Report: Ronda Rousey Asked For Controversial WWE Return

When Ronda Rousey wants WWE to bring you in, WWE brings you in...

Ronda rousey
WWE

Brian Kendrick's recent WWE producer tryout came at Ronda Rousey's request.

Reporting on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer stated that Rousey, who was trained by Kendrick early in her wrestling career, asked WWE to bring the former Cruiserweight Champion in to assist with her Survivor Series 2022 match. Ronda defended the SmackDown Women's Championship against Shotzi on the 26 November premium live event, with Kendrick helping produce the bout.

PWInsider that Kendrick worked the show as a tryout. On WOR, Meltzer claimed that this wasn't a hire, nor was it a "normal tryout." Rousey wanted Brian for the show, so WWE used him. Lead producer Jason Jordan also working on the match.

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Kendrick has been out of WWE since 1 February 2022, when he was released roughly one week after asking to be let go. A near-immediate AEW debut then fell through following the resurfacing of interviews and other videos featuring Kendrick spouting harmful rhetoric. Amongst Brian's words were anti-Jewish statements, conspiracy theories, and more.

AEW pulled Kendrick from the 2 February episode of Dynamite as a result. The situation cost him a television match with Jon Moxley. Afterwards, Kendrick apologised via Twitter, stating "These are not my beliefs and never were beliefs of mine, and I crossed the line."

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.