New team, new trainers, and a potential new career for Ronda…
Ronda Rousey has not officially retired from MMA. She continues to be under contract to the UFC and is still in USADA’s testing pool. It does appear, however, that she is preparing for her post-UFC career.
Rousey has shied away from media ever since losing the UFC women’s bantamweight championship to Holly Holm. This has led many to believe that she simply planned to ride into the sunset and shun celebrity life. If recent events are any indication, however, Rousey’s radio-silent mode is about to come to an end in a big way.
Ronda Teasing “Big Announcement”
Ronda’s web site has been completely redesigned recently, and indications are there will be an announcement publicized on the site shortly. Whether that announcement will have to do with her future career plans or not is currently unknown, however.
Last month, Rousey told TMZ she was heading on a road trip with friends to celebrate her upcoming marriage. Her and UFC heavyweight, Travis Browne, announced their engagement earlier this year The bridal party ended up stopping at Full Sail University in Florida, where Rousey’s teammate, Shayna Baszler, was performing with WWE.
Baszler, a 2-fight UFC veteran herself, was trained in pro-wrestling by Josh Barnett. She recently took part in WWE’s Mae Young Classic, a 32-woman tournament taped for their streaming service. Rousey was at ringside for the event and was even involved in a storyline angle involving Baszler.
It was while attending the show, that Rousey is said to have asked WWE’s advice on pro-wrestling training.
Ronda Rousey To Train for A Pro-Wrestling Career
Ronda Rousey’s next career is in pro-wrestling, and with WWE. She is a longtime fan of wrestling and has made a few WWE appearances over the years.
WWE Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon, has made several public comments indicating the company would welcome Rousey with open arms.
“Our fans love Ronda. Ronda has this cross platform appeal in terms of all forms of entertainment. We would welcome her with open arms. She is the total package.”
On the pro-wrestling podcast, Fightful, the hosts indicated that WWE instructed Rousey to begin her training with Brian Kendrick in California. Kendrick is a current WWE performer in the company’s cruiserweight (205lbs and under) division. The 38-year-old has helped train several of WWE’s female performers over the years.
According to Stephanie McMahon, Rousey has a star-presence that will carry over nicely into wrestling. When asked about Rousey’s appearance at WrestleMania 31, Stephanie had this to say:
“The moment was awe inspiring. Our business works the best when there is magic and energy in the air, and Ronda’s presence brought that. With a guest appearance like Ronda’s, to work best it has to be genuine and authentic. Pop culture is a huge strategy for WWE, our storylines are reflective of what’s happening in the world and what’s popular. In sports, it doesn’t get much more popular than Ronda.”
