WWE Royal Rumble 2022: Predicting All 17 Wrestlers Not Yet Announced

5. Asuka

Asuka WWE
WWE

On a similar boat to Bayley is Asuka, who has been out of action since WWE's first show back with live audiences, Money In The Bank 2021.

Taking time off for dental surgery (and to heal an unknown arm issue), the Japanese star is reportedly good to go once more. This makes putting her in the Rumble a no-brainer.

One might look at the sparse Raw and SmackDown rosters at the moment and ask why WWE hasn't brought her back already. Indeed, both shows (SmackDown in particular) are desperate for a world-class talent like Asuka. The Rumble is probably the answer - there's nowhere better to bring a much-missed wrestler back - so expect whatever show she lands on to get a big post-PPV boost.

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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.