In its short history, the Women’s Royal Rumble has had its fair share of surprising and stand-out moments. Ronda Rousey first appeared at the end of the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble and Becky Lynch’s entry and triumph in the 2019 match was memorable. The 2023 match was also filled with a few surprises including the return of Michelle McCool. But what caught the attention of most fans was the comeback of former RAW Women’s Champion Nia Jax.
WWE released Nia Jax in November 2021. Since then, she has stayed away from the ring before making her surprise return at the 2023 Royal Rumble. Her return was impactful but it will be remembered for an emphatic ‘Riptide’ delivered by Rhea Ripley to the 272 lbs Jax. Moreover, after Ripley hit the Riptide on her, all 11 women in the ring joined forces to throw the cousin of Dwayne Johnson outside the ring.
Fans in awe of Rhea Ripley after Nia Jax’s elimination
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Women’s Royal Rumble gave fans some exciting moments and surprises after they were left disappointed by the Men’s Royal Rumble match. The match saw the return of Natalya after a layoff due to injury and Asuka came out in her KANA avatar. Fans also got to see Michelle McCool emerging from the crowd to enter the match and former star Chelsea Green also returned in the match before being eliminated in 5 seconds, a record for the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
RIPTIDE TO NIA JAX!@RheaRipley_WWE wows us all in the 2023 Women's #RoyalRumble Match! pic.twitter.com/0WydgHhhnQ
— WWE (@WWE) January 29, 2023
The fans were in for one more surprise when Nia Jax entered at number 30. She hit a few moves before Rhea Ripley confronted her. Ripley hit Jax with an impressive Riptide and then directed other women in the ring to get rid of Jax. It took 11 women to finally eliminated Jax from the match and end her cameo.
Fans online reacted to Ripley’s feat of strength and Jax’s elimination at the hands of what seemed like the entire Women’s division. People hailed her power and couldn’t get enough of the Mami. Here are the top reactions to Ripley’s show of power to help eliminate Jax from the Rumble.
That was insane
— The Winged Helmet (@fforevergoblue) January 29, 2023
That moment when Rhea hits the riptide… pic.twitter.com/xKrpdcTgvi
— Soar Sower (@SoarSower) January 29, 2023
Holy Shit!!!! Let’s F’n Go Rhea!!!!!
— bill (@billco1227) January 29, 2023
UNBELIEVABLE!@RheaRipley_WWE #NiaJax #RoyalRumble https://t.co/M3sdpZYdum
— Kwame at KlicKNet (@iamKwame4life_) January 29, 2023
Incredible https://t.co/WAXD48HywY
— Kenma's twin (@SportsAnime1) January 29, 2023
How did she get her off the ground
— Dancing On My Own. (@undauntedheart) January 29, 2023
Fans also didn’t miss Rhea Ripley directing traffic.
Literally everyone worked together to eliminate Nia 🤣
— Cassie Paulin (@Cassie_Paulin) January 29, 2023
The greatest elimination of the Women's Royal Rumble history… Thank you @RheaRipley_WWE and for all of the women who eliminated @LinaFanene
I hope this is just a one-time appearance and she doesn't come back… I mean, she can't wrestle… https://t.co/gPvBUiuoHi
— Nicko Vizcarra (@NickoVizcarra) January 29, 2023
THATS MAMI FOR U…
THEY ALL WORKED AND LISTENED TO WHAT MAMI SAID TO DO 😭😭😭 @RheaRipley_WWE https://t.co/4TENcEKCXS— Marian (@LizHDL26) January 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nia Jax is the only female to get the Muhammad Hassan treatment twice in the Royal Rumble Match. #RoyalRumble
— Cameron The Mid-Core Gamer611 (@Cameron_611) January 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Indeed, Nia Jax’s return didn’t go as she planned but Ripley it was the perfect Rumble. She entered the match at number one and lasted till the end to win her first Royal Rumble match. With a championship opportunity at WrestleMania waiting, it will be interesting to see which title Mami goes after.
Watch This Story: 5 WWE Superstars Who Could Face John Cena At WrestleMania 39