'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
A Royal Rumble match wouldn't be complete without a few surprise entrants, and ever since the Women's Royal Rumble Match was announced, speculations have been rife as to who would surprise us during the historic affair in Philadelphia. When Kurt Angle announced that the match would feature 30 participants, a lot of surprise entrants were guaranteed.
That's because the main roster only has 22 women, and for obvious reasons, the two champions can't be in the match, leaving the total at 19. This means that we'll need to see 11 surprises in the form of NXT competitors and some returning legends.
Who will they be? With the last set of NXT tapings before the Rumble in the books, we can make some predictions.
#1 Lita
One of the women who defined an era and a participant in the first women's main event on RAW, an appearance from Lita is likely. Her relationship with the company is robust, as seen when she was selected as a commentator for the Mae Young Classic just this past summer. I doubt she'd want to miss this even more important occasion.
#2 Billie Kay
A stalwart of the NXT Women's Division for the past couple of years, Billie Kay is guaranteed to take part in the first Women's Royal Rumble Match, especially since it's likely that she'll finally be called up to the main roster after WrestleMania. This would be a good preview and a way to expose her to the wider audience.
#3 Peyton Royce
Where Billie Kay goes, Peyton Royce goes. In fact, the chances that they'll enter the Rumble back-to-back are high. The Iconic Duo are perfectly positioned to act as catty heels in the match, working as a tandem to take potshots and ducking for cover when things get too rough, only to then emerge again.
Who knows how long they'll last? I have a feeling, though, that Nia Jax will dump both of them out at once.
#4 Bianca Belair
The breakout star of the Mae Young Classic, Bianca Belair showed up at a recent NXT taping, just in time to heat her up before the big match in Philadelphia. It's a no-brainer to give one of the best prospects in the company a spotlight there.
Her freakish strength is always a joy to watch and a showdown with Nia Jax would make for some memorable programming. Her infamous hair whip is also guaranteed to pop the crowd.
#5 Beth Phoenix
The announcement of her participation in the Mixed Match Challenge at the commentary table was perfectly timed. The Glamazon is a lock to enter this match, especially since she was only the second woman to enter the traditional Royal Rumble Match, where she eliminated The Great Khali. This match would have a big hole in it without the Hall of Famer.
#6 Lacey Evans
Recently featured on an NXT taping in a somewhat important spot (but I won't spoil it for you), Lacey Evans now looks likely to be a participant in the Women's Royal Rumble.
She's still green, but she has taken part in an NXT battle royal before, and as she advanced to the second round in the Mae Young Classic, WWE obviously sees something in her.
An appearance here would give her a spotlight and some more experience under her belt.
#7 Candice LeRae
It was surprising that Candice LeRae wasn't signed immediately after the Mae Young Classic, especially since she's married to one of NXT's most prominent superstars in Johnny Gargano. It now looks very likely that she's on the way in, however. She recently took part in a dark match with Vanessa Borne in the latest series of NXT tapings.
Dave Meltzer reports that the contract hasn't been signed yet, but the process is well underway. It is feasible that the process will be complete by January 28th.
However, Dave Meltzer's track record is spotty, so take it with a grain of salt. I'll still keep her appearance as a bold prediction.
#8 Nikki Cross
If the appearance of Candice LeRae is a bold prediction, Nikki Cross' entry is a guarantee. One of the most prominent women in NXT for the past year and without a match at TakeOver: Philadelphia, there's no better way to use her.
Nikki Cross is the perfect candidate to run to the ring during a brawl and go berserk, surprising everyone and knocking them down with her sheer ferocity. She's done this in multiple NXT battle royals and it was fun each time. There's no reason to think she won't do it here.
#9 Kairi Sane
With her surprisingly not being on the card for TakeOver: Philadelphia, there's no way the winner of the Mae Young Classic won't take part in another historic occasion.
Her Insane Elbow is arguably the most gorgeous finisher in the company and she's wondered whether it would be required in the Rumble. I have a fantasy of seeing her hit it on Nia Jax en route to an epic encounter with Asuka. Here's hoping we see such a spot.
#10 Nikki Bella
Nikki Bella hasn't been seen since WrestleMania last April, but there's a lot of talk going around that she's been wanting to return. There would be no better place than the first Women's Royal Rumble Match, even if it's just a one-off appearance.
Given this and her obvious clout backstage thanks to being the fiance of John Cena, her entry is virtually guaranteed. All she need do is ask.
#11 Trish Stratus
No Women's Royal Rumble Match would be complete without Trish Stratus. While most of today's superstars were teenagers (or even younger), she was blazing the trail for all of them. Brought in as eye candy, she transcended that role and went on to become WWE's greatest-ever female competitor. Her story is the story of the "women's revolution."
Trish was originally slated to face Asuka at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, but her pregnancy intervened, so she's obviously still in good shape. She heavily implied her participation when asking where her boots were when the match was announced.
The laughter before her entrance theme will blare out during the match and Philadelphia will explode.
