Ronda Rousey’s plans for WrestleMania 39 initially looked very different.
In late 2022 Rousey was still SmackDown Women’s Champion and seemingly heading towards a headline singles bout at WrestleMania. However, on the December 30th episode of SmackDown, she lost the title to a returning Charlotte Flair.
Speaking in the weeks after the match, The Queen revealed that she only found out she was winning on the day of the show.
A new report from WrestlingNewsPremium, has now broken down how plans for the former MMA star changed and why. The report states that Rousey was originally scheduled to defend the SmackDown Women’s Title at Rhea Ripley. This change has resulted in Ripley challenging Flair for the title instead.
The switch was reportedly made because Rousey has been pushing for a Women’s Tag Team Title run with real-life friend Shayna Baszler. The report adds that the word within WWE is that Rousey and Baszler will have a title reign lasting through the spring and into the summer. It is believed that the pair will take on new champions Becky Lynch and Lita, although it’s unclear whether other teams will also be involved.
“Ronda is pushing for the tag titles. That’s the match that she wants and whatever she wants she gets.”
Ronda Rousey Wants Tag Team Gold
Ronda Rousey has been open about her desire to win the Women’s Tag Team Titles alongside Baszler. Speaking in the wake of her loss to Charlotte Flair, the star said that she was “done” with her rival and wanted to conquer the tag team division.