Ronda Rousey, the renowned professional wrestler and Hollywood star, has recently found herself in the midst of a disappointing feud with her close friend Shayna Baszler, resulting in a humiliating record for the former Fast and Furious star.
Rousey's journey to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. From being the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics to her foray into professional wrestling, she has achieved numerous feats throughout her career.
Her on-screen performances in Hollywood, including her role as Kara in Fast & Furious 7, have further solidified her status as a multifaceted talent.
However, her recent feud with Shayna Baszler has garnered significant attention, albeit for the wrong reasons.
The two wrestlers, who were once an unstoppable female duo in WWE, saw their friendship take a sour turn when Baszler turned on Rousey at Money in the Bank. This betrayal marked the beginning of a feud that culminated in a highly anticipated match at SummerSlam 2023.
Unfortunately, the Rousey vs. Baszler feud failed to resonate with fans, as it was voted one of the top five worst feuds of 2023. This unexpected turn of events has undoubtedly left a blemish on Rousey's otherwise illustrious career.
The alliance between Rousey and Baszler initially held great promise, given their similar origin stories and undeniable chemistry in the ring. Their victory in the women's
WrestleMania Showcase fatal four-way tag team match at WrestleMania 39 catapulted them to new heights of popularity. Subsequently, they secured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in the wrestling world.
However, their once captivating partnership took a drastic turn following a brief reign as champions.
The rift between the two wrestlers escalated into a bitter feud, culminating in Baszler defeating Rousey in an MMA rules match at SummerSlam 2023.
The fallout from their highly publicized feud has been palpable, with fans expressing their disappointment through various platforms.
A poll conducted by Observer ranked Rousey and Baszler as the fourth worst feud in WWE for 2023, underscoring the widespread disapproval of their storyline.
This unexpected backlash has cast a shadow over Rousey's legacy as a WWE superstar, drawing parallels to her tumultuous tenure in the UFC.
The disapproval of the feud extended beyond the fan base, as prominent figures within WWE also voiced their reservations. Vince Russo, during his appearance at the Legion of RAW, expressed his disdain for the ongoing dispute between Rousey and Baszler.
He labeled it as the "worst thing" on the show and criticized the portrayal of Baszler as a "babyface," a term used in wrestling to denote a heroic character.
Russo's critique of the feud shed light on the underlying issues that plagued the storyline, further underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the direction it had taken.
His remarks added another layer of scrutiny to an already contentious narrative, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the creative direction.
While feuds are an integral part of professional wrestling and often serve as a source of excitement for fans, the Rousey vs. Baszler saga has fallen short of expectations.
The lackluster reception to their feud serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges inherent in storytelling within the realm of sports entertainment.
As Ronda Rousey navigates this challenging chapter in her career, she will undoubtedly draw upon her resilience and determination to overcome this setback.
Whether she chooses to address the fallout from her feud with Baszler or chart a new course in her wrestling journey, one thing remains certain—Rousey's unwavering spirit will continue to define her legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
