In Season 3, Ruth feels extremely guilty for cutting a heel promo when the Space Shuttle "Challenger" explodes on live television, prompting her to have the rest of the Ladies observe a moment of silence backstage before their first show in Las Vegas. Sam refuses to let Ruth work on her day off and they instead have the "perfect day"; gambling, eating steak and meeting in the hot tub. Sam tells Ruth he's trying to respect their boundaries but she is making it impossible and admits he is in love with her. This brings her relationship with Russell in doubt, as she has feelings for Sam after rejecting him previously. During a camping trip, Ruth confesses to Debbie she is both "scared" and "excited" by Sam's profession of love. Debbie tells her to go after what she wants. When Sam and his daughter Justine successfully sell Justine's screenplay to a film studio, Sam invites Ruth to audition for the film. Ruth confesses her love to Sam after the audition, they kiss and leave the bar to go back to Sam's house. Wanting to be honest, he tells her the truth about the casting. She is emotionally devastated when he tells her that Justine has decided to cast someone else for the role. Ruth refuses to follow Sam home. Back at the hotel, the ladies put on a production of "A Christmas Carol" in the ring and exchange gifts. As they each depart for home, Debbie tells Ruth about Bash buying a television station, Debbie being the president and asking Ruth to direct a new GLOW show. Ruth declines saying she does not want what Debbie wants as she heads for her plane ride home to Omaha.