With Jackass Star Johnny Knoxville confirmed for the WWE Royal Rumble, fans have started to speculate which WWE legends will return for the 2022 Royal Rumble. X-Pac’s Royal Rumble return is the biggest rumour for the men’s match, but WWE have confirmed a number of former female stars who are returning in the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble.
Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte announced on Friday Night Smackdown that Mickie James, Nikki & Brie Bella, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Summer Rae, and Lita will be returning for the women’s Royal Rumble. This was an unprecedented move as usually the surprise entrants were the highlight of the show. However as WWE have nowhere near enough women to fill the the 30 spots required, drafting in outside help was needed.
Mickie James in WWE
The most surprising name to be entered is Mickie James. The former Women’s champion was sacked this year by WWE due to budget cuts, and remarked on Twitter that she was sent her belongings in “trash bag”. This was seen as severe disrespect for a woman who has been a star in WWE for nearly 15 years and is one of the greatest women in the companies history.
Not only is it shocking with her forgiving WWE for the way they treated, also the fact that she is the Impact Knockouts Champion. WWE and Impact (formerly TNA) have rarely worked together in the past. The only instance that comes to mind is when Christian Cage made a one off appearance in TNA when signed to WWE. This was a swap deal, with WWE wanting TNA talent Ric Flair for a Hall of Fame induction as part of the Four Horseman.
While it’s unlikely Mickie James will have a full time run with WWE after the Rumble, it is exciting seeing the “forbidden door” creep open in WWE. She is currently contracted to be in NWA with her husband Nick Aldis, and runs the women’s division in that promotion.
Full List of Women’s Royal Rumble Entrants
- Carmella
- Dana Brooke
- Nikki A.S.H
- Zelina Vega
- Rhea Ripley
- Tamina
- Aliyah
- Charlotte Flair
- Naomi
- Natalya
- Shayna Bazler
- Shotzi
- Brie Bella
- Lita
- Nikki Bella
- Kelly Kelly
- Michelle McCool
- Summer Rae
- Mickie James
