Assessing The Futures Of 10 WWE Stars Who Didn’t Make Royal Rumble 2020 Cut

7. Rhea Ripley

Things couldn't be more different for Rhea Ripley.

The reigning NXT Women's Champion is 23 years old, full of p*ss and vinegar, has a great, marketable look and looks like becoming the next top female star in WWE. If that's going to happen, then the writers need to protect her, and it seems like that's what WWE were thinking by leaving her out of the Rumble's line up.

No, missing the 30-woman Rumble isn't some big disaster for Ripley. In fact, it could be a minor blessing in disguise for her short-term career. After all, what good would it have done to Rhea if she'd blazed into the match only to be eliminated like an afterthought just so WWE could get to that Charlotte Flair win?

Her supporters might not tend to agree right this minute, but Ripley was better off without a senseless losing effort last Sunday. She has genuine potential to become a break out success this company can lean on for years, and her omission from the 2020 Rumble will be quick forgotten when she's winning one herself in years to come.