Backstage Reaction In WWE To Ronda Rousey’s Shocking AEW Debut

Former WWE star Ronda Rousey is slated to make her MMA comeback on May 16, 2026. In her first fight back in the Octagon, she will face Gina Carano.

However, weeks before her MMA return, Rousey shocked the world by making her pro wrestling return in AEW.

AEW held its 2026 edition of AEW Revolution on Sunday, March 15. One of the highlights of the night was Toni Storm going one-on-one against Rousey’s real-life close friend Marina Shafir.

After Storm successfully defeated Shafir, Rousey emerged from the crowd wearing her Roddy Piper–inspired jacket and entered the ring to confront Storm.

The two had an intense face-off that required security and officials to separate them. Taking advantage of the chaos, Shafir landed a cheap shot on Storm before she and Rousey exited through the crowd.

People In WWE Were “Shocked” To See Ronda Rousey At AEW Revolution

Following Rousey’s shocking debut, wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez shared a report about the backstage reaction within WWE.

Alvarez revealed that many people in WWE were stunned to see Ronda Rousey appear at AEW Revolution, adding that only a handful of individuals in the company knew about it beforehand.

People in WWE ‘shocked’ to see Ronda Rousey at AEW Revolution https://t.co/7YHNOqwnst

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) March 16, 2026

It remains unclear whether Rousey has officially signed with AEW or if her appearance at Revolution was a one-time thing.

However, during the post-show press conference, Tony Khan stated that Rousey is welcome in the company anytime, suggesting that he would be interested in adding her to his star-studded roster.

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