We have seen several legends, including the likes of Lita, The Bellas, Michelle McCool, as well as IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Champion, Mickie James return at Women’s Royal Rumble match, which was eventually won by the returning Ronda Rousey, who entered at #28 and won it after eliminating Charlotte Flair.
We could have also seen some more surprises discussed by WWE but didn’t happen. According to the Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that WWE had considered bringing back Asuka, who hasn’t been in the ring since July last year, and also her former tag team partner and one-time NXT Women’s Champion Kairi Sane for Royal Rumble.
Other names that were discussed internally or contacted for the Rumble: The IInspiration, Lana, Kairi, Asuka. Outside of IInspiration, don’t know how far or realistic any were. Never heard Bayley’s name mentioned as being realistically discussed or pitched
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 30, 2022
They also discussed about bringing Lana and The IInspirations for the event but didn’t happen. It was also noted that former SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley wasn’t discussed or pitched for the Royal Rumble match.
Sean Ross Sapp also noted that Alexa Bliss name never mentioned for the Royal Rumble and also they didn’t want to lean on NXT entrants for women.
Never heard Alexa Bliss mentioned and NXT talent I heard from said they didn’t thing WWE wanted to lean into NXT entrants for the women
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) January 30, 2022