By Ronda Rousey is one of the most recognizable names in both the sports and entertainment worlds. Known for her dominating career in mixed martial arts (MMA), Rousey transitioned from a UFC champion to a successful actress and TV personality, proving that her talents extend far beyond the octagon. In this article, we explore Ronda Rousey’s journey through movies and TV shows, her most iconic roles, and how her career has evolved in the entertainment industry.
Ronda Rousey: From UFC Champion to Hollywood Star
Ronda Rousey made history as one of the most dominant female fighters in UFC history, winning multiple titles and breaking records along the way. Her undefeated streak and innovative fighting style brought her global recognition. But what truly set Ronda apart was her ability to cross over into other industries, particularly acting and television. After her successful MMA career, Rousey began taking on roles in movies and TV shows, showcasing her versatility and natural charisma. Today, she’s not just an MMA legend; she’s also a recognized Hollywood talent with a string of impressive credits in movies and TV shows.
The Rise of Ronda Rousey in Hollywood
Ronda Rousey’s foray into Hollywood began almost immediately after her success in the UFC. Her intense athletic background and larger-than-life personality made her a natural fit for action-packed roles. However, Ronda’s path to acting wasn’t always linear. She trained hard, learned the craft of acting, and began building her resume in a series of high-profile roles.
Her first major film role came in 2014, when she starred in the action-packed movie “The Expendables 3” alongside action legends like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jason Statham. This film introduced her to a larger audience and demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned Hollywood stars.
But it wasn’t just action movies that Ronda Rousey was drawn to. She took on a variety of roles in different genres, proving that she was not limited to just the action genre. From romantic comedies to dramas, Ronda’s versatility began to shine through.
Ronda Rousey’s Most Popular Movies
Let’s take a look at some of Ronda Rousey’s most popular and critically acclaimed roles in movies.
1. The Expendables 3 (2014)
In “The Expendables 3,” Ronda Rousey played the role of Luna, a skilled fighter who joins the elite group of mercenaries known as the Expendables. While her role was secondary to the main stars, Ronda’s presence in the film was undeniable. She showcased her action chops and held her own in several intense fight scenes. This movie marked her first major Hollywood project and set the stage for future roles.
2. Furious 7 (2015)
One of Ronda Rousey’s most high-profile roles came in “Furious 7,” the seventh installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise. In this film, Ronda played the role of Kara, a security expert who engages in an intense fight sequence with Michelle Rodriguez’s character, Letty. The fight between Ronda and Michelle became one of the most memorable moments in the film. It’s no surprise that Ronda’s martial arts background made her a perfect fit for the action-packed world of “Fast & Furious.”
Furious 7 was a commercial success, grossing over $1.5 billion worldwide, and Ronda’s role added another layer of excitement to the already action-packed franchise.
3. Road House (2023)
In 2023, Ronda Rousey starred in the remake of the cult classic “Road House.” In this film, Ronda takes on the role of a tough, no-nonsense bouncer who is tasked with keeping the peace in a rowdy bar. The movie also starred Jake Gyllenhaal, adding a star-studded appeal to the film. Though the movie didn’t receive rave reviews from critics, Ronda’s performance as a strong and capable action star was well-received.
4. Mile 22 (2018)
Ronda Rousey appeared in “Mile 22,” a high-octane action film alongside Mark Wahlberg, John Malkovich, and Iko Uwais. In the film, Ronda plays a CIA operative named Sam Snow. Her role in the film was a departure from her usual physical roles, as her character was a key member of a tactical team in a high-stakes mission to extract an informant. The film’s intense action sequences and fast pace were complemented by Ronda’s tough persona, making her a perfect fit for the action-packed story.
5. The Meg (2018)
In “The Meg,” Ronda Rousey takes on a supporting role in this action-packed thriller about a group of scientists who must face off against a massive, prehistoric shark. Though Ronda’s role was not as prominent as the lead characters, her presence added a layer of physicality and intensity to the film’s action sequences. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $530 million worldwide, and Ronda’s performance further cemented her place as a rising action star.
6. Entourage (2015)
In addition to her action roles, Ronda Rousey made a notable appearance in the comedy-drama “Entourage” (2015). In this film, she played herself in a memorable cameo where she has a brief but intense confrontation with one of the main characters, Vince. This appearance was a fun moment for fans of the show, as Ronda was able to bring her unique blend of toughness and humor to the big screen.
Ronda Rousey’s TV Shows and Appearances
While Ronda Rousey made her name in movies, she also found success in the world of television. Whether through reality shows, guest appearances, or starring in scripted series, Ronda’s charisma and on-screen presence made her a natural for the small screen.
1. Total Divas (2013-2014)
Ronda Rousey made her reality TV debut with “Total Divas,” a reality series that aired on the E! network. The show followed the lives of WWE Divas, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their careers and personal lives. Ronda joined the cast in 2013, and her appearances helped solidify her place in the world of wrestling and entertainment.
This show provided Ronda with a platform to engage with a different type of audience and expand her fan base. The show also gave fans a more intimate look at Ronda’s personality, both inside and outside the ring, revealing her humor, toughness, and passion for sports and entertainment.
2. WWE Smackdown and Raw (2018-Present)
Although not a traditional TV show, Ronda Rousey’s appearances on WWE Smackdown and Raw have been significant moments in her entertainment career. After making her WWE debut in 2018, Ronda quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in the company, captivating fans with her physicality and on-screen persona. Her role as both an athlete and performer on WWE shows has kept her in the spotlight, garnering her a dedicated fan base.
Ronda’s character in WWE is known for her no-nonsense attitude and her willingness to step into the ring with some of the toughest women in wrestling. Her success in WWE shows has paved the way for even more TV appearances, including interviews, specials, and guest spots on other wrestling-related programming.
3. The Big Bang Theory (2016)
Ronda Rousey made a memorable cameo on “The Big Bang Theory” in 2016. She appeared as herself, showing off her humorous side in a short but unforgettable appearance. The episode, titled “The Romance Resonance,” features Ronda in a hilarious scene where she interacts with the show’s main characters, including Sheldon Cooper (played by Jim Parsons). Ronda’s light-hearted performance was a hit with fans and demonstrated her versatility beyond the action-packed roles she was best known for.
4. Ronda Rousey: The Arm Collector (2024)
In 2024, Ronda Rousey stars in a TV miniseries titled “Ronda Rousey: The Arm Collector.” This action-packed show, which airs on a streaming platform, explores Ronda’s character as a former special forces operative who uses her martial arts skills to take down dangerous criminals. The series has received positive early reviews for Ronda’s intense performance and her ability to bring her real-life fighting skills into her character.
Conclusion
Ronda Rousey has proven time and time again that she is more than just an MMA champion. From her breakout role in “The Expendables 3” to her various TV appearances, Ronda has shown that her talents in front of the camera are just as impressive as her skills in the ring. With her charismatic personality, tough-girl image, and diverse acting abilities, Ronda has successfully transitioned into the world of Hollywood and television.
Whether it’s in action films, reality TV, or scripted series, Ronda Rousey’s career is a testament to her adaptability and drive. As she continues to take on new projects and challenge herself, there’s no doubt that Ronda will remain a prominent figure in both the entertainment and sports worlds for years to come.
With her rising star power, Ronda Rousey is sure to have many more exciting roles in the future, both in movies and on TV.
