Nia Jax Reflects On Turning Down Spot In 2022 WWE Royal Rumble: I Wasn’t In The Mindset

Nia Jax reflects on returning at the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble event. 

Nia Jax was released on November 4, 2021. She returned as the final entrant in the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble Match. However, she would not return to WWE full-time until later that year. 

Speaking with Sean Ross Sapp ahead of the 2024 WWE Royal Rumble, Jax reveals that she had initially turned down the chance to appear in the 2022 Royal Rumble Match. At the time, Jax wasn’t ready to return and gave a firm no to the company. 

However, by 2023, she was more receptive to the idea. 

“I was offered a spot the year before and I said, in more colorful language, ‘No.’ I wasn’t in a mindset to be in the Royal Rumble. Last year, I was definitely in more of a place. It was great. I’m glad I did it. At first, I wasn’t thinking of coming back and doing it full-time, but once I got out there and felt the crowd, I was like, ‘Maybe I should get back in shape and see what happens.’

Following her return in the Royal Rumble, WWE release a new Nia Jax t-shirt. Jax says she had no idea that this was even in the works and was not made aware of the shirt until it was brought to her attention.

“I didn’t even know that came out. They didn’t tell me,” she said.

Jax did not win the 2024 Royal Rumble, but she did eliminate the most women in the match. She also played a major role in the debut of Jade Cargill who made a big splash by eliminating Nia Jax from the match and being one of the final three competitors in the Battle Royal. 

Fans can read Jade’s thoughts on her debut here. 

Check out the full interview with Nia above.