The Women's Royal Rumble match was presented in 2018 as a historic addition to WWE's annual Royal Rumble event. It follows a similar format as the men's match, with 30 participants competing for a title opportunity at WrestleMania, the Grandest Stage of Them All. While the match is meant to feature female superstars, there has been one example of a male wrestler participating. This unexpected moment made discussion among fans about its significance and effect on the match. Although rare, such appearances can add an element of surprise or be used to further a storyline.
Which man appeared in the Women's Royal Rumble match?
Former WWE superstar and Intercontinental champion Santino Marella (real name Anthony Carelli) is the only male wrestler to compete in a Women's Royal Rumble match. Entering the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble as his comedic alter ego, Santina Marella, he was the second-last contestant. Confronted by Natalya and Beth Phoenix, Marella eliminated himself using "The Cobra" in a humorous moment. He had previously used the Santina persona to win the Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25. Marella's appearance in the Rumble came long after his retirement in 2014 because of injury. He was also eliminated by Kane in the Men’s Royal Rumble 2009 after only 1.9 seconds.
In an interview with the "No Name Wrestling Podcast," as revealed by WrestlingInc.com, Marella was asked about a potential return in the upcoming Royal Rumble. The former United States champion expressed that WWE had not contacted him but mentioned the possibility of an appearance involving his daughter, Arianna Grace if given the opportunity. He said:
"So my daughter, she had a little shoulder surgery that...she's back in the ring from it, but she hasn't re-debuted yet. So I was pitching...I don't think it's ever been done, father/daughter in the same Rumble. So it [would] be really big for her to return to the programming and, you know, I'm down to show and just, yeah, just get that experience. Royal Rumble's my favorite PPV of the year."
Females who entered in the Men’s Royal Rumble
Based on Givemesport.com, Chayna (1999), Beth Phoenix (2010), Kharma (2012), and Nia Jax (2019) are the only four female wrestlers who participated in the men's Royal Rumble match.
| Participant | Year | Time Spent | Eliminations | Eliminated By |
| Chayna | 1999 | 0:35 | Mark Henry | Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| Beth Phoenix | 2010 | 1:39 | The Great Khali | CM Punk |
| Kharma | 2012 | 1:00 | Hunico | Dolph Ziggler |
| Nia Jax | 2019 | 3:09 | Mustafa Ali | Rey Mysterio |
FAQs on Men appearing in Women's Royal Rumble Matches
A. There are 30 men in the Royal Rumble.
A. There are 30 women's wrestlers in the Royal Rumble.
A. Royal Rumble 2011 featured 40 men.
A. A new wrestler enters the Royal Rumble every two-minute interval, as per Indianapolis Business Journal.
