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THE RUMBLE SURPRISE THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN AND MORE WOMEN'S RUMBLE NOTES

For those who have asked about whether there were any surprises that were planned at one point, the only thing we have heard is that at one point, WWE had reached out to the former Lana, CJ Perry about making a surprise appearance in the Women's Rumble match, but obviously, it never happened.  There were some in the company who thought that as late as the week of the Rumble that it was happening but as they got closer to the PPV, her name was no longer mentioned.  Perry was released by the company in June 2021.

Molly Holly being added to the Women's Rumble was a late addition with the idea of Mighty Molly interacting with Nikki A.S.H to help build Nikki up.

Since we have been asked, Paige was not at the Rumble PPV.

Backstage, it was an emotional scene for a lot of the former Diva-era talents as there were many who hadn't been at a WWE event in many years, so they had a chance to catch up and visit with each other.    Many of the women brought their children to the weekend, making it even more special for everyone involved.

As noted last night, several extra talents were brought in as a security precaution in case someone didn't pass medical protocols.  Jillian Hall and Aksana posted photos and videos on social media before the PPV.

Ivory was among those who filmed Table for 3 episodes the weekend of the PPV for the WWE Network.

A number of talents who were booked as surprises turned down photo and autograph requests from fans.  One talent literally told fans asking for photos that she could not "as she was a surprise."  After the Rumble was over, it was a different story as the talents were more amenable to stopping for the fans.

The belief backstage was that we'd probably see more with Nikki and Brie Bella for Wrestlemania 38, but no word as to if or when that may happen.

Neil Kaplan, the voice of Madara Uchiha on Naruto, was indeed the voice heard for Zelina Vega's entrance.  Thanks to Jason Block.

Alexa Bliss commented on the Rumble match:

Ariel Helwani interviewed Becky Lynch about potentially facing Ronda Rousey again:

Referee Jessica Carr posted the following:

Ruby Soho commented on her former Riott Squad partners reuniting at the Rumble PPV:

Bayley tweeted the following during the Rumble PPV:

Summer Rae tweeted the following about her return to WWE:

 

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