Jeff Jarrett on Ronda Rousey’s AEW Debut & Shayna Baszler’s Potential Arrival
Ronda Rousey’s surprise appearance at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view last weekend, where she engaged in a staredown with Toni Storm, has sparked discussion about her future in professional wrestling, even as she prepares for a return to mixed martial arts.
Jeff Jarrett, a veteran in the wrestling industry and current AEW talent, weighed in on Rousey’s debut during an appearance on the “My World” podcast. “I’m here for it. Who knows where this is going,” Jarrett said. He highlighted Storm’s ability to succeed across different eras of professional wrestling, adding, “Ronda shocked some folks… [AEW’s future with] Ronda, TBD. I mean you would have to say her number one motivation to be there, how many eyeballs were on her to get views for her fight last night? A lot. She made news last night, I think, in a positive way for her fight.”
Rousey’s AEW appearance comes as she prepares to return to MMA, facing former Strikeforce fighter Gina Carano on May 16 in an event backed by Netflix and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. This will be Rousey’s first fight since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016.
Currently, Rousey is not under contract with AEW, remaining a free agent in the professional wrestling world. This leaves open the possibility of further appearances, a prospect Rousey herself has hinted at, previously stating she was “one step out of that door.”
Prior to her confrontation with Storm, Rousey’s long-time friend and fellow MMA veteran Marina Shafir competed at Revolution, losing to Storm in a match with a “no ringside personnel” stipulation. Following the bout, Shafir attacked Storm from behind while Rousey and security intervened.
Jarrett also addressed the potential of another MMA-turned-wrestler, Shayna Baszler, joining Rousey and Shafir in AEW, specifically as a member of The Death Riders, a faction led by Jon Moxley. “Boy, that’s a good question. Hey, never say never,” Jarrett responded. “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. 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 set them together, but I don’t recognize 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.”
Rousey, Baszler, Shafir and Jessamyn Duke are collectively known as the Four Horsewomen of MMA, all of whom transitioned to professional wrestling careers. Shafir has been aligned with The Death Riders for the past two years. Baszler, released from WWE in May 2025, currently serves as a guest coach at the WWE Performance Center.