A couple of nights ago we were all excited about the Grammy’s. Well, not all of us. While some were having fun watching Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s performance, others were more alert over another big event—one going on in the wrestling world. WWE had a Royal Rumble, an event that leads to the grandest stage of them all, Wrestlemania. The event consists of 30 men beating the odds to land a spot for a shot at a championship title shot for Wrestlemania. But, this year it was different; for the first time in history there was a women’s Royal Rumble, and trust us when we tell you, it was one to definitely remember. From blasts from the past to newcomers stealing the show, here we give you the six most important events that happened in this match:
6. The mini-comeback of Kelly Kelly, Torrie Wilson, and Molly Holly
Three divas who were from three different eras. Kelly Kelly had Extreme Exposé and is a one-time Diva’s champion; Torrie, a playboy cover model and now fitness blogger; Molly Holly, who sadly may be remembered for the infamous head shave, but in reality she was a two-time WWF Women’s Champion and one-time WWF Hardcore champion.
5. Michelle McCool’s vicious attack on the ring
The 5’10 Florida gal went there and reminded everyone why she was a former two-time WWE Divas Champion and a two-time WWE Women’s Champion and a one-time Diva of the Year. She made the most eliminations by turning over the turnbuckle on five other divas before being eliminated by Natalya.
4. Asuka’s win at the Royal Rumble
Asuka, who used to compete in NXT and is currently undefeated, won the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble. Considering that she’s a rookie in comparison to many of the diva’s who showed up, it was a great statement setter to the WWE universe. Add bonus points to the fact she’s not like any Diva you’ve ever seen before.
3. A glimpse of the Stratus-James feud in the ring
Many people who’ve been watching the WWE events and segments for years recall this as one of the biggest feuds in history. To the point that it passed onto being straight up questionable. Stratus entered at the 30th spot, causing the commotion to the fans. And, as many remember Stratus, a seven-time Women’s champion and Diva of the Decade, eliminated Mickie James, the only Diva to ever hold Diva’s champion, WWE Women’s champion and TNA’s women’s champion. A match of legends, indeed.
2. Ronda Rousey’s surprise appearance and WWE signing contract
After her notorious absence on UFC after her loss match against Amanda Nunes back in 2016, we thought we had seen the last of her. But, boy was we wrong! Ronda made a surprise to all of us, going into the ring and pointing out at the Wrestlemania sign, as a promise to all the viewers in the WWE universe. Then, news broke that she had signed a full deal in the WWE. Who knows what this means for the former Bantamweight women’s champion? The only thing we are sure is the number of possibilities.
1. Lita’s return to the ring and #TimesUp attire:
Apart from all the matches and everything, because there’s so much our hearts could handle in this groundbreaking event, there was something that sparked it up even more. Not only did she paid tribute to former Divas who passed away (Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Chyna) by writing their names on her arm, she also pushed the barriers. In our opinion, Amy Dumas’ acknowledgment of #TimesUp in the WWE Universe, a world that has pretty much revolved around men, about a movement as important as the recognition of sexual misconducts that has been going on for years was pretty badass and memorable. This is really important considering all the victims that have been coming forward. It made us hopeful, knowing that we have a representation of this movement everywhere. Also, her infamous Moonsault and her twist of Fate reminded us what the attitude era was all about.
It was one spectacle that the viewers definitely did not expect. Anyone who witnessed this is watching history in the making. To gather legends with the new era, empower other women with something as simple as #TimesUp on your wrestling attire. These are the little details that mean something. To be able to be open about sexual assault in a career that is dominated by male peers, these are the steps that we’re taking in order to trespass the barriers that shouldn’t have existed in the first place. Thank you WWE, thank you, Divas, thank you, Lita.