Lita & Trish Stratus Return During WWE Women's Royal Rumble

Returns galore in the first ever women's bout.

By Andy H Murray /

WWE.com

Given that WWE had announced just 16 of the bout's 30 participants prior to the event, the first ever women's Royal Rumble was always going to be full of surprises, and the company didn't disappointed.

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A host of former stars appeared during the bout, with four-time Women's Champion Lita providing the first major shock at number five. Emerging to a great reception in Philly, she put forth a commendable run, throwing Tamina and Mandy Rose out prior to her own elimination at Becky Lynch's hands.

Fellow Hall Of Famers Jacqueline and Beth Phoenix also entered, but WWE saved the best for last, with Trish Stratus coming at out at number 30. She delivered an ageless performance, engaging in a memorable showdown with former rival Mickie James, whom she eliminated. Sasha Banks eventually threw Stratus over the top, but the company couldn't have delivered a more satisfying final entrant.

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Other notable returns included Michelle McCool, who eliminated a total of five women (more than anyone else), along with Molly Holly, Torrie Wilson, Kelly Kelly, and Vickie Guerrero. NXT stars Ember Moon and Kairi Sane also entered, though neither managed an elimination.