The WWE Royal Rumble has always been one of the most thrilling and unpredictable events in professional wrestling. It is a battle where superstars fight to earn their shot at the main event of WrestleMania. While the match is primarily a battleground for male competitors, there have been groundbreaking moments where female superstars have stepped into the chaos, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.
Throughout WWE history, a select group of women have taken on the challenge of competing against their male counterparts in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Some entered with hopes of making a statement, while others fought to redefine what it means to be a WWE superstar. This article will explore every woman who has ever competed in the Men’s Royal Rumble, their impact on the industry, and whether these moments were just historic milestones or true steps toward gender equality in wrestling.
### **Chyna – The Pioneer of Women in the Men’s Royal Rumble**
Before the WWE Women’s Revolution, one woman was already shattering gender norms—Chyna. Dubbed “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” Chyna wasn’t just another female superstar. She was a powerhouse, competing at a level that made her a legitimate threat in the men’s division.
#### **1999 – The First Woman to Enter the Royal Rumble**
At the **1999 Royal Rumble**, Chyna made history as the first woman to ever compete in the Men’s Royal Rumble match. As the 30th and final entrant, she entered the ring to an eruption of cheers. She even managed to eliminate **Mark Henry**, proving she could stand toe-to-toe with some of WWE’s biggest stars. Though her run was short-lived, her participation sent a strong message: women could compete in the men’s division.
#### **2000 – Chyna Returns for More**
One year later, at the **2000 Royal Rumble**, Chyna entered the match again, this time at **#17**. She continued to showcase her dominance, even eliminating Chris Jericho, who was her fierce rival at the time. However, her time in the match was cut short when she was eliminated by The Big Boss Man. Regardless of the outcome, Chyna had once again proved that she belonged in the ring with the men.
### **Beth Phoenix – The Glamazon Breaks the Mold**
Nearly a decade after Chyna’s groundbreaking appearances, another dominant female superstar entered the Royal Rumble: **Beth Phoenix**. Known as “The Glamazon,” Phoenix was one of WWE’s most powerful female wrestlers, capable of holding her own against anyone.
#### **2010 – The Kiss of Elimination**
At the **2010 Royal Rumble**, Beth Phoenix became the second woman to enter the match. She shocked the world when she eliminated **The Great Khali**—not with brute strength, but with a kiss. As Khali leaned in, Phoenix took advantage and tossed him over the top rope. Though she was later eliminated by CM Punk, her moment stood out as one of the most creative eliminations in Royal Rumble history.
### **Kharma – A Force to Be Reckoned With**
In 2012, another dominant female entered the Men’s Royal Rumble match. **Kharma**, known for her monstrous presence and powerful in-ring style, was one of the most feared women in WWE history.
#### **2012 – Short but Impactful**
At the **2012 Royal Rumble**, Kharma entered the match at **#21** and immediately took out **Michael Cole**, who humorously eliminated himself rather than face her. She then delivered a devastating **Kharma Bomb** to Dolph Ziggler before being eliminated herself. Though her time in the match was brief, her presence alone was enough to create a lasting impression.
### **Nia Jax – The Most Dominant Woman in the Men’s Royal Rumble**
The most recent woman to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble match was **Nia Jax**. Unlike previous female participants, Jax’s entry was not just historic—it was controversial.
#### **2019 – Taking on the Best of the Best**
At the **2019 Royal Rumble**, Nia Jax made history by becoming the **fourth woman** to enter the Men’s Royal Rumble. However, her entry was unlike any other. Earlier in the night, she competed in the Women’s Royal Rumble match but later returned to attack **R-Truth** and take his spot as **#30** in the men’s match.
What followed was one of the most shocking moments in Royal Rumble history. Jax stepped into the ring and took on some of WWE’s most dominant male superstars, including **Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, and Dolph Ziggler**. However, WWE did something unprecedented—they allowed male superstars to hit finishing moves on Jax. She took a **Superkick, a 619, and an RKO** before being eliminated.
This moment sparked debate among fans and wrestling analysts. Some praised WWE for treating Jax as an equal competitor, while others criticized the segment for showing male superstars physically attacking a woman in a scripted setting.
### **Did These Moments Truly Break Barriers?**
While every woman who entered the Men’s Royal Rumble left their mark, the question remains—was this true progress, or were these just isolated moments of shock value?
1. **Chyna’s participation** was groundbreaking and helped pave the way for intergender competition, but WWE has since shied away from making women regular competitors in the men’s division.
2. **Beth Phoenix and Kharma’s entries** were well-received but treated more as “special attractions” rather than genuine competitors.
3. **Nia Jax’s participation** was the most controversial, raising questions about WWE’s stance on intergender wrestling.
In the modern WWE landscape, the company has focused on elevating women’s wrestling through dedicated opportunities like the **Women’s Royal Rumble, Women’s Money in the Bank, and main eventing WrestleMania**. While these are steps toward gender equality, the idea of women competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble seems to have faded into the past.
### **Final Thoughts**
The women who stepped into the Men’s Royal Rumble did more than just compete—they shattered expectations. They proved that strength, skill, and determination are not limited by gender. Each of these superstars played a role in changing how women are perceived in WWE, even if intergender wrestling remains a controversial topic.
Whether WWE will ever have another female superstar enter the Men’s Royal Rumble remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—the women who dared to enter the battle left an undeniable mark on WWE history.