Murder Clown Asuka, Chelsea Green, Nia Jax & More Make Surprise Appearances In WWE Women’s Royal Rumble

In typical fashion, the 2023 WWE Women's Royal Rumble featured several surprise appearances. 

In one that will excite fans, Asuka debuted her Murder Clown persona in WWE that she used during her time as Kana in Japan. Asuka had teased reviving the gimmick in recent weeks and she made her way to the ring in a mask before revealing the Jokeresque face paint. The Empress of Tomorrow put in an impressive performance, making it to the final three, before spraying the mist backfired as Rhea Ripley caught her with a 619 to send her crashing to the floor. 

In an appearance that was somewhat expected, Chelsea Green returned to WWE and immediately set a record, being eliminated in just five seconds by Rhea Ripley after entering at number 20. The elimination was so fast that Corey Graves joked he didn't even have time to make fun of Green's husband Matt Cardona. 

Green's first injury-plagued WWE run lasted from 2018 until her release in 2021. She was able to remain injury free following her release and Green established herself outside of WWE once again in IMPACT Wrestling and on the indies. 

At number 30, Nia Jax made her return to WWE, competing in a pro wrestling ring for the first time since September 2021. Nia Jax was presented as The Irresistible Force, only being eliminated after the other 11 women in the match worked together to force her over the top rope. 

Elsewhere in the Women's Rumble, NXT talents Roxanne Perez, Zoey Stark, and Indi Hartwell had their own runs in the match, while Michelle McCool entered the match from the front row, and Natalya returned from a broken nose at number 11. 

Doudrop is also no more, with Piper Niven returning from a COVID-related issue at number 18. She put in a sterling performance before being eliminated by Raquel Rodriguez.