Notable Moments: Lita, Trish Stratus, Torrie Wilson, The Bella Twins, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix, Vickie Guerrero, Jacqueline, and Molly Holly were surprise entrants; Kairi Sane and Ember Moon represented NXT; Sasha Banks lasted nearly 55 minutes; Ronda Rousey debuted afterward
The inaugural women’s Rumble set the standard for future installments and truly has yet to be topped. The past, present and future of WWE’s women’s division were all represented and it was rightfully the only women’s Rumble to date to close out the event.
Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch were the glue that held the Rumble together from the get-go. Trish Stratus and Lita didn’t look out of place in the slightest. The then-undefeated Asuka had just debuted on the main roster mere months earlier, so her eliminating Nikki Bella to win the Rumble sent the message that the new era had officially arrived.
There was plenty of mystery and intrigue surrounding that first Women’s Royal Rumble, with few knowing exactly what to expect and if the Superstars of the women’s division could handle a match of that enormity. Not only could they, but they would set a bar that has proven rather difficult to eclipse in the eight years since.
A precursor for the Evolution premium live event that would follow later in the year, it masterfully paid homage to a bygone generation with appearances from legends such as Stratus, Lita, the Bella Twins, Jacqueline, Michelle McCool, and Beth Phoenix, all while looking to the future with strong performances from Lynch, Banks, Natalya, and eventual winner Asuka. A crowd-pleasing match that saw the right competitor win, followed by the jaw-dropping arrival of Ronda Rousey immediately after, it remains the best of its kind.
