Assessing Future Of 10 WWE Stars Who Didn’t Make Royal Rumble 2019 Cut

4. Shayna Baszler

Yours truly really expected reigning NXT Women's Champ Shayna Baszler to perform some MMA-style takedowns and dominate for a few minutes in the women's Rumble. She didn't, and thus 2019 marked the second year running that Baszler was missing from the 30-woman lineup.

Considering she's so talented and has held the NXT Women's Title twice, that's pretty surprising.

WWE plainly hold Shayna in high regard. That's why she continues to be a focal point on NXT, and it's why she's become the first to hold her title more than once. Still, she's 38, and WWE don't have forever and a day to work with here. If they're serious about pushing Baszler up a notch, then they must do it soon.

There's a chance her absence at the Rumble was calculated. Maybe management didn't think being eliminated from the Rumble would do her any good, or perhaps they have something bigger in mind (a 'Four Horsewomen' showcase springs to mind) for the rest of the new year.