5 surprise entrants for the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble

The fifth Women’s WWE Royal Rumble in history is eight days away – we are on the road to WrestleMania.

This time of the year is always exciting for fans. The ones inside The Dome at America’s Center will be loud – considering the event took place in the ThunderDome 12 months ago.

WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair, will attempt to do what Brock Lesner could not – two years ago – win the over-the-top-rope bout while holding a world title.

“The Queen” is one of 21 women confirmed so far. Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Shayna Baszler, and Queen Zelina have also thrown their names into the hat.

Mickie James – the Impact Knockouts World Champion – will walk through the “forbidden door” to participate in the match.

The best thing about the Rumble match is the surprise entrants – below are five women that could fill some of the nine remaining spots in the contest.

5. Dakota Kai

It seems Dakota Kai is not going to win the NXT Women’s Championship anytime soon – so calling her up to the main roster may not be a bad idea.

Kai joined WWE in 2015 but is yet to move to WWE Raw or Smackdown – she wrestled a pre-show dark match on the blue brand last November – so a long-awaited promotion could be on the horizon.

The Kiwi’s unhinged gimmick could translate well on either show – she is more than ready to take the next step in her career. Both shows need an injection of new talent – the women’s rosters are thin at the moment.

Damian Priest entered last year’s Royal Rumble as a member of the Black and Gold brand – the night after he made his Raw debut.

There is no reason why Kai cannot do the same. She has the talent to be a major player wherever she ends up – the former leader of Team Kick is too good to be drifting along in NXT 2.0, a bigger stage beckons.

4. Trish Stratus 

Considering Lita, a woman Trish Stratus went to war with during the Attitude Era, is in the Royal Rumble – it would be great to see the two foes share the ring again.

The Canadian’s appearance does not need to be a one-shot deal. The Rumble could set up a future match against Rhea Ripley, Natalya, or Liv Morgan. The latter recently share a message of encouragement from Stratus – Morgan would love to go one-on-one with one of her inspirations.

Those would be fresh opponents for the WWE Hall of Famer, but you cannot rule out her facing Lita one more time. A final showdown with old rival Mickie James would be a great visual on the night.

Even if Stratus does not have one more singles match – her appearance would be warmly received by fans live at the Premium Live Event and those watching at home – we all need some “Stratusfaction” in our lives.

3. Melina

One of the most popular superstars of the Ruthless Aggression Era – the WWE Universe is desperate to see Melina return for one last match – the Royal Rumble would be the perfect time to bring her back.

Despite Melina stating she wants to come back to WWE – she has only made sporadic appearances since leaving a decade ago – the most recent was a 24/7 Title skit on the January 4th, 2021 Legends Night edition of WWE Raw. A throwaway segment is not befitting someone who achieved as much as Melina did in her prime.

Melina entering the Rumble could lead to some exciting scenarios down the line.

Naomi is on record saying stepping into the ring with Melina would be a “dream match” – while plenty of other women on the roster would love to share the ring with former five times Women’s Champion.

After dedicating herself to WWE for eight years – Melina should be given one final run in the company – if not a run, a proper send-off is the least she deserves. This should lead to a well-deserved Hall of Fame induction.

2. Bayley

When Bayley tore her ACL last July – she was expected to be out of action for nine months – however, her recent social media activity indicates she could return sooner than expected.

WWE’s self-proclaimed “Role Model” was on the hottest run of her career before her injury – turning heel took her to another level – she was one of the highlights of the Pandemic Era. The product has suffered without her.

Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch hold the SmackDown and Raw titles at the moment – Bayley has a history with both as all three, alongside Sasha Banks, rose through the ranks of NXT as the Four Horsewomen. Things can change quickly in WWE – but Bayley would love to face two of her closest friends at WrestleMania 38 – the fact she is a “free-agent” makes things interesting.

Should Bayley return in the Royal Rumble – she has to be one of the favorites to win it – a repeat of what John Cena did in 2008 could be in the pipeline.

The longest-reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion in history has dedicated her life to WWE – having her hand raised in St. Louis – would be the perfect reward for her hard work.

1. Ronda Rousey

Yes, I am aware Ronda Rousey gave birth four months ago, but this article is about “surprise entrants” in the Royal Rumble – and this would shock the world.

Rousey has unfinished business in WWE. Her last match was in the main event of WrestleMania 35 – where she lost the Raw Women’s Championship to Becky Lynch – who has that belt at the moment.

“The Baddest Women on the Planet” would not have to be in the Rumble for long. She could enter at number 30 – eliminate a handful of women – and win the whole thing. WrestleMania is three months away, more than enough time for Rousey to train for a collision three years in the making.

A singles match between Rousey and Lynch on the Grandest Stage of The All would be an attraction fitting for WWE’s biggest show of the year – we only have a few days to find out if they go in that direction.