WWE Royal Rumble 2022: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See

6. Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey
WWE

Biology is likely the biggest barrier to Ronda Rousey returning to professional wrestling anytime soon.

The former Raw Women's Champion gave birth to her and husband Travis Browne's daughter, La’akea Makalapuaokalanipõ Browne, in September. Last year, the toll that nine months of pregnancy and birthing a child takes on a woman's body was grossly understated by vast swathes of the wrestling commentariat (these pages included), who picked Becky Lynch to return in the Rumble less than two months after welcoming daughter Roux to the world. Ronda has had more time, admittedly, but who's to say if she even wants this anymore?

Since stepping away from WWE in 2019, Rousey has never been shy of criticising the fanbase's treatment of her during her brief, awesome run. This could be interpreted as a heat-building exercise for a potential return, or genuine frustrations expressed without kayfabe motivation. That Becky Lynch singles match still hasn't happened, either. There's money to be made here.

If she still wants to participate in this wacky pseudo sport, it'd be great to have her back.

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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.