As the end of the year concludes and the excitement of a new year approaches, WWE starts the road to WrestleMania. The road to what many consider the Super Bowl of wrestling has always started with the first pay-per-view of the year. Since 1988, the Royal Rumble has been that event and a staple for WWE. The Royal Rumble match is arguably one of the highest anticipated matches of the year. Until earlier this year, only three women participated in this style of match; Chyna, Beth Phoenix, and Kharma.
For the ever-evolving women’s division, another first happened this past January. The first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match saw 30 women battle it out for their shot at the title of their choice. The winner will face the champion at WrestleMania.
Asuka emerged victorious as she last eliminated Nikki Bella to continue her then undefeated streak. She went on to face Charlotte Flair in a SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania. Her 914-day undefeated streak came to an end.
Asuka was expected by most to win this first-ever Rumble match. She was far from an underdog in her current place on the roster. Although her streak was defeated, she did have her WrestleMania moment.
There are two types of competitors that are looked at when determining a winner of the Rumble.
A first option for the winner of this match could be one whom continues to ride high in the division, such as Asuka was earlier this year. The second option is having the winner be either a dark horse, or someone who has been away from the title picture for a long time. Both of these choices could propel a competitor forward as the number one contender at WrestleMania.
Most fans expect to see Lynch face Rousey at WrestleMania next year, ever since their Survivor Series match was canceled. With both being current champions, where does that leave the winner of the Rumble? Most are under the impression that both current champions Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch will still have their gold come the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
With an ever-growing main roster, many women would benefit from a win from the Royal Rumble match. In anticipation for next months match, here is a list of five women who would benefit the most from winning.