Major names are set to return to WWE.
During Friday's WWE SmackDown, Charlotte Flair and WWE announced a host of names for the women's Royal Rumble match.
Among the names set to return are The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella), Mickie James, Lita, Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly and Summer Rae.
The Bella Twins have not wrestled since 2018. In September, Nikki said she had been put on the "retired bench for life" by doctors. In November, Nikki reiterated that she was unsure if she would ever be able to return to the ring.
Mickie James was released by WWE in April 2020 and was infamously sent a trash bag full of her belongings. She is the reigning IMPACT Knockouts Champion, which was acknowledged by Pat McAfee on SmackDown and by WWE on social media.
Impact Knockouts World Champion @MickieJames will be in the #RoyalRumble Match! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/TXH0jm6QgE
— WWE (@WWE) January 8, 2022
IMPACT executive Scott D’Amore said on IMPACT's website, “WWE wanted it, Mickie wanted it and IMPACT Wrestling’s philosophy is always to work with other major promotions to create buzz for the fans. Everything is signed and agreed with WWE and IMPACT Wrestling – the only question is whether or not Mickie will enter one of WWE’s most historic annual matches as the reigning Knockouts World Champion.”
James is set to defend her Knockouts Championship against Deonna Purrazzo on Saturday at IMPACT Hard to Kill.
Lita has not wrestled since 2018. She did compete in the 2018 women's Royal Rumble. Michelle McCool competed in the 2018 women's Royal Rumble and the battle royal at WWE Evolution. Kelly Kelly competed in the 2018 women's Royal Rumble, the battle royal at WWE Evolution, and the 2020 women's Royal Rumble. Summer Rae has not wrestled for WWE since 2016.
If you can a full list of entrants in the women's Royal Rumble by clicking here.
