The first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match will take place at WWE Royal Rumble 2018.
The women of WWE are making history yet again. Until the groundbreaking announcement on the December 18th edition of Monday Night Raw, seeing a match of this magnitude was just a daydream. But now, the Women’s Royal Rumble is happening, and the news spread like wildfire.
For me, I’ll never forget how awesome it was when Chyna was the first woman to enter a Royal Rumble match. Chyna won a Corporate battle royal for the number thirty spot back in 1999. Beth Phoenix and Kharma’s entries were just as exciting and shocking. Kharma was the last woman to enter the Royal Rumble back in 2012, coming in at number twenty one. It gave fans the idea that an all-women’s Rumble was possible in due time. Fast forward to five plus years later, it’s almost like a personal victory to see the women’s Rumble come to fruition.
The Rumble has been known for its surprises during the match as well as tying storylines together that have happened in the past. For example, upon Chyna’s entry she aimed to attack Mark Henry. She and Henry were involved in a controversial angle, where Chyna ultimately set Henry up with a transvestite named Sammy. Whereas, with Beth Phoenix and Kharma both women set out to make a statement that they were tough and ready for whatever laid ahead of them.
Plus, WrestleMania is around the corner and that adds to the excitement of one of the most thrilling events of the year. With main events, Money in the Bank, and now the Rumble, it is a matter of time before we could possibly see a legit semi-main event or a main event women’s match at WrestleMania. The ladies are ready to continue shattering the glass ceiling, and with the talent on the women’s roster, it could be sooner rather than later for that dream to be realized.
Coming back to the surprise element, there is no doubt that we will see some surprise entrants. Feeding nostalgia and tying the generations together is acceptable in this instance, plus it gives fans a taste of what could emerge from any face to face moments. Not to mention that there might be a surprising debut to add to the women’s Rumble. The Royal Rumble is a big player in the “anything can happen” line that has been fed to the WWE Universe for years. That’s why the Rumble is one of the most exciting events of the year.
This year the Rumble is a can’t-miss event. It will be interesting to see what storylines come out of the Rumble match and who will be the first winner of the inaugural event. Even though Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss can’t participate in the event as Champions, seeing their potential WrestleMania opponents will bring the hype as the route to New Orleans begins. Perhaps the surprise entrants may open up big storylines leading up to Mania as well.
While the surprise element entries is anyone’s game for the most part, there’s three women who would make the entries just a little bit more monumental for the first Women’s Rumble. They are entries that fans would love to see. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but the possibilities are there.
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Trish Stratus
Upon the Women’s Royal Rumble announcement, Trish Stratus immediately posted a teaser post on Twitter. As one of the greatest women Superstars of WWE, seeing Stratus possibly enter the Rumble would be a full circle moment considering all that she has contributed through her career. Stratus is still in great shape thanks to her yoga business, and perhaps we may see her pursue a run heading to WrestleMania.
There's NOTHING @WWE women cannot do. It's been a long-time coming - can't wait for the FIRST EVER WOMENS #RoyalRumble! Now…where dem boots?
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) December 19, 2017
And speaking of WrestleMania, Stratus last took part in a match at WrestleMania 27 back in 2011. Stratus showed no signs of rust during her match facing Laycool and Dolph Ziggler. With a new generation of women who are doing even bigger things for the Women’s Division, could Stratus step up to challenge one of today’s best?
Stratus’ potential entry into the Rumble may not generate a victory, but maybe her appearance could set up a dream match for WrestleMania. She would have many great opponents to choose from Sasha Banks to Becky Lynch to Asuka. The Rumble is anyone’s gain despite the outcome of the match. For now, seeing a storyline with Stratus is a pipedream, even if she’s being a tease.
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Beth Phoenix
Out of the three women who have entered the Royal Rumble, Phoenix is the only one who is still around WWE. The Hall of Famer’s entry would bridge the gap between the Rumbles in another full circle moment. Because of this, her appearance would be so much more special if it happened.
Phoenix was the second woman to enter the Royal Rumble back in 2010, entering at number six. Her appearance was short however she was able to eliminate The Great Khali. Phoenix would use the power of seduction to thwart Khali over the top rope in one of the Rumble’s most shocking eliminations. She maximized her minutes to which it helped define her career.
It would be interesting to see that if she did make an appearance in the Women’s Royal Rumble, what would come out of it? Regardless if it is a one-time only appearance or beyond, its Phoenix’s chance to prove that she still has what it takes. Perhaps it could be a passing of the torch moment for a current Superstar. While that theory applies to Stratus as well, for Phoenix it would mean more considering the idea she would be a part of both Royal Rumbles.
Phoenix retired back in 2012 and has started a family since then. It seems unlikely that the notoriously private Phoenix would make a comeback run. However, she isn’t even forty yet so perhaps it’s not out of the question. The former Women’s and Divas Champion has done plenty in her career in addition to breaking boundaries. While her run may be subtle at best, it set the tone for years to come. Phoenix is owed a thank you in addition to some credit for the Women’s Royal Rumble.
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Ronda Rousey
It is believed that Rousey could be primed for a big spot on the roster once she is ready to debut for the company. It has been over a year since she has competed in the UFC, which her career there is all but over. However, with news reports of her joining WWE, it has fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation of exactly what Rousey is doing.
Once deemed the “Most Dangerous Unarmed Woman in the World”, Rousey more than likely would have the Brock Lesnar hype follow her into the company. The Women’s Rumble would be a hell of a start for the former bantamweight champion. If she were to enter the Rumble, Rousey’s chances of winning would be huge considering her history.
While a Rumble win for Rousey isn’t favorable for me, it would do huge press for WWE on the road to WrestleMania. Fans know that when it comes to big press, money talks for the company. Also, Rousey is no stranger to WrestleMania. She took part in a segment with The Rock, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon back in 2015.
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Rousey’s presence was a part of the Mae Young Classic as she supported fellow Horsewoman and Mae Young Classic runner up Shayna Bazler last summer. Even if she didn’t win the Rumble, a Horsewomen vs. Horsewomen match is very alluring going into the New Year. With that being said, considering the rumors and possibilities Rousey will more than likely be a part of WrestleMania one way or another. Perhaps a shocking debut will be a huge start.