WWE Announces the First Women's "Royal Rumble" Match

As was announced by Stephanie McMahon last night on Monday Night Raw, there will be an all women's "Royal Rumble" match at the big PPV in January:

There has been no other discussion as of yet. If the women's version follows suit with the men's version, the assumption would be that the winner would receive a championship opportunity for her brand's Women's Championship at WrestleMania. If that is the case, we must also assume that every main roster woman will be in the match except for the brand champions at the time (presumably Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair). Or, will they too be a part of the match? Will there be a different "prize" for the winner? How many participants will be in the match? 30? 20? If there are 30, as is traditional, who would that include? We know that the rosters for both Raw and Smackdown Live are limited:

(Alexa Bliss)

Nia Jax

Sasha Banks

Bayley

Asuka

Paige

Sonya Deville

Mandy Rose

Mickie James

Dana Brooke

Alicia Fox

(Charlotte Flair)

Becky Lynch

Tamina

Lana

Carmella

Natalya

Ruby Riott

Liv Morgan

Sarah Logan

Naomi

Now, let's assume the champions are out. That leaves us with nineteen possible main roster participants. So, with a total allotment of thirty spaces (in theory), that opens up the opportunity for several NXT women taking slots. I'd say the most obvious choices are:

Kairi Sane

Ember Moon

Nikki Cross

Peyton Royce

Billie Kay

Possibly:

Dakota Kai

Rhea Ripley

Lacey Evans

Bianca Belair

Taynara Conti

Sage Beckett
Shayna Baszler

There also could be some of the Mae Young Classic competitors not yet signed who could compete:

Mercedes Martinez

Toni Storm

Candice LeRae

Piper Niven

Tessa Blanchard

Santana Garrett

As with any "Royal Rumble" match, the possibility exists for a legend or two in the mix. I wouldn't be surprised to see:

Madusa/Alundra Blayze

Bull Nakano

Trish Stratus

Kelly Kelly

Beth Phoenix

Kharma

And, there is always the possibility we'll see one or both of the dreaded Bella twins. Brie specifically is rumored to be training for a return.

So, let the speculation begin.