Ronda Rousey is giving major props to Jon Moxley for helping Marina Shafir elevate her game in AEW. In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, the former WWE and UFC champion reflected on Shafir’s growth over the past year—and credited Moxley as a key figure behind it.
Shafir’s journey took a turn at AEW All Out 2024, where she aligned with The Death Riders after the Blackpool Combat Club turned on Bryan Danielson. Since then, she’s been featured in major storylines, including the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing. Rousey was blown away by the evolution of her longtime friend:
“She’s coming into her own in that space and feeling really confident and just becoming like a real f—ing pro.”
She reflected on Shafir’s journey from being a rookie to becoming a top-tier performer:
“Going from being like, ‘How do I do an arm drag?’ To being part of five-star matches and stuff like that, it’s really great to see her just having so much joy with it and rising to the top level of the industry.”
Rousey didn’t hold back when praising Moxley’s mentorship, calling him “the most incredible human being ever.”
“He is just so supportive and so kind and so passionate.”
“He’s just so humble and I feel like so much of that success stems from his talent — and not just his talent, but his willingness and passion to give back and to bring up everybody with him and have his rising tide lift all of their boats. And I’m so grateful for him and the kind of friend that he’s been to Marina.”
For Rousey, it’s leaders like Moxley who are keeping the heart of the business alive:
“They’re the real lifeblood of the industry. And I hope that continues and that it’s encouraged, and that it’s not like some cutthroat, ‘me versus you’ kind of environment.”
“It’s the culture and the giving back to each other and the constant hands helping each other up — that is what makes it continue to be great. And will continue to make pro wrestling rise in cultural awareness.”
Shafir and Rousey had a short but memorable run as a tag team after Rousey’s WWE departure in 2023, working shows for Lucha Va Voom, Revolver, and Ring of Honor—with wins over Taya Valkyrie, Brian Kendrick, Billie Starkz, and Athena.
How do you feel about Jon Moxley’s influence behind the scenes in AEW? Does Marina Shafir have the tools to reach the top? Drop your thoughts below and sound off.
September 7, 2025 3:48 pm
