Dana White's Comments on Ronda Rousey Threw WWE Off

While WWE had long-term plans for Ronda Rousey to work WrestleMania 32, when she made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 31, those plans may have to be put on the back burner. In a recent interview, UFC President Dana White stated that Rousey will not wrestle a match for WWE. His words reportedly “stunned” a number of WWE officials, who thought Rousey was part of the WWE family.

A recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter from Dave Meltzer has provided more information on how WWE was caught off guard by Dana White’s comments. The impression within WWE was that Rousey would be involved with WWE in some fashion in 2016, whether or not she wrestled. Now, her WWE status is in question, following White’s “one and done” remark.

WWE reportedly went as far to make video packages with Rousey involved for future use. Additionally, on Thursday, April 30, during a live WWE Network special of “Talk is Jericho” with Stephanie McMahon, WWE had wanted to mention Rousey. However, following White’s comments, the company may not use the podcast to plant the seeds for a McMahon vs. Rousey feud like it had hoped to.

Still, WWE remains optimistic. The belief within the company is that there is still a lot of time to resolve any disputes. As noted, WWE may use the “Hell in a Cell” pay-per-view to further any sort of Ronda Rousey WrestleMania 32 storyline.

Editor’s Note

It’s way too early to make any guarantees regarding Rousey’s WWE status in 2016.