Ronda Rousey’s WWE Run: A Lesson in Balancing Fame and Health

It’s no secret that Ronda Rousey’s time in the WWE was tumultuous. After two stints with the promotion, she left in October and didn’t hold back in her criticism of the company, calling it “an absolute s*** show.” But as former wrestler and promoter Josh Barnett points out, the situation was a delicate balance between Rousey’s fast rise to fame and the mishandling of her health on both sides.

In an interview with Kosport Magazine, Barnett suggests that the pressure of being a main event wrestler, with all the media and press that comes with it, can easily push someone too far and lead to negative returns in the long run. He also acknowledges the difficulty of speaking up about these issues when your paycheck is on the line.

But as Barnett notes, it’s ultimately up to the wrestler or fighter to look out for themselves and communicate with their bosses. And while it may be tempting for promoters to push their top stars to their limits, it’s important to recognize when someone may need to take a step back for their own well-being.

Unfortunately, Rousey’s run in the WWE was likely always going to go one way: she was simply too big to be patient with. As Barnett explains, her hot streak after getting blasted in the nose was a turn-on-a-dime moment that drew in fans and made her a must-see attraction. But with that level of fame comes a lot of pressure to deliver, and it’s tough for promoters to keep fans satisfied.

The Price of Fame: Rousey’s MMA Career and Retirement

While Rousey’s criticisms were mainly directed at the WWE, her MMA career was not without its flaws. In a recent interview with Kosport Magazine, she revealed that her retirement from MMA was due in large part to repeated concussions and her disillusionment with fans and media after her loss to Holly Holm.

Barnett sympathizes with Rousey’s negative experiences, but also acknowledges that they are a part of the greater combat sports experience. As he puts it, “making Holly Holm a star was still, overall in the grand scheme of MMA, a positive thing.” And while it may be tough for Rousey to see or hear, it’s important to remember that these are high stakes, high pressure situations and not every day will be your day.

But as Barnett reminds us, it’s all about having faith in yourself and your abilities, and not letting the fear of failure hold you back. And in the end, it’s up to promoters to recognize when their top stars may need a break for their own well-being.

Summary: Finding Balance in the World of Combat Sports

Ronda Rousey’s time in the WWE and MMA serves as a cautionary tale about the delicate balance between fame and health in the world of combat sports. As former wrestler and promoter Josh Barnett points out, the pressure to constantly perform at a high level can take a toll on a person’s well-being, and it’s important for both the athlete and the promoter to communicate and find a balance that works for everyone. While Rousey’s experiences may have been negative, they also served as a lesson for the industry as a whole. In the end, it’s all about having faith in yourself and your abilities, and not letting the fear of failure hold you back.