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The Women's Royal Rumble was a match that many people highly enjoyed but may not have loved the finish. While many speculated over the last few weeks that Shayna Baszler, Ronda Rousey or maybe Sasha Banks would be the winner, it was the Queen Charlotte Flair who stood tall. Sasha Banks wasn't even in the match due to a reported injury, but the bout did feature many NXT talents.
Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox, Candice LeRae, and Toni Storm were among eleven wrestlers from the black and gold brand to make an appearance in the match. The WWE Universe was also treated to a few returns, including Mighty Molly. The Hall of Famer had a great showcase to begin the contest, and deserves an honorable mention as one of the best moments of the match.
Let's take a look at some of the top moments of the Women's Royal Rumble.
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#5. The Glow Has Returned
The former Women's Champion has been out of action for some time and she made her return in a big way. A loud ovation filled the arena when Naomi's music hit and she reminded us why we love her so much. Now sporting a new hairdo, the former NBA dancer showed off her athleticism and even had a classic spot in the Royal Rumble match.
She was knocked off the apron and looked to be eliminated until she caught herself on the barricade and pulled herself to safety. She would spend the next few minutes trying to find a way back into the ring.
Naomi would build a bridge of some kind with the top of a commentary table leaned over onto the apron of the ring. She would walk across and enter herself back into the match only to quickly be eliminated. One thing is for sure, fans on social media and in Houston, Texas were happy to feel the glow.
#4. Bianca Belair Dominates
The EST of NXT was the second entrant into the Royal Rumble and she had a fantastic showing. She began the match opposite of Alexa Bliss and lasted over thirty minutes in her Royal Rumble debut. She tossed out a record breaking competitors before finally being eliminated by the winner of the match. She showed tremendous athleticism, charisma, and power.
In this match, we got to see her as previously mentioned go face to face with Charlotte which had fans wondering when we would see a proper match between the two of them. Much like Keith Lee, Bianca Belair has made the most of her opportunities when she has been given them.
Belair showed why many in the WWE Universe believed that she should have won the NXT Women's Championship months ago and why she can be a cornerstone in the Women's Division. One thing is for certain, everyone will remember her debut in the Rumble as it was truly a legendary performance.
#3. Beth Phoenix Still Has It
Edge wasn't the only parent that Lyric could be proud of in the Royal Rumble, his wife Beth Phoenix also made an appearance in the thirty women over-the-top-rope match. Phoenix would enter at No. 19 and immediately make her impact felt as she showcased her signature strength. During the match she would be busted open, apparently after the back of her head was slammed against the ring post.
Despite her nasty looking injury, The Glamazon would make it to the final four. She would eliminate her long time friend Natalya before being thrown out by Shayna Baszler. The elimination of Nattie was wonderfully done, as the exact opposite went down in the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble.
This year there was also a fun moment involving Santina Marella. The former WrestleMania battle royal winner entered at No. 29, but once inside the ring, Marella wanted no part of either Phoenix or Natalya. Instead, Marella chose to eliminate "herself".
Including that comedy spot, Phoenix had a fantastic showing in the match even with the laceration on her head. It's made a lot of fans wonder if she would be interested in a short run to WrestleMania.
#2. Shayna Makes An Impact
There are very few Superstars that have come through NXT with a more impressive resume than the Submission Magician. Shayna Baszler was the favorite to win the Royal Rumble up until the beginning of the event on Sunday. Baszler would enter the match at No. 30 and would immediately begin clearing the ring..
Shayna would go on to toss out either women in the match, tying Bianca Belair's record set earlier in the match. Xia Li, Tegan Nox, Shotzi Blackheart, Zelina Vega, Carmella, Toni Storm, Naomi and Beth Phoenix were all victims of the former NXT Women's Champion. She would make quick work of most of the ladies right until she came face to face with Charlotte Flair.
She came extremely close to winning the Royal Rumble. She had Charlotte on the apron and nearly eliminated her until Flair utilized her legs to flip Shayna over the top rope. Although she didn't win the match, I'm not so sure this is the last we have seen of Shayna Baszler on the big stage.
#1. The Queen Wins
Charlotte Flair has another accomplishment to add to her already Hall of Fame career. The former 10-time Women's Champion will now have another opportunity to take another step toward her father's World Title record at this year's WrestleMania. Charlotte eliminated Shayna Baszler to win the Royal Rumble after entering the match in the seventeenth position.
Flair eliminated four other women in the match and lasted just over twenty-five minutes. There has already been speculation on who Charlotte will choose to face at the Show of Shows. Charlotte has a history with both Bayley and Becky Lynch, so it would make complete sense for her to try and take the title from either competitor. The Man herself had something to say about a possible rematch.
After her victory, Charlotte cut a heel-lke promo stating that regardless if you wanted her to win the Royal Rumble or not, she needed to prove that the ring belonged to her. She did not state who she would be challenging though, so as of now, we are left to wonder.
What were your thoughts from the Women's Royal Rumble match? Let me know on Twitter @awesomephinatic.
