The SmackDown Women’s Championship won’t be defended at the Royal Rumble, but the show’s women’s division will still be represented on Sunday.
Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella & Naomi will face Mickie James, Natalya & Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag team match at the Alamodome. The match was announced on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
It will be James’ first time wrestling on the main roster since returning to the company and being revealed as La Luchadora last week.
With the addition of the six-woman tag, the Royal Rumble will be a rare pay-per-view with three women’s matches. Charlotte Flair defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Bayley, along with Sasha Banks taking on Nia Jax are also scheduled for the show.
The updated card for the Royal Rumble is:
The Royal Rumble match
AJ Styles defending the WWE Championship against John Cena
Kevin Owens defending the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a no DQ match with Chris Jericho suspended above the ring in a shark cage
Charlotte Flair defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Bayley
Becky Lynch, Nikki Bella & Naomi vs. Mickie James, Natalya & SmackDown Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss
Rich Swann defending the WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Neville
Cesaro & Sheamus defending the Raw Tag Team Championship against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (kickoff show match)
Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax (kickoff show match)