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We are less than two weeks away from arguably one of the most exciting WWE pay-per-views of the year, Royal Rumble. The show is set to take place at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri this year on January 29, 2022.
Continuing the tradition that started four years ago, two Royal Rumble matches will be taking place this year as well, with the women getting one of their own.
With a huge number of releases and talent cuts in 2021, there were many questions as to whether WWE even has 30 female superstars left on its roster for the match?
Well, the company has handled this situation rather well so far by announcing some major returns for the match already. This includes WWE Hall of Famers like The Bella Twins, Lita, and others as well as a surprise announcement of current IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James.
The forbidden door has been kicked open and fans will be excited to see what more surprises would WWE have in store for them.
Here are our five bold predictions for the Women's Royal Rumble match entrants. Be sure to comment down and let us know your thoughts on the same.
#5 Paige makes her grand return at the Royal Rumble
The last two years have seen two miraculous returns during the Rumble matches. The first one was Edge in 2020 and then Christian in 2021. Could a former two-time Divas Champion follow their footsteps and make her grand return this year? Yes, we are talking about Paige.
She was forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2018 due to a neck injury. However, over the last few months, Paige has been hinting at making a return to the ring. What better stage to do that than this year's Royal Rumble match? Of course, it all depends on whether she gets medically cleared to compete or not.
If she does return, Paige will definitely be a favorite to win the bout and challenge for a Title at WrestleMania. There are so many "dream feuds" lined up for Paige on the current roster.
#4 and #3 The IInspiration/IIconics make a one-night return at Royal Rumble
As mentioned previously, WWE has already kicked open the "forbidden door" by announcing IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James' entry into this year's Royal Rumble. The two promotions have an interesting deal going on, and as part of the same, we might see some more top stars show up at the Rumble.
Among the several top names released by WWE, last year were two very talented female stars - Cassie Lee (fka Peyton Royce) and Jessica McKay (fka Billie Kay), popularly known together as The IIconics in Vince McMahon's promotion.
Their release was a big shock as many believed the two could be huge stars for the company in the future.
In October 2021 at Bound for Glory, the two made their debut for IMPACT Wrestling under a new team name - The IInspiration. They defeated Decay at the show to win the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championships, the titles they still hold.
We might see the two make a one-night return to their former company at WWE Royal Rumble 2022. If they do return, it would be interesting to see whether the company mentions their release and history.
#2 Ronda Rousey makes a shocking return at the Royal Rumble
Arguably the biggest return that WWE could pull off at this year's Royal Rumble would be that of Ronda Rousey. It was four years ago at the very same pay-per-view where the UFC Hall of Famer showed up to a thunderous reaction from the fans in attendance.
In a very short period, Rousey had a great run in WWE. She won the RAW Women's Championship at SummerSlam 2018 and held the Title till WrestleMania 35, where she dropped it to Becky Lynch in the main event, also involving Charlotte Flair. That was also the last time she appeared in the WWE ring, and fans have since been waiting for her to return.
Truth be told, if Rousey does return at the Rumble, she is winning the match. This could finally set up her long-awaited one-on-one match with Becky Lynch, who is the current RAW Women's Champion and will most likely enter this year's WrestleMania with the title.
#1 Stephanie McMahon enters the Royal Rumble
Speaking of surprise entrants, one name that will definitely get a huge pop from the crowd in attendance is Stephanie McMahon. The Chief Brand Officer of WWE has been one of the most popular characters in the history of the company.
She last wrestled a match at WrestleMania 34 and has since made very few on-screen appearances.
Royal Rumble could be a perfect place for her to make a one-off return as she won't have to wrestle a proper match. Additionally, she can put over young talent.
