The decision to announce former WWE stars as part of this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match is different from what they have done in previous years but the strategy involves boosting ticket sales. The company is also working on unannounced surprises but they want to limit how many people they use from NXT.
During Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez discussed this year’s Rumble and he noted that he was told that the company does not want to use many names from NXT this year.
Alvarez said, “I was told, and you know when you’re told something by WWE you can report it but what you’re told yesterday is not the same as actually happens often. But I was told that they didn’t really want to use a lot of women from NXT. That’s probably changed by now as they have 11 women remaining.”
On Raw tonight, Doudrop, Liv Morgan, and Bianca Belair will compete for a shot at Becky Lynch’s Raw Women’s Championship. That title match will take place at the Rumble so presumably means that two of the three women in tonight’s Triple Threat Match will get spots in the Rumble. Alexa Bliss is also making her return soon as well so that is another potential spot that can be filled.
The following women have been announced for the Women’s Royal Rumble match: Nikki A.S.H., Rhea Ripley, Tamina, Dana Brooke, Zelina Vega, Carmella, Aliyah, Natalya, Naomi, Shotzi Blackheart, Shayna Baszler, Charlotte Flair, Mickie James, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Wrestling Observer Live with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription
