As previously reported, former UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey created a stir in the wrestling community when she made a surprise appearance at last Sunday’s 2026 AEW Revolution pay-per-view. She confronted Toni Storm after Storm defeated Rousey’s friend, Marina Shafir.
Unfortunately, Storm sustained a legitimate injury and has since been written off television. Prior to her injury, she had been attacked by an unknown assailant during the previous week's episode of Dynamite. Her friend and tag team partner, Mina Shirakawa, stepped in to replace her for a scheduled rematch against Marina Shafir, which Shirakawa won.
In the latest Fightful Select Answers Q&A, a fan asked Sean Ross Sapp about Rousey’s status with AEW and whether the MMA legend is officially signed with the promotion. Sapp mentioned that nobody in AEW would confirm anything regarding Rousey’s signing, which is unusual, as many would typically rush to clarify such news.
Additionally, Dave Meltzer reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Rousey’s segment at Revolution was intended to be a one-off appearance rather than the beginning of a storyline between Rousey and Storm. Meltzer also noted that WWE was unhappy about Rousey appearing in AEW, viewing it as an annoyance.
There are rumors that Rousey's appearance at AEW Revolution is part of a personal vendetta against WWE's parent company, TKO, according to Meltzer’s report in the Observer Newsletter. Rousey is also expected to return to MMA soon, where she will face Gina Carano. This fight is being promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
