Ronda Rousey has carved out an impressive niche for herself in WWE since she officially signed with the company in 2017.
Known as "The Baddest Woman on the Planet," Rousey's transition from a storied MMA career to professional wrestling has been marked by significant achievements and dramatic storylines.
At 36 years old, she continues to be a formidable force in WWE, supported ardently by her husband, Travis Browne, who also hails from an intensive MMA background.
Though Browne does not hold a contract with WWE, his presence at Rousey’s matches is a testament to his unwavering support.
One of the most memorable incidents in Rousey’s WWE career occurred during an episode of RAW in 2019.
Rousey, then the Women's Champion, was set to defend her title against Dana Brooke. Despite successfully retaining her championship, Rousey’s aggressive persona shone through when she refused to release her signature arm-bar submission move on Brooke after the match had officially concluded.
The situation escalated quickly, prompting WWE security to intervene in an attempt to separate the two wrestlers. However, Rousey's intensity did not wane, and she began assaulting anyone who came near her.
Amidst the chaos, Travis Browne, who was watching the match from the front row, leaped into action. In a moment that blurred the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life aggression, Browne punched a WWE official and then lifted Rousey over the barrier, away from the approaching security personnel.
This incident garnered significant attention, and Rousey later addressed it on social media, expressing her frustration and revealing that Browne had been banned from RAW.
She also launched a scathing attack on WWE, criticizing the organization’s handling of the situation.
Rousey’s WWE tenure has been filled with high-profile matches and feuds, none more prominent than her participation in the historic women-led main event at WrestleMania 35. This match saw Rousey compete against Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in a Winner Take All bout.
In a controversial conclusion, Lynch pinned Rousey, sparking debates among fans and analysts about the legitimacy of the victory.
The contentious finish only added to the ongoing rivalry between Rousey and Lynch, with the two clashing both in and out of the ring on multiple occasions.
After WrestleMania 35, Rousey took a hiatus from WWE to focus on her personal life, particularly her family. In September 2021, she announced the birth of her baby girl, marking a joyous new chapter in her life.
However, her absence from WWE was short-lived, as she made a triumphant return at the Royal Rumble a few months later. Rousey won the Royal Rumble match, reaffirming her status as one of WWE’s top stars.
Ronda Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, has also had his moments in the WWE spotlight, particularly during the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2019.
This event, held in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, saw Bret Hart being inducted into the Hall of Fame for the second time as part of The Hart Foundation.
During Hart’s speech, a fan shockingly invaded the ring and attacked him. Browne, along with WWE superstars The New Day (Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E) and Cash Wheeler, immediately sprang into action.
Browne and Wheeler managed to land a few punches on the intruder before security personnel could restrain and remove him from the arena. Browne's quick response was widely praised, and he was hailed as a hero for his actions that night.
In December of the previous year, Ronda Rousey’s longtime rival, Charlotte Flair, made a dramatic return to WWE and ended Rousey’s second reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion.
This loss marked a turning point for Rousey, who subsequently formed an alliance with Shayna Baszler, a fellow former UFC fighter.
Together, they have become a formidable duo, wreaking havoc across WWE and targeting several high-profile wrestlers. Stars like Raquel Rodriguez, Shotzi, and Natalya have all fallen victim to the ruthless tactics of Rousey and Baszler.
Rousey’s WWE journey has been characterized by her fierce competitive spirit, high-profile feuds, and moments of both triumph and controversy.
Her background in MMA has significantly influenced her in-ring style, bringing a level of intensity and realism that has resonated with fans.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Rousey has consistently proven her resilience and determination, solidifying her legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
The transition from MMA to WWE was not without its challenges. Rousey, who had previously dominated the UFC, faced the daunting task of adapting to the scripted nature and unique demands of professional wrestling.
However, her athleticism, charisma, and dedication to her craft quickly won over both fans and critics. Her debut match at WrestleMania 34, where she teamed up with Kurt Angle to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, was a resounding success and showcased her potential as a WWE superstar.
Rousey’s success in WWE can also be attributed to her willingness to embrace the theatrical and performative aspects of professional wrestling.
She has excelled in creating compelling storylines and engaging with fans, whether as a beloved babyface or a despised heel. Her rivalry with Becky Lynch, in particular, has been one of the most memorable feuds in recent WWE history, characterized by intense promos, physical altercations, and a genuine sense of animosity.
Throughout her WWE career, Rousey has also been a vocal advocate for women's wrestling.
She has consistently pushed for greater recognition and opportunities for female wrestlers, both in terms of match quality and storyline prominence.
Her participation in the first-ever all-women’s main event at WrestleMania 35 was a significant milestone, not just for her career but for the entire women’s division in WWE.
Rousey’s impact extends beyond the ring as well. Her crossover appeal has brought new fans to WWE, many of whom followed her career in MMA.
Her presence has also helped elevate the status of WWE’s women’s division, demonstrating that female wrestlers can headline major events and draw significant interest from audiences.
Looking ahead, Rousey’s future in WWE remains bright. Her alliance with Shayna Baszler has the potential to dominate the women’s tag team division, and her individual rivalries continue to captivate fans.
As she balances her professional wrestling career with her personal life, including her role as a mother, Rousey’s ability to overcome adversity and adapt to new challenges will undoubtedly serve her well.
In summary, Ronda Rousey’s WWE career has been marked by significant achievements, intense rivalries, and moments of both triumph and controversy.
Supported by her husband Travis Browne, Rousey has successfully transitioned from MMA to professional wrestling, bringing a unique blend of athleticism, intensity, and charisma to the ring.
Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her advocacy for women’s wrestling, has left a lasting impact on WWE and its fans. As she continues to evolve as a performer and competitor, Rousey’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling is firmly established.
