Ronda Rousey Says AEW Revolution Appearance Was Message to TKO

Posted by admin on March 26th, 2026

Ronda Rousey has explained the reasoning behind her surprise appearance at AEW Revolution, revealing it was partly intended as a statement directed at TKO Group Holdings following failed UFC return talks.

Speaking in a behind-the-scenes vlog, Rousey made it clear that her decision was not accidental and carried personal meaning after her negotiations to return to the UFC did not materialize.

“It’s kind of a cool little bit of a, like little bit of a f**k you to the TKO group, which is kind of funny because WWE is on Netflix, but I kind of figured it’d be easier to ask for forgiveness instead of permission on this one,” Rousey said. “Like, I’m promoting your show. It’s fine. We didn’t advertise it. It’s not like we boosted the ratings of it, so it should be fine.”

Rousey also detailed the steps taken to keep her presence hidden backstage at the event, noting that AEW went to unusual lengths to maintain secrecy.

“They had me jump into a wheelchair and throw a tarp over me and wheel me in here,” Rousey said. “I was brought into the arena in a very unique way. I thought this was going to be much more chill, but they’re acting like it’s freaking Royal Rumble super secret whatever.”

The appearance marked her first full AEW pay-per-view experience as a performer, and she shared her early impressions of the company’s environment.

“It’s a little bit more laidback,” Rousey said. “I’ve never been to an AEW pay-per-view so I don’t really know what to expect so much, but I’m thinking a less restrictive, more adult version of WWE, which sounds like a good time.”

Another key motivation for Rousey was supporting her longtime friend Marina Shafir, who competed on the show. Rousey highlighted their long history together and praised Shafir’s growth in wrestling.

“Marina is my best friend in the whole wide world and we grew up doing judo together as little kids,” Rousey said. “We both quit judo and started doing MMA and then we both quit MMA and started doing pro wrestling. She’s absolutely crushing it and I’m so proud of her. I’m so happy that everybody’s finally starting to take notice of how incredibly special she is.”

Rousey previously competed in WWE from 2018 through 2023 across two runs before departing and later criticizing WWE and TKO. She is now set to return to MMA for a fight against Gina Carano on May 16 under MVP Promotions.