For me, there is no less interesting Women's Royal Rumble match since its introduction on January 28th, 2018! The first was historical with Lita, Trish, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool, Torrie Wilson, Kelly Kelly and many future stars involved. Since then it's always entertaining and stunning for women's wrestling fans. For me - it's a historical and eventful match every year!
It's so hard to predict who will win it! This year we have so many past and future entries, that it's overwhelming and rumours are still running that former-WWE Iconic characters like Melina might enter the ring as a surprise. There are so many interesting names involved which I am curious how far they will go as Liv Morgan who didn't have much luck on some of the previous years' matches, Shotzi is entering for another year in a row and she might bring a lot of action. My eyes are wide open and I can't say that there is no one that I care less about. All 30 women are important tonight.
Of course, we have the historical precedent of a signed Impact Knockout Champion - Mickie James, who will enter the Rumble. After years of wars between WWE and Impact Wrestling, this is real history in the making and huge collaboration.
Lita returns tonight and we can't wait to see how far she will go, as well as Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool and surprise, surprise - Summer Rae who we will expect to revive her rivalry with Natalya in the ring.
The Bella Twins are back as well and it sounds interesting to watch, remembering the role in the inaugural match in 2018 when Nikki Bella reached the final two and had a dramatic clash with Asuka (who is the inaugural winner and we hope to see her tonight).
Charlotte Flair is entering the Rumble as a champion declaring that this time she will not be the opportunity but she will grab the opportunity to compete at WrestleMania (after she skipped last year). She is someone who we can bet on to be seen in the last four-three competitors at the end. She's really hungry for a second win.
Dana Brooke is entering the match as a WWE 24/7 Champion, which might lead to some intrigue around her belt! We may see some female Superstars becoming 24/7 Champs again for a while or some of the men sneaking and winning the belt. There are possibilities for some story and drama in here as well.
Sasha Banks returned yesterday on SmackDown is really shaking the field as the Boss has always been one of the prominent and long-lasting. Banks was in the last four in the inaugural Royal Rumble also being the #1 entrant and the long-lasting competitor. I think that she is the one serious contender to win this year. Sonya Deville is entering in the last moment self-announcement after a loss to Naomi last night and that means some "bad news" for the Glow who will participate in her 5th consecutive Royal Rumble match and had made some history as the female version of Kofi Kingston with her unique cases of avoidance to be eliminated when she fell outside the ring.
Rhea Ripley is someone else who was close to winning last year but was eliminated by the winner Bianca Belair on the match final, and many (including me) want to see her as the eventual winner this year. Of course, she will have to deal with Nikki A.S.H., the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions duo of Queen Zelina and Carmella.
23 names are announced and 7 spots are still a secret. Maybe Asuka and Bayley will return. We don't know anything about Alexa Bliss - at this point, it looks like she is into her therapy sessions, but who knows. Xia Li is not announced as well. Maybe some NXT names like the NXT Women's Champion Mandy Rose or Raquel Gonzalez might pop up We can have another Becky Lynch moment (I hope not) - it's on the table as well. The Melina rumours are strong and I really wish to see that.
7 spots are not much but they can cause a real crowd to pop-in in excitement depending on who will enter, and I am sure that all of us want to see it. the door is open. The patience is at its peak. Our sights are set on the event tonight.
Don't miss it!
A NOTE: It would be interesting if we see Doudrop making history as the 5th woman (next to Chyna, Beth Phoenix, Kharma (Awesome Kong) and Nia Jax) entering the Men's Royal Rumble Match. If not this year maybe the next one. I think she and eventually Tamina has the potential to do it!
AWOW RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The field of competitors thus far includes current Superstars and multiple WWE Hall of Famers such as the following:
- Sasha Banks
- Bianca Belair
- Sonya Deville
- Liv Morgan
- Charlotte Flair
- Naomi
- Rhea Ripley
- Nikki A.S.H.
- Brie Bella
- Nikki Bella
- Carmella
- Queen Zelina
- Lita
- Michelle McCool
- Kelly Kelly
- Dana Brooke
- Natalya
- Mickie James
- Tamina
- Shayna Baszler
- Summer Rae
- Aliyah
- Shotzi
