Ronda Rousey has not been in a WWE ring since 2019. The last time fans saw her, she lost her RAW Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 35 to Becky Lynch during a Triple Threat match that included Charlotte Flair. A new report now reveals her return date.
Ronda Rousey WWE Return + WM 38
According to a report from Fightful, WWE has been “pushing” for Ronda Rousey to participate in the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV). Plus, Bryan Alvarez from Wrestling Observer Live confirmed that Rousey would be making her WWE return during the event.
Who are you most excited to see in the 2022 Women's #RoyalRumble Match? pic.twitter.com/1O6nbzU00x
— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2022
Dave Meltzer also stated that Ronda will “definitely” be at this year’s Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 38. In fact, he also added being at Saturday’s event would set up her for a WM match.
Ronda Rousey WWE Return
According to Meltzer, Rousey’s WWE deal was supposed to expire in 2021. In addition, the company was hoping to get her back in the ring last year, but Ronda and her hubby Travis Browne found out they were expecting.
There were also discussions to bring her back sooner than that. However, the COVID-19 pandemic (plus pregnancy) delayed it all. Apparently, WWE had wanted to do a Ronda Rousey versus Becky Lynch singles bout at WM 37.
They may have the opportunity to do that this year. But, it’s unclear if that is the plan.
Speaking of the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble, there is a lot of excitement built up around this year’s match. But, can the WWE fill the ring with 30 women?
Women’s Royal Rumble Issues
Recent WWE releases and cuts have made it challenging to recruit 30 women to participate in this year’s Royal Rumble. The company has even turned to Impact Knockouts Champion and former WWE superstar Mickie James.
Source: Denise Salcedo, Twitter, Screenshot
As per a report from Fightful, WWE was also trying to invite other recently fired talents to join the event. Former IIconics (now IInspiration on Impact) Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee were asked to participate, but they declined.
As it stands now, there are 21 competitors who have been announced for the Women’s Rumble. During a recent Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez talked about the match.
The WWE needs nine (maybe technically 8 if Rousey does join the event) to have 30 women compete, as per the usual. With slim pickings, the WWE will definitely turn to NXT for talent to fill in the spaces.
Alvarez “expects” to see NXT’s Raquel Gonzalez at this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. He also believes the WWE could bring up Mandy’s Toxic Attraction, too.
WWE’s In A Bad Position
It seems as if the WWE is in a bit of a “scramble” mode, as they try to fill in these Women’s Royal Rumble spots. It’s also a bit sad that they don’t have 30 women within all three rosters to do so.
Women’s wrestling legends have been brought up to fill in some spots, which has made things interesting. Fans of Summer Rae, Lita, and The Bella Twins are all very excited to see these superstars return to the ring.
With these empty voids of “unknown” in the match, the WWE also has a good opportunity for “surprise” entrants. But, with all the female superstars cut, the company may have burned down too many bridges.
