Ronda Rousey competed in her first wrestling match in over 2 months, but not where most fans would expect.
The former Women’s Champion made a surprise return to the ring at the Lucha VaVOOM event, where Rousey teamed with fellow Horsewoman Marina Shafir to defeat the team of Taya Valkyrie and Brian Kendrick.
As seen in a video posted to Rousey’s Instagram, an irate Rousey threw Kendrick and Valkyrie into the ring and demanded the bell be rung. Starting the match on the apron, Rousey received the hot tag from Shafir and won the match by forcing Kendrick to submit to the ankle lock.
Captioning the video, Rousey thanked the show for allowing her to compete and took a shot at those who believed that her and Shafir could not make magic:
@luchavavoom was honestly the best Lucha/burlesque hybrid show I’ve ever had the pleasure of jumping into unannounced. Anyone who doubted me and @marinashafir could make magic in a ring is an idiot – thank you @thetayavalkyrie and @mr.briankendrick for being down to get down with us 🙏🏼❤️🤼
Having only previously competed in WWE, this was the former Women’s Champions’ first wrestling match in an independent promotion. Shafir is currently signed to AEW and is allowed to compete for other promotions. The MMA star turned pro wrestler is also receiving high praise on the independent scene, having well-received matches for the Revolver promotion.
Dave Meltzer recently provided insight into the reason behind Ronda Rousey’s sudden return.
Will Ronda Rousey Return To WWE?
Rousey has not made an appearance for the company since losing to Shayna Baszler in a MMA Rules match back at SummerSlam in August. Prior to the surprise appearance at Lucha VaVOOM, Ronda Rousey seemingly confirmed her retirement on social media, expressing no desire to go back to wrestling or MMA.