The wrestling world is buzzing after Ronda Rousey’s unexpected debut at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view this past weekend. The former UFC champion and WWE superstar’s appearance, which included a tense staredown with Toni Storm, has sparked immediate speculation about her future with the company and potential alliances. While Rousey’s current status with AEW remains unconfirmed, industry observers are already looking at the possibilities, including a reunion with fellow mixed martial arts veterans.
Jeff Jarrett, a veteran in the professional wrestling industry and current AEW talent, weighed in on Rousey’s arrival during an appearance on the “My World” podcast. Jarrett expressed excitement about the possibilities, stating, “I’m here for it. Who knows where this is going.” He praised Toni Storm’s versatility, noting her ability to succeed across different eras of professional wrestling. “Toni is successful in this era, and you can’t say that about all talent. She could have been successful in the 60s, 70s, when the territories got super red hot in the early 80s, the Attitude Era. She is really, really good,” Jarrett said. He also acknowledged the immediate impact Rousey had, suggesting her presence was a draw for viewers tuning in to see her subsequent MMA fight.
That fight, a return to the world of mixed martial arts, is scheduled for May 16th, where Rousey will face Gina Carano in an event backed by Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. This marks Rousey’s first MMA bout since December 2016, when she lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. The timing of the AEW appearance, coinciding with the promotion of her return to the cage, has led to questions about her long-term commitment to professional wrestling.
Currently, reports indicate that Rousey has not signed a contract with AEW. She remains a free agent, allowing her to pursue opportunities in both MMA and potentially, further appearances in the wrestling world. But, Rousey herself has previously hinted at a possible step back from professional wrestling, suggesting her career in the sport may be largely behind her.
The Question of The Four Horsewomen
Adding another layer to the speculation is the presence of Marina Shafir, a longtime friend and fellow MMA competitor of Rousey’s, already established within AEW. Shafir competed at Revolution, facing Toni Storm in a match with a stipulation barring anyone from ringside. Following the bout, Shafir retaliated against Storm after a loss, striking her from behind while security intervened between her, and Rousey. This coordinated action has fueled discussion about a potential alliance between the two.
This naturally leads to the question of whether Shayna Baszler, the final member of the quartet known as the “Four Horsewomen” of MMA – alongside Rousey, Shafir, and Jessamyn Duke – might also join AEW. Jarrett addressed this possibility on the “My World” podcast, offering a nuanced perspective.
“Boy, that’s a good question. Hey, never say never,” Jarrett responded. He acknowledged the natural fit of Marina Shafir with Jon Moxley’s “The Death Riders” faction, stating, “The reason I even had to pause there for a second was because when Marina got with [Jon] Moxley and crew, it just, to me, fit like a glove.” However, he expressed uncertainty about whether adding Baszler would be equally beneficial. “And as a producer, creator, whatever it may be, I guess what I’m saying is I’m not sure that would be a benefit. Not saying you would have to put them together, but I don’t realize where Baszler [would fit]. I don’t know if you’re assuming, loop them back together I don’t know if that’d be in their best interest. That’s kind of where my mind immediately went. Standalone, that’s a whole different question.”
Baszler’s Current Status and The Death Riders Dynamic
Shafir has been aligned with The Death Riders, led by former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, for the past two years. Baszler, meanwhile, is currently a free agent after her release from WWE in May 2025. She continues to operate as a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center when her schedule allows, maintaining a connection to the wrestling world.
The dynamic within The Death Riders, and whether Baszler’s personality and wrestling style would complement the existing group, remains a key consideration. Jarrett’s comments suggest that simply reuniting the “Four Horsewomen” isn’t necessarily the most logical path forward, emphasizing the importance of finding a role that maximizes each individual’s strengths.
The potential for Rousey and Baszler to appear together in AEW, whether as allies or rivals, is a storyline with significant potential. The history between the two, both in MMA and professional wrestling, provides a built-in narrative that could captivate audiences. However, with Rousey’s focus currently split between wrestling and her MMA return, and Baszler’s free agent status, the future remains uncertain.
For now, all eyes are on Rousey’s upcoming MMA fight against Gina Carano on May 16th. The outcome of that bout, and Rousey’s overall commitment to a return to the cage, will likely play a significant role in determining her future in professional wrestling and whether she ultimately chooses to produce AEW her permanent home. AEW fans will be watching closely, eager to see what the next chapter holds for the former UFC champion.
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