WWE has a legacy of dramatic surprises in Royal Rumble matches, including rare moments when women have competed alongside men. As the 2026 Premium Live Event is set to take place in Riyadh, speculation is high that top-tier female stars could once again make history by entering the Men’s Royal Rumble, spotlighting the growing visibility of female talent on the global stage.
The focus on whether female stars enter Men’s Royal Rumble matches has gained momentum, especially with several powerful women now dominating WWE’s roster. Here are five standout WWE female performers most likely to compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, each bringing unique credentials to the event.
Raquel Rodriguez: The Judgment Day’s Powerhouse Eyeing the Men’s Match
Raquel Rodriguez, currently aligned as muscle for the Judgment Day faction, has demonstrated her ability to hold her own in both men’s and women’s matches. Towering over many of her peers, including male wrestlers, Rodriguez is known for physically dominating smaller competitors such as Rey Mysterio. Rodriguez’s role in the group often places her at the center of high-impact feuds, and her recent brutal assault on Stephanie Vaquer during last week’s RAW has put her eligibility for the women’s contest in question.
Should General Manager Adam Pearce decide to prohibit her from entering the women’s Rumble as a consequence, Rodriguez’s only route to WWE glory in Riyadh could be to enter the men’s contest—a scenario that would highlight her resilience and tenacity.
Jordynne Grace: Displaying Raw Strength Among WWE’s Finest
Jordynne Grace, nicknamed “The Juggernaut,” has earned a reputation for her formidable strength, even when compared to physically imposing stars like Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax. Despite being physically smaller than some contemporaries, Grace is widely regarded as one of the strongest women on the roster. Her notable feat of deadlifting Piper Niven in the middle of the ring during the 2025 Royal Rumble demonstrated her ability to compete against anyone, regardless of size.
Grace’s uncanny power makes it feasible to imagine her eliminating mid-card male rivals such as The Miz. Her presence in the Men’s Royal Rumble would not only challenge traditional boundaries but would also inject unpredictability into the high-stakes Riyadh event.
Jade Cargill: WWE Women’s Champion Seeking Unprecedented Dominance
Jade Cargill currently holds the WWE Women’s Championship, yet her reign has so far been defined by confident proclamations rather than headline victories. Originally scheduled to defend her title against Michin before the latter’s injury, Cargill has repeatedly crossed paths with top competitors like Jordynne Grace, signaling her intent to reach new heights.
With no expected title defense at the Royal Rumble, Cargill could look to make an indelible mark by appearing in the men’s match. Her imposing physical presence and determination suggest she could secure eliminations against competitors such as The Miz or Kit Wilson, showcasing her ability to disrupt established hierarchies in WWE.
Rhea Ripley: A Proven Force Against Male Competition
Rhea Ripley’s physical prowess is legendary, with past matches demonstrating her capacity to throw around established male stars like Kevin Owens and Dominik Mysterio. Though she was slightly larger two years ago, Ripley continues to be positioned by WWE officials as a dominant presence. She remains one of the promotion’s most popular athletes, and her recent alliance with Damian Priest to secure victory against Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match on SmackDown further cements her reputation as a cross-division competitor.
Ripley’s high profile means that even the smallest provocation could see her forcibly enter the men’s contest. Should a heated rivalry resurface—such as with Aleister Black—it could provide a dramatic justification for her appearance in the Riyadh ring, lending additional tension and excitement to the Men’s Royal Rumble.
Nia Jax: Set to Repeat Royal Rumble History in 2026
Nia Jax stands as the most recent example of a woman competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble, continuing a path first paved by Chyna in 1999 and followed by Beth Phoenix and Kharma. Jax made her mark by entering the 2019 Men’s Rumble at number 30 after an attack on R-Truth, eliminating Mustafa Ali during her brief, memorable run before being dispatched by Rey Mysterio. Her compelling stare-down with Randy Orton that night remains a standout moment in Royal Rumble history.
With her experience and intimidating presence—still among the most formidable in WWE—Jax is the strongest candidate to repeat her groundbreaking feat in 2026. Her potential appearance in Riyadh would not merely be another entry; it would symbolize the ongoing evolution of WWE by bridging gender lines in one of the company’s most watched global events.
As WWE prepares for the spectacle in Saudi Arabia, the possibility that these female stars enter Men’s Royal Rumble raises the stakes, intensifies speculation, and paves the way for even greater inclusivity and excitement in future WWE storylines. With names like Raquel Rodriguez, Jordynne Grace, Jade Cargill, Rhea Ripley, and Nia Jax at the forefront, WWE fans can anticipate a Royal Rumble that blends expectations, tradition, and groundbreaking performances on an international stage.
