Backstage Update On WWE Legends Not Used At Royal Rumble 2022

Kurt Angle and a host of others were backstage (but not used) at WWE Royal Rumble 2022.

Kurt Angle
WWE

A host of names from the past were backstage at this Saturday's WWE Royal Rumble 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri, but didn't end up appearing onscreen.

The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer writes that Jillian Hall, Kaitlyn, and Aksana were all in town for the show. Aksana's participation in the titular women's match had been rumoured prior to the event. Her name was included in the same report stating that Melina and Cameron could be involved, but while the other two worked the Rumble, Aksana did not.

Meltzer also states that Kurt Angle (whose presence in St. Louis was also reported prior to the event) was in the locker room. Along with Booker T, the former Olympian was photographed backstage by WWE star Shelton Benjamin.

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The Undertaker was also at the event, having travelled with his wife, Michelle McCool, who wrestled in the women's Rumble.

At the time of writing, there had been no indication that WWE ever intended on having any of the above names participate in the Royal Rumble matches. Nonetheless, on-camera appearances had been speculated for all leading up to the event, particularly those who were known to be travelling to St. Louis.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.