Booker T Defends AEW Bringing in Ronda Rousey as Smart Business Move

Ronda Rousey’s AEW Revolution appearance continues to divide opinion — but Booker T is making it clear he sees the move as pure business.

Speaking on the Hall of Fame podcast on March 17, 2026, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed the backlash and explained why he believes both Rousey and Tony Khan made the right call. Booker first framed the situation as a strategic move by AEW, explaining that when a name like Rousey becomes available, it’s an opportunity you don’t pass up — especially if the goal is to generate attention and momentum.

“Tony Khan is trying to move the needle any way possible. Ronda Rousey’s agent called Khan and said, ‘Ronda’s available — is there any interest in bringing Ronda to AEW Revolution?’ That’s something big, and Tony Khan is going to jump all over that, like he did. I can’t hate on it.”

He then shifted to Rousey herself, acknowledging that he didn’t agree with how she exited wrestling previously, but making it clear that personal opinions shouldn’t override business realities when it comes to making money.

“I’m not pleased with how Ronda Rousey left the business, but people are going to be people. I can’t hate on Ronda coming back and getting a payday from Tony Khan.”

Booker expanded further by pointing out that regardless of how successful someone is, financial pressure is always a factor — and he made it clear he believes Rousey’s return is largely motivated by that reality.

“You have to understand, she’s not an influencer or a great actor where Hollywood is calling her. We’ve heard about the money these UFC fighters make. Have you seen gas prices? Those little white envelopes that come in the mail on a weekly basis — they’re called bills. No matter how much money people think you’ve got, you need more. There’s a reason why I’m still working. Everybody needs money. Ronda Rousey needs money.”

He also framed this run as a potential second chance for Rousey to reshape how she’s viewed in the wrestling world, suggesting that opportunities like this may not come around again if things don’t go well.

“So hopefully she changes her way and understands that this second time around could be the most precious one, because there won’t be opportunities like this again. I give Rousey respect for understanding, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get out there and get this bag. Let me talk to Tony Khan and get some of that money because he’s passing it out.’”

At the same time, Booker tempered expectations about how long this run could last, suggesting that AEW may not have a long-term plan that keeps Rousey heavily involved for years.

“I don’t see Ronda Rousey being around AEW for long — maybe a year or six months. There’s not a whole lot for Ronda Rousey to do in AEW other than win the belt.”

His comments come as Rousey’s Revolution appearance continues to get a ton of backlash online, with fans split over whether the surprise helped the show or created unnecessary controversy. From Booker T’s perspective, though, the situation is simple — it’s business, it’s money, and it’s about taking opportunities when they’re there.

Do you agree with Booker T’s take on Ronda Rousey’s AEW appearance being about business and money, or do you think the backlash tells a different story? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback.

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