Could a Returning Superstar Win the WWE Royal Rumble?

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The WWE Royal Rumble is this Saturday, January 27th. This is one of the most exciting events of the wrestling year, and the 2024 Royal Rumble will be no exception. Not only are there rumors for a highly-anticipated return, but there's a chance this Superstar could win the entire thing! Here are the best picks, in my opinion, for the winner of the Women’s WWE Royal Rumble in 2024.

Likelihoods to Win Women's WWE Royal Rumble

Slim: Would be a complete shock, but not impossible
Outside Chance: Unlikely, but there’s some momentum behind them at the moment
Dark Horse: Could win and would have direction, just not the most likely direction
Favorite: Has a clear path to WrestleMania and storyline coming out of the Rumble

Most Likely Winners For Women's WWE Royal Rumble

10 - Roxanne Perez

Likelihood to Win: Slim

If WWE wanted to pick a up and comer to push to the moon, it would be this NXT stand out. Seemingly Triple H and Shawn Michaels crown jewel of the next crop of women stars, Perez is sure to be a feature in the Rumble this year, however without even debuting her chances of winning are still slim to none.

9 - Alexa Bliss

Likelihood to Win: Slim

The appeal of rebuilding Bliss into one of the best heels in the business is obvious, and a big return and even win would do that. I think Bliss could actually make a win make a ton of sense if given the right direction, however the lack of push prior to her absence and bigger return possibilities dampen the opportunities for Bliss this year.

8 - Nia Jax

Likelihood to Win: Slim

Recently WWE has done wonderfully to return Nia to her peak image as a monster to be feared. I have no doubt she will be one of the leaders if not the clear favorite for most eliminations this year, but in terms of winning I think she’s not quite at that level yet. Rather, having a shock elimination lead to a big feud before her main event resurgence could be the better move here.

7 - Liv Morgan

Likelihood to Win: Outsider

WWE under Triple H made Liv Morgan one of the earliest pushes, and perhaps that will mean a surprising win for Morgan. It could make even more sense as Morgan’s past with Rhea Ripley as champion is also very exciting to think about. I simply think Liv is doing too little right now to warrant that sudden push, especially when Ripley has more recent feuds to draw from as well.

6 - Kairi Sane

Likelihood to Win: Outsider

The main doubt here is that Damage Ctrl has other storylines to draw from, and Kairi vs. Iyo is actually the least likely of those routes. Sane though has been well protected since her debut, and perhaps some shenanigans lead to a Damage Ctrl win. Sane would be very deserving, but that is a little too swervy for my sake of current storylines.

5 - Bianca Belair

Likelihood to Win: Dark Horse

Bianca isn’t featured in either of the current championship pictures, and has had plenty of shine in the past which make me think she might miss her first women’s main event at Mania in four years. However, that past significance means she should always be thought of as an option to win, even an unlikely one. Belair vs. Ripley or Iyo would be a blast, and while the idea of Belair winning again could be daunting for some worn out fans.

4 - Bayley

Likelihood to Win: Favorite

Disclaimer again, Bayley and every other favorite might win this thing. In fact, I feel a little crazy only having Bayley 4th when she’s been the best character and focus of the Women’s division for most of the year. I think it’s a certainty Bayley will be in the match for the Smackdown belt at Mania, but pis this too early to cement that? Having Damage Ctrl’s cracks come from elsewhere and a redemption arc for Bayley feels like a better pace to me.

3 - Becky Lynch

Likelihood to Win: Favorite

Lynch vs. Ripley has all the makings of a feud of the year, and shouldn’t be missed at this time. Lynch also continues to be the most over woman if not the most over wrestler in the whole company. So why not our top pick? Because she might need time to heat up. A story is set up, but hasn’t been started for The Man vs. Mami, so a rumble win could be jumping a couple key steps. It’s obvious, which isn’t always bad, but this year could be a reason to doubt. For me, if you want chalk, you pick Becky. But, I think with an obvious winner in the Men’s Rumble likely, I think a return could lead to a win instead.

2 - Sasha Banks

Likelihood to Win: Favorite

Sasha returning is just a little less likely than our number one choice. Sasha winning the Rumble, and helping her buddy Bayley join her in the main event of Mania makes a lot of sense. But, I think causing a disruption without winning could make just as much sense. The biggest reason for a Sasha win is she should be packaged as the biggest star of the company, and this would ensure that. But, I’m not certain enough her debut will happen here to make her my number one.

1 - Jade Cargill

Likelihood to Win: Favorite

A debut/return win was touched on above, but this is the best in my opinion. You shoot Jade to the top of the scene, she can add drama to both title pictures before most likely sliding into a Rhea and Lynch Triple Threat (saving Ripley vs. Lynch for next year). This also does all this while giving Jade more time to sharpen her skills. She comes in, dominates, hits the high-notes of her skillset, wins the Rumble, and then has time to build up to her first big match. While not the most obvious of the favorites, the peaks of Jade’s win are too good to resist.