Ex-WWE Champion’s Shocking AEW Move Is A “Publicity Stunt”

On Sunday, Ronda Rousey made her first appearance in AEW.

The former WWE Women’s Champion made her presence felt following Toni Storm’s victory over Marina Shafir in their singles matchat Revolution, which saw everyone banned from ringside.

The match was thoroughly dominated by Shafir, as Storm struggled to cope with her pace and aggression.

Storm had to pull out unique maneuvers to keep up with the former MMA star, as she even hit three consecutive German Suplexes to neutralize Shafir. Even her Storm Zero was not enough to seal the win.

However, in the closing minutes, Toni managed to surprise Shafir by rolling her up with a small package for the win.

As Toni Storm celebrated her victory near the entrance, Ronda Rousey emerged from the crowd to everyone’s surprise in the Crypto.com Arena.

Rousey demanded that Toni return to the ring and face her, to which the former AEW Women’s World Champion obliged. However, both superstars were separated by security that had swarmed into the ring.

Ronda Rousey’s AEW Appearance Labeled ‘A Publicity Stunt’

While Ronda Rousey has not signed a full-time contract with AEW, her appearance managed to fulfil the objective of generating traction around it.

Rousey is the long-time friend of Marina Shafir, having previously spent time together in MMA as well as WWE.

While speaking on The Coach & Bro show, former WWE head creative writer Vince Russo called Rousey’s appearance on Sunday a ‘publicity stunt.’

This is a publicity stunt. I think it’s great. I thing Ronda Rousey there shooting off her mouth saying what she really wants to say, I think that’s great. And that’s what we need more of. What do you thing? Yout think you’re gonna get the casuals through a publicity stunt with Ronda Rousey or sticking a syringe through somebody’s cheek? How are you gonna get casual fans to watch your show? [30:17 onwards]

During the show, it was also announced that Toni Storm and Marina Shafir will face off at the upcoming AEW Dynamite taping in a No Holds Barred match.