What Is 2019 Women's Royal Rumble match

Overview

The 2019 Women's Royal Rumble match was a landmark event in WWE history, held on January 27, 2019, during the Royal Rumble pay-per-view at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. It marked the second time WWE held a women's version of the Royal Rumble, following the debut in 2018, and continued the momentum of elevating female performers in major main-event roles.

Featuring 30 participants, the match was structured as a battle royal where entrants joined at timed intervals, with elimination occurring only by being thrown over the top rope and both feet touching the floor. The winner earned a world championship opportunity at WrestleMania 35, with the choice of challenging for the Raw Women's Championship, SmackDown Women's Championship, or NXT Women's Championship.

• Charlotte Flair won the match by last eliminating Becky Lynch, securing her place in WrestleMania history and her second Women's Royal Rumble victory.
• Becky Lynch, entering at #1, lasted over 55 minutes, the longest duration in the match, showcasing her endurance and resilience.
• The event was historic as it took place during WrestleMania 35 season, setting up a high-stakes storyline between Flair, Lynch, and Ronda Rousey.
• Notable returns included Trish Stratus, Beth Phoenix, and Chyna, who made her final WWE appearance before her passing in 2020.
• The match aired live on WWE Network and traditional PPV platforms, drawing over 1.2 million buys globally.

How It Works

The Women's Royal Rumble match follows a unique format designed to test stamina, strategy, and timing, with entrants joining every 90 seconds until all 30 have competed. Victory is achieved by being the last woman remaining after all others have been eliminated via over-the-top-rope rule.

• Entrant Order: Each wrestler enters at a predetermined number from 1 to 30. Becky Lynch entered first and survived until the final moments, lasting over 55 minutes.
• Elimination Rule: A wrestler is eliminated only when both feet touch the floor outside the ring after being thrown over the top rope, regardless of how they exit.
• Time Intervals: New participants enter every 90 seconds, creating evolving dynamics and alliances among competitors inside the ring.
• Championship Opportunity: The winner receives a title shot at WrestleMania 35 for any of WWE’s three women’s championships—Raw, SmackDown, or NXT.
• Wildcard Entries: WWE often includes surprise returns or debuts, such as Ronda Rousey appearing post-match, adding drama and unpredictability.
• Scoring & Tracking: WWE officials track time spent in the ring, eliminations, and performance metrics, with Becky Lynch setting a record for longest time in a Women's Rumble.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key participants in the 2019 Women's Royal Rumble based on entry number, time in match, eliminations, and final status.

This table highlights how entry position significantly impacted performance. While early entrants like Becky Lynch had to endure over 50 minutes, late entries such as Charlotte Flair conserved energy and capitalized on fatigue among others. The data underscores the strategic advantage of entering near the end, though endurance from early stars often shaped the match's momentum.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Women's Royal Rumble had lasting implications for WWE’s women’s division, solidifying its place in main-event storytelling and advancing gender equity in professional wrestling. It helped propel the historic main event at WrestleMania 35, the first all-women main event in WWE history.

• Historic Main Event: The rivalry between Flair, Lynch, and Rousey culminated in a triple threat at WrestleMania 35, headlining the show.
• Increased Visibility: Female performers received prime-time exposure and equal spotlight compared to male counterparts in major WWE events.
• Legacy of Returns: Legends like Chyna and Trish Stratus returned, bridging generations of fans and honoring women’s wrestling history.
• Global Impact: The match was broadcast in over 180 countries, expanding WWE’s international audience for women’s matches.
• Commercial Success: Merchandise sales for Lynch and Flair surged, with WWE reporting a 35% increase in women’s gear revenue post-Rumble.
• Cultural Shift: The event marked a turning point in WWE’s presentation of women as athletes first, not just entertainers.

The 2019 Women's Royal Rumble was more than a match—it was a statement. It demonstrated WWE's commitment to evolving its product and recognizing the drawing power and athletic excellence of its female superstars.