In 2018, WWE made a major addition to its Royal Rumble shows. Women’s Royal Rumble matches were introduced. We’re now in year six of female superstars hearing their entrance music hit after the 10-second buzzer reaches zero. Despite the short period of time, the ladies have already created memorable moments that the WWE Universe won’t soon forget.
Many of WWE‘s current stars have had their share of standout moments. Not to be outdone are the women of past WWE eras. As we head into the 2024 Royal Rumble on January 27, here are the top five moments in the history of the WWE women’s Royal Rumble match:
5. Melina Makes Short But Memorable Return to WWE
Melina hadn’t been seen on WWE programming since a backstage 24/7 championship skit in 2019. That changed when she appeared as the second entrant in the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble match. Melina entered and did her famous split, but her in-ring time only lasted 53 seconds. Sasha Banks eliminated the former WWE Divas champion.
While some fans were upset by the short in-ring time, Melina was quite emotional backstage and thankful for the opportunity.
4. Mickie James Enters Royal Rumble As Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion
When Mickie James made her Royal Rumble return in 2022, she had a slew of eyeballs on her. While the fact that she appeared was surprising, given that she was on the Impact roster, she even walked out wearing her Knockouts Championship. Keep in mind, this was under the Vince McMahon regime, making this moment even more bizarre but awesome.
3. Rhea Ripley Wins 2023 Royal Rumble
The result may have been predictable, but sometimes, predictability can be a good thing. WWE made Rhea Ripley look like an absolute beast during the 2023 Royal Rumble match. She entered at number one and lasted over an hour. The final three participants in the match were Ripley, Asuka, and Liv Morgan.
All three women were on the ring apron at one point when Rhea managed to kick Asuka’s leg, forcing her off the apron and causing her elimination. When it was down to Ripley and Liv, Rhea found herself trying to skin the cat to avoid losing the match. She pulled herself up enough to trap Liv and sent her flying to the outside to win the 2023 women’s Royal Rumble match. She went on to defeat Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 to become the SmackDown Women’s Champion in an excellent match.
2. Becky Lynch Replaces Lana At 2019 Royal Rumble
In the opening match of the 2019 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Becky Lynch challenged Asuka for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. While Becky failed to capture the gold, this was not her final appearance of the night.
Lana was supposed to show up as the number 28 entrant in the match, but a storyline ankle injury prevented her from doing so. As a result, Becky Lynch took her spot to receive a world title match at WrestleMania 35. Becky defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair to become the Raw and SmackDown women’s champion.
1. Ronda Rousey Appears to Close 2018 Royal Rumble Show
No one was ready for Asuka in the inaugural women’s Royal Rumble match. She ended up winning the match and was joined in the ring by Alexa Bliss, who was the Raw champion, and Charlotte Flair, who had the SmackDown gold.
As Asuka had staredowns with both champions, a familiar tune played. That song was “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett, which meant that Ronda Rousey made her way out to a thunderous ovation. Rousey made it clear that she had her sights set on WrestleMania and made her in-ring debut in a big way.
That year, Rousey teamed with Kurt Angle to take on Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H. Rousey achieved victory for her team when she forced Stephanie to submit via armbar.
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