The upcoming edition of the Royal Rumble PPV will certainly be a bigger one. The event will return to Philadelphia after three years with not one but two over-the-top rope challenges reserved for the show. For the first time, the women will also compete in a separate Rumble match to earn an opportunity against either Raw or Smackdown women’s champion at Wrestlemania.
It certainly makes the stakes higher for the show to be hosted on January 28th. Till date, we have received three names to enter the Royal Rumble match. Elias was the first one to declare his name, last week. From the women’s division, it was Naomi who announced her name, as the first participant in the women’s division matchup.
Over on WWE Raw, Asuka was the one to announce her entry to the Royal Rumble match. With the destructive force entering the match, the complexion has changed featuring the female performers. After last night’s Smackdown Live, we have more names added to the mix.
These women may not agree on much… but they ALL believed that The #RiottSquad needed a taste of their own medicine tonight on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/36iHwra21i
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2017
Before the singles matchup between Ruby Riott and Naomi, it was the leader of The Riott Squad who announced her entry to the women’s Royal Rumble matchup. The announcement came up after Naomi made her intentions clear, last week. Riott is targeting the former women’s champion by this confirmation, as she is expected to bring all her squad members into the match, as well.
EXCLUSIVE: @NatbyNature declares her intentions to enter the first-ever Women’s #RoyalRumble Match and win the #SmackDown #WomensTitle at #WrestleMania 34! pic.twitter.com/z9RJn1oVSh
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2017
Natalya was seen on last night’s Smackdown after rumours started flying about her retirement. She was seen leading Carmella, Lana, and Tamina to the ring countering the attack from Riott Squad. Following Smackdown Live, she confirmed she is also entering the first-ever women’s Royal Rumble match, as well.
#TheViper @RandyOrton has plans for the 2018 #RoyalRumble Match… and it looks like @ShinsukeN does, too! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/pwjYF6Fb8j
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2017
Also, two huge names threw themselves into the mix to the men’s division Rumble. Randy Orton promised to win his third Royal Rumble match in 2018. His backstage promo was cut short by Shinsuke Nakamura who stood by his side and uttered the words, “Let’s Rumble” to enter his first-ever Royal Rumble match officially.