Rhea Ripley is the winner of the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match, and will go on to challenge for a championship at WrestleMania.

Ripley entered the match at number one, being the only woman and one of only 4 superstars to go from the first entrant number to win the rumble match.

On top of the feat of stamina, Ripley also was selling her midsection due to being speared by Beth Phoenix earlier in the night.

The final two came down to Ripley and Liv Morgan, who started the match from entrant number two. With both Superstars both out on the apron, Ripley very nearly was eliminated, with both feet inches away from the match. However, Ripley used her legs to grab Liv Morgan and flip Morgan to the mat to win the match for the first time ever.

Highlights of the Women’s Royal Rumble match include Michelle McCool entering as the nostalgia entrant, who joined the match from sitting in the crowd. NXT stars Zoey Stark, Indi Hartwell and NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez were also surprise entrants in the match.

A Superstar also underwent a name change following their return. Piper Niven, who was formerly known as Doudrop, returned under her NXT UK name.

In a huge surprise to the WWE audience, Nia Jax made her return in the rumble match, joining as the 30th entrant. Jax was eliminated by all of the remaining competitors.

Ripley will challenge for the title of her choosing at WrestleMania. Earlier in the night, Cody Rhodes would win the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

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