WWE Royal Rumble 2018: Women’s Royal Rumble full match preview

30-Woman Over-the-Top Royal Rumble

This is going to be rad.

Six weeks ago, Stephanie McMahon announced that this year’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) would feature the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.

Let’s break it down:

Who’s in it?

Here are the names that have been announced so far.

1. Asuka
2. Ruby Riott
3. Liv Morgan
4. Sarah Logan
5. Sasha Banks
6. Nia Jax
7. Bayley
8. Naomi
9. Natalya
10. Sonya Deville
11. Mandy Rose
12. Mickie James
13. Tamina Snuka
14. Lana
15. Carmella
16. Becky Lynch
17. Dana Brooke
18. Alicia Fox

That’s just over half of the field. Meaning there are going to be a ton of surprises to fill up the match.

They’ll likely lean on NXT talent to help fill the gap. The Iconic Duo of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay are almost a shoe in. Ember Moon is NXT Women’s champion still, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t see her, though selling the injuries from last night makes it less likely. Kairi Sane if she is healthy will possible be there. They may tap some popular Mae Young participants who aren’t signed to fill some spots as Toni Storm, Piper Niven, or Mercedes Martinez. (Full disclosure: I did not check the booking schedule of any of those names to see if they’re actually available.)

Then there will be legends. There are plenty of women who worked for WWE and set the foundation for where the division is moving today. People such Lita, Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, Eve Torres, or Michelle McCool are all names that we may see tonight. Perhaps a Bella or two as well. One former long reigning champion probably won’t be there, but I know I’d flip the hell out if AJ Lee’s music played.

The big question surrounds Ronda Rousey. There’s conflicting word on whether or not there’s a deal between and WWE in place or not. (Rousey herself said there isn’t one yet.) Ronda is also making it quite known that she is in Colombia, where she is taping a movie. But does the fact that she was out of the country early yesterday mean she can’t be in Philadelphia tonight? This is pro wrestling after all and the work is part of the game.

My guess? She won’t be there tonight but will eventually be a part of the company. But you never know.

Storyline threads

What stories should we watch for that may progress during the Rumble? In short. Not many.

On SmackDown, the Riott Squad has been trying to wreak havoc over the division to mixed results.

On Raw, Paige’s Absolution stable was doing the same with better results. However, Paige’s possible career ending injury knocked that off course a bit.

Asuka is still undefeated.

Who Will Win?

If Ronda Rousey is in the match, she’s winning. I can’t imagine a world where they introduce her as a big surprise in the Women’s Rumble and she isn’t victorious.

The favorite from Raw is the undefeated Asuka. Bayley and Sasha Banks are always safe picks as well but haven’t been the focus on Monday’s as much as the Empress.

On SmackDown, Becky Lynch looks to be the favorite. Given the go home angle and her past feud with Charlotte a couple years back that ended up being really good, she would make the most sense from the blue brand.

My money is on Asuka, but it’s not real money because I’m not that confident. And that’s great. Rumbles are more fun when you have no idea who’s going to win.

Will This Rule?

Yes.

The first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match will air tonight at the Royal Rumble PPV on the WWE Network, start time of 7 EST. Keep it here at CagesideSeats.com for all your Royal Rumble coverage.