One of the most anticipated things about the Royal Rumble is the surprise returns and debuts. The surprises started very early as the night kicked off with the 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match. Firstly, Pat McAfee returned as a special guest commentator for the second year in a row. Following him, a former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion made a return as well. It was none other than Naomi.
The former TNA Wrestling’s Knockouts Champion entered at the number two position and got a standing ovation from the WWE Universe. Naomi was getting very emotional considering the reception she got from the fans despite the way she left the company a couple of years ago.
The former Funkadactyl was the first female Superstar to break Rhea Ripley’s record for the longest time in the Women’s Royal Rumble. Naomi lasted for 1:02:18 before getting eliminated by the debuting Jade Cargill.
Following the match, the former TNA Wrestling Knockouts Champion took to Twitter to thank the Nashville-based promotion’s president Scott D’Amore, and other wrestling legends, and trainers at Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling such as Lance Storm, Gail Kim, Tommy Dreamer, and more.
“I personally want to thank @ScottDAmore @dlobrown75 @LanceStorm @gailkimITSME @THETOMMYDREAMER for believing in me and pushing me through my fears, knockouts & brothers for accepting me as one of your own. @ThisIsTNA I am better in every way bc of you! I thank with my whole ?” Naomi tweeted.
It is to be noted that at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, the current TNA Wrestling Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace also made her WWE debut. She was eliminated by Bianca Belair.
Which brand do you think Naomi will be assigned to?
