It has been a shocking last week in women’s wrestling: Ronda Rousey returned to win the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, Alex Windsor became the Queen of the Carnival, IMPACT Wrestling announced Mickie James’ next defense of the Knockouts Championship, and much more! Let’s break it down in this week’s edition of Women’s Wrestling Wrap-Up!
Royal Rumble Results
The 2022 Royal Rumble produced some shocking returns over the weekend, including the winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Taking place from St. Louis, Missouri, 30 women competed in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match for the chance to earn a spot in the main event of WrestleMania. The fray included four current champions, including Charlotte Flair, Zelina Vega, Carmella, and IMPACT Knockouts Champion, Mickie James. Flair walked into the match as the Smackdown Women’s Championship, declaring that if she won, she would hand select her WrestleMania opponent. Vega and Carmella utilized their alliance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions in the match as well.
Interestingly, no NXT representatives appeared in this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble, but a plethora of legends returned. Former five-time Women’s Champion Melina first appeared, drawing number two to start off the match alongside “The Boss”, Sasha Banks.
Other surprise returns included Cameron, Ivory, Molly Holly, Alicia Fox and Sarah Logan. Cameron’s potential reunion with former tag team partner Naomi was cut short after quickly being eliminated by Sonya Deville. Ivory resumed her role in the Right To Censor, confronting and being eliminated by Rhea Ripley. Alicia Fox briefly reunited with The Bella Twins (collectively known as Team Bella), before being eliminated by the duo. Sarah Logan entered the match to take down Brie and Nikki Bella, who were trying to eliminate her former tag team partner, Liv Morgan. Molly Holly returned as “Mighty Molly”, before being attacked by Nikki A.S.H. who proclaimed that there was “only room for one superhero”.
Additionally, IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James joined the match at entry number twenty, briefly rekindling an old rivalry by eliminating Michelle McCool. She would assume an impressive showing before ultimately being eliminated by former foe, Lita.
Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair both entered the match with history at stake. With a win, either competitor would be the first competitor to ever win two Women’s Royal Rumbles. Flair made it to the final two. Belair made it to the final four after serving as the iron-woman of the match, lasting over 48 minutes.
In the end, Shayna Baszler would enter at the favorable 30 spot, aligning herself with MMA friend, Ronda Rousey. Rousey had previously entered at #28. Charlotte Flair would then eliminate Baszler and Bianca Belair, leaving herself and former RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey as the final two competitors.
It's down to @RondaRousey and @MsCharlotteWWE!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/Ny6NNLb9Jc
— WWE (@WWE) January 30, 2022
Rousey gained the upper hand, throwing Flair over the top rope and onto the floor, claiming the victory. Ronda Rousey ended with four eliminations, while. Charlotte Flair achieved the most in the bout, with a total of six. Ultimately though, Ronda Rousey is the winner of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Prior to the 2022 Royal Rumble, Rousey last competed at WrestleMania 35 in a triple threat match against Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. That night, she was pinned by Lynch, who took home both the Smackdown and RAW Women’s Championships in a Winner Takes All Match.
It should be noted that there were some notable absences in 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match as well, though. Former RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss recently returned on-screen to RAW, but did not participate in the match, despite being high up in the betting odds. Additionally, Smackdown talent Xia Li was noticeably absent as well for reasons unknown, despite being a main roster talent. Former RAW Women’s Champion Asuka was rumored to be returning at the Royal Rumble as well, after disappearing from WWE programming after the 2021 Money in the Bank event. She ultimately did not compete in the match either.
The following is the official order of entry in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
Sasha Banks
Melina
Tamina
Kelly Kelly
Aliyah
Liv Morgan
Zelina Vega
Bianca Belair
Dana Brooke
Michelle McCool
Sonya Deville
Natalya
Cameron
Naomi
Carmella
Rhea Ripley
Charlotte Flair
Ivory
Brie Bella
Mickie James
Alicia Fox
Nikki A.S.H.
Summer Rae
Nikki Bella
Sarah Logan
Lita
Molly Holly
Ronda Rousey
Shotzi
Shayna Baszler
Also on the card, Becky Lynch defeated Doudrop to retain the RAW Women’s Championship. Beth Phoenix and Edge also defeated Maryse and The Miz after delivering a double glam slam to the “It Couple”.
RELATED: WWE Royal Rumble Results (1/29/22)
Next page: Wrestle Carnival And Knockouts Title Match!
