Five darkhorses for Women’s WWE Royal Rumble 2026 match

Some unexpected female talent might win the Royal Rumble this year.

WWE is heading over to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to host their first edition of the iconic Royal Rumble Premium Liv Event. The show will take place on January 31 and, like every year, feature two Rumble matches, including one for the women.

While there are heavy favorites to win the 30-woman-over-the-top-rope melee, here are the top five WWE superstars who are the dark horses and can surprise the fans with a major victory.

5. Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez entered the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match and lasted until the final two. In doing so, she set the record for being the Ironwoman of the Rumble and has had a great first year on the main roster.

With huge potential and having proven her worth as a dominant champion in NXT, The Prodigy could have her breakout with a victory in the 2026 Women’s Rumble in Riyadh.

Also Read: All superstars confirmed for Women’s WWE Royal Rumble 2026 match

4. Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green is one of the most entertaining and captivating WWE superstars of this generation. She can work any storylines and superstars and draw attention from the audience like no other.

The Hot Mess is also a former two-time WWE Women’s US Champion. So, with her roaring popularity and impressive resume, WWE could take the next step with her evolution by booking her to pick up the upset Rumble win.

3. Lyra Valkyria

Lyra Valkyria had a major turnaround as 2025 began. She became the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, had a big WrestleMania moment, and was engaged in a heated feud with Becky Lynch.

While The Bird Lady has gained momentum last year, she could take things further with a victory in the Women’s Rumble match this year.

2. Bayley

Bayley is one of the hardest-working WWE veterans of this era. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble match two years ago and had a great run as champion that year.

However, for a long time, Bayley has found herself lost in the shuffle, so it could come as a huge surprise should she win this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match.

1. Iyo Sky

Iyo Sky has ascended to become one of the most incredible and gifted in-ring athletes in WWE’s women’s division. While she is the reigning Tag Team Champion with Rhea Ripley, Sky has been away from the World title picture for a while.

She could insert herself back in the conversation by picking up an unexpected win in the Royal Rumble match that would surely garner a loud pop.

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