Backstage Update On Ronda Rousey’s AEW Status

Ronda Rousey’s surprise appearance at AEW Revolution made major headlines — but it doesn’t appear to be the beginning of a full-time run. According to Fightful Select, multiple sources within AEW believe the appearance was not tied to a contract, and the general backstage feeling is that Rousey is not “All Elite.” The report states plainly: “Ronda Rousey appeared on AEW, but doesn’t appear to be All Elite.”

Sources noted that practical factors made the appearance easy to arrange. Rousey lives near the Los Angeles area where Revolution was held, and she has maintained a positive relationship with AEW President Tony Khan. Those circumstances, rather than a long-term creative plan, appear to be the primary reason the appearance happened when and where it did.

WWE and TKO Reportedly Not Surprised by Rousey’s AEW Appearance

Despite reports suggesting WWE officials were blindsided, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Sources within TKO and WWE reportedly were not caught off guard. “They expect her to do anything she can to go against WWE, UFC and TKO at this point,” the report noted. A return to WWE is not currently expected, and no follow-up plans for Rousey within AEW have been confirmed as of this writing.

On the creative side, AEW considered the segment a success. Sources indicated the company wanted Rousey in a heel role — and while the reaction matched what they were hoping for, Rousey herself apparently expected a different response from the crowd.