Report: WWE Creative Issues Over Big SummerSlam 2023 Match

This WWE SummerSlam 2023 match had creative struggles between the wrestlers and writers.

by Andy H Murray
Shayna Baszler Ronda Rousey
WWE.com

Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler's WWE SummerSlam 2023 match was preceded by creative issues between the wrestlers and the writing team.

Dave Meltzer reported as much on Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that Rousey and Baszler had problems with the creative team regarding how the MMA Rules bout was to play out. He noted that regular MMA bouts don't have 10-counts and knockdowns, but some people were "stuck in one mindset about combat," while others thought a different way, without elaborating on any specific issues.

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Baszler defeated Rousey at SummerSlam, with the referee calling for the bell while 'The Baddest Woman on the Planet' passed out in a Kirifuda Clutch. Announcer Michael Cole referred to this as a "technical submission" on the night.

Rousey is understood to be on her way out of WWE following the defeat - at least for now. Meltzer reported in July that Ronda had a "hard out" on her contract, though she was insistent on working with real-life friend Baszler before stepping away.

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There is currently no word on how long Rousey will be away, or if she'll even return to the promotion.

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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.