WWE surprisingly announced the lineup for the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble match during WWE SmackDown on January 7.
The line-up is filled with several major names; IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Women’s Champion Mickie James leads the way, as WWE released her in a controversial manner on April 15, 2021.
In one jaw-dropping video package, the following stars were announced for the match:
- Rhea Ripley
- Nikki A.S.H,
- The Bella Twins
- Shotzi
- Natalya
- Michelle McCool
- Dana Brooke
- Queen Zelina
- Mickie James
- Tamina
- Kelly Kelly
- Aliyah
- Summer Rae
- Naomi
- Shayna Baszler
- Lita
? LET'S GO!!!#RoyalRumble pic.twitter.com/W5F7c0mSil
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2022
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair then confirmed that she’ll compete in the match and aim to select her own challenger for WrestleMania 38.
WWE Hall of Famers The Bella Twins (Nikki and Brie Bella) haven’t competed in the ring since 2018, and Nikki has previously made it clear that she was retired. But fans have been speculating about the Bellas’ potential return for several months, and it’ll finally happen in the Royal Rumble Match.
James’ participation is shocking, both due to her status as a reigning champion in IMPACT and the negative publicity generated by her release. At the time, she shared a picture of the way WWE sent her a “care package” in the form of a trash bag that was full of her personal belongings. She was also critical of the company in interviews after her departure.
WWE Hall of Famer Lita last competed in the 2018 Women’s Royal Rumble match. Likewise, McCool wrestled in the same Royal Rumble and participated in the battle royal at WWE Evolution. Kelly Kelly also competed in the 2018 and 2020 Royal Rumble matches, as well as the battle royal at WWE Evolution.
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