Ronda Rousey Nearing Deal To Join WWE, Become Pro Wrestler

According to a report by USA TODAY Sports, former UFC female champion Ronda Rousey is in the final stages of contract talks with the WWE.

Rousey, who won a bronze medal in judo at the Olympics, has already appeared a handful of times with the pro wrestling promotion. She is believed to be training at their facility in Orlando ahead of making more appearances.

On “UFC Tonight” Wednesday, co-host Kenny Florian admitted that he was hopeful of seeing Rousey compete inside the Octagon again once more.

“It’s not easy being a professional wrestler. She’s certainly not going to take the same punishment to the head and she’s been a huge fan for a long time,” he said. “This must be a dream come true. But I’d rather see a super fight for Ronda. Maybe a fight with Gina Carano or something like that.”

Michael Bisping, who recently dropped the UFC middleweight title to Georges St-Pierre, believes this is the correct career move if it is what Rousey wants.

“I think it’s awesome. I’m all for fighters having a successful career after they’re done with the Octagon,” he said. “People think because it’s scripted, it’s easy. It’s not easy. All that traveling. And getting slammed on the floor takes its toll.”

Rousey last fought in 2016, returning to action and being stopped by Amanda Nunes in under a minute. She lost the UFC female bantamweight title to Holly Holm in 2015 after winning her first 12 fights. That included triumphs over Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, Bethe Correia and Sara McMann.

Earlier this year, Rousey and UFC heavyweight Travis Browne were married. Her successful UFC career helped Rousey land movie roles in “The Expendables 3,” “Furious 7” and “Entourage,” along with a handful of TV spots.

Rousey’s biggest WWE appearance to date was at WrestleMania 31 when she stood inside the ring with The Rock, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon for a segment.