Even if you’re not a fan of wrestling, you must be familiar with Ronda Rousey, former WWE star, professional martial artist, an author and an inspiration for women around the country. In 2019, the former UFC champion retired from WWE and announced she was taking a break from wresting, maybe for good, to focus on her husband and start a family. At 33, Rousey has a long list of accomplishments to show for herself, and we’re here to take a loot at some of her best moments.

Appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated

Appearing on the cover of the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated is the peak of aspirations for any model, and Ronda Rousey made the cut even though she isn’t a model. The famous magazine wanted to feature the wrestling star on the cover to celebrate all body types and promote the message of acceptance of different body types. Rousey looked particularly fierce on her Sports Illustrated cover, and she wasn’t wearing a swimsuit, but body paint.

Her career accomplishments

Rousey once shared on an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that she was the highest paid fighter in UFC. There’s a misconception that wrestling and the martial arts (and any kind of sports, for that matter) are a men’s realm, but Rousey proved otherwise when she became UFC’s highest paid fighter, meaning she’s worth more than the men competing for UFC.

Attending the Marine Corps Ball With Jarrod Haschert

You might not remember, but in 2015 the wrestler had received a very touching request from U.S. marine Jarrod Haschert to accompany him on the Marine Corpse Ball. Haschert, a long-time fan of Rousey, shared a viral video on social media, where he asked the wrestler to be his date on the ball. Rousey honored her promise ad traveled to South Carolina to accompany Lance Cpl. Jarrod Haschert to the ball.

Winning a bronze medal at the Olympics

While she’s known as a WWE star in most households in the county, before she gained success in the wrestling world, Rousey was a martial artist, first and foremost. Did you know Ronda Rousey was an Olympic medalist? In 2008, after years of training, Rousey participated at the Beijing Olympic games and the 21-year old won the bronze medal, becoming the first American to win an Olympic medal in women’s judo .