The IInspiration turned down Royal Rumble appearances, per Fightful Select

It’s Royal Rumble season and like years past, fans are interested in who will show up as a surprise for both the Men’s and Women’s matches. Fightful Select released some interesting news on Sunday that WWE reached out to two particular women to participate in what could have been an IIconic return, but they turned the invitation down.

Cassie Lee and Jess McKay, formerly known as Peyton Royce and Billie Kay respectively, were offered a spot in the women’s Royal Rumble but elected against taking the offer. According to the report, both women felt that this isn’t the right time to make a return to the WWE because they are “happy with their current path.”

Now known as the Inspiration, Lee and McKay are the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Champions. Their run as champion began back at Impact Bound for Glory in October where thy defeated Decay. Together, they are also former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, picking up those titles in a Fatal Four-Way back at WrestleMania 35.

Lee and McKay were among the several names released by the WWE since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. They were released back in April of 2021, along with other prominent names. Mickie James was also cut that day and she’s gone on a successful run since, securing the IMPACT Knockouts Championship. She will take part in the Royal Rumble match.

According to the Fightful Select report, other names that were cut from the roster in recent years were also contacted about returning for the Royal Rumble this weekend, but those names were not revealed.

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