WWE/MMA News: Ronda Rousey and WWE not close to deal

What’s the Story?

UFC Fighter Ronda Rousey has been rumoured for months to be closing in on a WWE debut, but contract negotiations have not begun according to a report published by TMZ.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Rousey has hinted at a professional wrestling career since 2014, when she was interviewed by WWE saying, “you never know” regarding a transition from MMA to professional wrestling.

Her biggest WWE appearance was two years ago at WrestleMania 31, where she confronted Triple H and Stephanie McMahon alongside The Rock.

The Heart of the Matter

WWE and Rousey have shown interest in each other over the past few years, but multiple sources from both sides have said that contract negotiations aren’t as far along as people think.

One of TMZ’s sources was much more blatant regarding the rumoured contract negotiations and said “[Ronda's team] hasn't begun any negotiations with the WWE."

This report matches comments made by Triple H on the CBS In This Corner Podcast where he shot down various rumours regarding Rousey being close to a WWE deal. Triple H also said that both sides were just talking about it rather than actively working towards a contract.

“We are just kind of talking and feeling where it goes, and she is making movies and doing other things. But it's exciting and there are a lot of interest on both sides so let's see where it goes."

Rousey’s latest WWE appearance was earlier this summer when she and the other members of the Four Horsewomen of MMA showed their support for Mae Young Classic participant and MMA Horsewoman Shayna Baszler.

One of the reasons why rumors regarding Rousey closing in on a WWE deal increased was likely due to the confrontation during the Mae Young Classic between where Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Bayley, members of The Four Horsewomen of WWE, faced off against the Four Horsewomen of MMA; suggesting that a match between both groups could be in the works.

What’s Next?

Rousey was considered by many to be one of the most dominant women’s fighters in MMA history, but her last two losses in the UFC have led many to believe that her MMA career is over.

With her MMA career likely at an end, a deal with the WWE could still happen in 2018, but Rousey won’t be appearing as a WWE Superstar anytime soon.

Author’s Take

Both sides have maintained that there is interest in Rousey coming to the WWE, but with no contract negotiations underway, Rousey becoming a WWE Superstar is not as set in stone as some fans thought.