There were two entrants from NXT in last year’s match. Spoiler alert: there will probably be two from NXT and two NXT UK this year, and there aren’t many women more deserving than Rhea Ripley.
The inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion had a great year in 2018. Unfortunately, her title reign seemed short because of the NXT UK tape delay. In reality, she was champion for 139 days; only 44 days are recognized.
That reign and her run during the second Mae Young Classic set her up as one of the best heels in the company. Participating in the Royal Rumble would be a good way to keep her momentum going after her loss at Takeover: Blackpool.
When putting together this list, Shayna Baszler was one of the first women who came to mind. Bianca Belair is my pick to win Saturday at NXT Takeover: Pheonix. It just feels like it’s her time, but even more so, Shayna is in the middle of the growing feud between the two Four Horsewomen stables.
Other than Ronda, she has been the most vocal about it on social media. Technically, Baszler was the one who started this feud at the first Mae Young Classic.
This would be the perfect time to introduce her into the mix, with Ronda feuding with three of the Four Horsewomen of WWE right now. Plus, it doesn’t seem farfetched to assume Shayna will be called up to the main roster soon.
