WWE announces first-ever women’s Royal Rumble
WWE will make history on January 29 (New Zealand time) when it holds the first-ever all-women’s Royal Rumble match. Female Superstars will battle in the iconic match for a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 34.
Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon made the groundbreaking announcement during today’s Raw broadcast from Providence, Rhode Island.
“Three years ago a revolution started in WWE led by all of the women in this ring, all of the women on SmackDown Live, and every single woman to step foot in the squared circle,” McMahon said.
“All of you have inspired people all over the world with your courage, with your passion, with your unbridled talent, but that’s not enough. What do you say, ladies, you make history once again? On January 28, the road to WrestleMania kicks off in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and we will have for the very first time an all-women’s Royal Rumble match! If there was ever a time for a ‘Yes!’ chant, it’s now!”
McMahon’s announcement comes as the latest development in a women’s revolution-turned-evolution that began almost three years ago in WWE.
Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks made history in a triple threat at WrestleMania 32—in front of WWE’s all-time largest live audience: 101,763—for a brand-new women’s title to replace the Divas Championship. Women also dropped the “Divas” label, becoming “Superstars” like their male counterparts.
Since then, female Superstars have competed in Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank ladder matches, headlined WWE pay-per-view events, and even wrestled in the Middle East.
In her capacity as WWE Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon released a statement following her appearance on Raw.
“The first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match will mark a significant moment in the evolution of WWE,” McMahon said. “WWE’s female performers are role models, inspiring and empowering women and girls to be confident and strong. They deserve their own match at Royal Rumble.”
The all-women’s Royal Rumble has received overwhelming support from the WWE Universe on Twitter.
An all women’s royal rumble match. The future truly is now 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💕
— Kicks Kringle🎄イーヴィー (@DakotaKai_WWE) December 19, 2017
.@WWE is made up of extraordinary women. @StephMcMahon’s announcement is ground-breaking and exactly what both we AND the @WWEUniverse deserve. 2018 will be an interesting year… #RoyalRumble https://t.co/WhuOHkrqh8
— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) December 19, 2017
There's NOTHING @WWE women cannot do. It's been a long-time coming – can't wait for the FIRST EVER WOMENS #RoyalRumble! Now…where dem boots?
— Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) December 19, 2017
Only three women have been part of a Royal Rumble match in the past. Chyna made history as the first woman in the match in 1999. Beth Phoenix took part in the 2010 Royal Rumble, with Kharma the last woman to be part of the match in 2012.