEW Revolution was shocking, it makes a lot of sense. Love her or hate her, Ronda Rousey is a mainstream name with legitimate credibility in the MMA world.
Ronda Rousey’s return to fighting has garnered major media attention. If Netflix is to promote Ronda Rousey’s fight during Raw, fans might look up what the former WWE Champion has been up to. In turn, they might check out AEW to see Ronda Rousey.
To Team with Marina Safir and Work with Toni Storm
Ronda Rousey is also striking the iron while it’s hot. After all, Ronda Rousey wrestled for Tony Khan in 2023. The Rowdy One teamed with Marina Shafir during an ROH taping, in a successful match against Athena and Billie Starkz. In fact, Ronda Rousey made Billie Starkz tap to her Armbar.
It looks like Ronda Rousey is looking to rekindle her partnership with The Problem. After all, Ronda jumped the rail after Toni Storm defeated Marina Shafir.
While Ronda Rousey vs. Toni Storm is inevitable, AEW might prolong things with some Tag Team action. Rumors are that Ronda Rousey’s first match will be her and Marina Shafir vs. The Timeless Love Bombs.
Possibilities of a Four Horsewomen of MMA Reunion
Beyond the Toni Storm program, there’s a belief that AEW wants to rekindle The Four Horsewomen of MMA. Currently, two of the four are under AEW contract, with Marina Shafir and Ronda Rousey present at Revolution.
Jessamyn Duke should be an easy get. WWE released Ronda Rousey’s long-time friend in May 2021. Since then, Jessamyn Duke has shied away from the industry.
Perhaps the more interesting get for AEW would be Shayna Baszler. The Queen of Spades hasn’t been offered an official deal with WWE yet. So, she is technically a free agent.
Along with her decade of experience in the ring, her previous year’s crash course in producing for WWE can make the former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion a valuable asset for AEW.