The 2022 Royal Rumble will go down as one of WWE’s most chaotic and frustrating events, with talent morale reportedly at a “decades-long low”. Between last-minute creative changes, questionable booking decisions, and backstage chaos, the event left many WWE Superstars feeling discouraged and frustrated with the direction of the company.
One of the biggest shake-ups involved Ronda Rousey’s return. According to Fightful Select, Vince McMahon originally pitched a scenario where Rousey would enter the Women’s Royal Rumble and eliminate the entire field by herself. The idea was to establish her as the dominant force in WWE since she had signed on for a full-time schedule in 2022. That plan was ultimately scrapped, but Rousey still entered at #28 and won the match, eliminating four competitors on her way to victory.
Not everyone backstage was thrilled about it. Others within WWE pushed for Sasha Banks (now Mercedes Moné) to win the Rumble instead, but McMahon stuck with Rousey. Female talent were also frustrated by the absence of TJ Wilson, who had previously been instrumental in structuring the Women’s Rumble matches. Wilson reportedly took time off because he “had trouble coexisting with Vince McMahon’s vision for the Rumble.”
On top of that, several returning legends felt slighted after being told to “get in and get out.” Melina, Molly Holly, Ivory, Summer Rae, Cameron, and Sarah Logan all lasted less than a minute in the match, making their comebacks feel rushed and forgettable.
The Men’s Royal Rumble was no better. The match, which ended with Brock Lesnar winning, was a complete mess behind the scenes. Shane McMahon reportedly attempted to book the finish around himself, causing backstage confusion as he and Vince McMahon sent mixed messages about what was actually supposed to happen. The chaos led to Shane being removed from WWE just days after the event. He wouldn’t return until WrestleMania 39 in 2023.
While there is currently some frustration within WWE’s women’s division about booking decisions, it’s reportedly “nowhere close” to the disaster that unfolded around the 2022 Royal Rumble.
Looking back, do you think WWE completely botched the 2022 Royal Rumble, or were some of these decisions justified? Drop your thoughts below!
February 21, 2025 12:13 pm
