Top WWE Star OUT Of Royal Rumble 2023

Why one of WWE's top stars isn't currently planned for a role at Royal Rumble 2023.

by Andy H Murray
Ronds Rousey Tegan Nox
WWE.com

Don't expect Ronda Rousey to be involved in this year's women's Royal Rumble.

Dave Meltzer writes in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that as of midweek, WWE had no plans to include the former SmackDown Women's Champion in the over-the-top-rope battle royal. This is because the promotion wants to avoid marginalizing her star power by placing her in a match she wouldn't be winning - and wouldn't be booked as a focal point.

WWE has never announced Rousey for the women's Royal Rumble, which airs on Saturday's premium live event. Only seven women have been confirmed for the bout thus far, with SmackDown's Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega and Emma joined by Raw stars Rhea Ripley and Candice LeRae.

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With 23 of the 30 slots still to fill, WWE has given itself plenty of room for surprises.

Rousey has not been around since dropping her SmackDown Women's Championship to the returning Charlotte Flair on 30 December 2022. There is currently no word on when she might return to television, though current reporting indicates that several creative ideas have not come to fruition for her lately.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.