The upcoming WWE Royal Rumble in San Antonio, TX is set to be a blockbuster show, but according to a recent report, one of the company’s top stars isn’t planned to compete at the event.
The SmackDown audience was shocked on the December 30th episode when Charlotte Flair made her return to the company after a long hiatus, having last been seen in May when she lost the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania Backlash.
Not only did The Queen return, she also defeated Rousey in short order, once again capturing the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Despite losing her title, Rousey is one of the company’s top stars, and it would make perfect sense for her to enter the upcoming Royal Rumble in a quest to once again find herself in the championship scene. However, a potential appearance seems to be in doubt.
Ronda Rousey Is Not Planned To Compete At WWE Royal Rumble
According to a new report from Fightful Select, fans expecting to see Rousey inside the Alamodome are headed for disappointment. The report states that as of last week, there were no plans to include Rousey at the event. Back in December, prior to her title loss, she was planned for a singles match.
It’s also noted in the report that things are subject to change. With the sports entertainment giant reportedly “more than pleased” with the surprises they have lined up for the show, it’s possible Rousey could show up in the women’s match as a surprise entrant.
The report also makes note of the fact that while many previous competitors have contacted management about competing in the Royal Rumble, the company is focused on more “non traditional” surprises. While it’s not entirely clear what that entails, last year’s event saw the company lean away from bringing in talent from NXT.
Currently confirmed to compete in the men’s and women’s matches are:
Men’s Match
- Ricochet
- Kofi Kingston
- Bobby Lashley
- Seth Rollins
- Austin Theory
- Rey Mysterio
- Gunther
- Baron Corbin
- Cody Rhodes
Women’s Match
- Liv Morgan
- Rhea Ripley
- Candice LeRae
- Raquel Rodriguez
Other matches already announced for the show are Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black Match.