5 Eliminated WWE Superstars Who Needed To Win The Queen of The Ring Tournament

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Some eliminations were understandable from a storyline perspective. However, others may have cost WWE an opportunity to elevate stars who could have greatly benefited from a tournament victory.

That said, in this article, we look at five eliminated superstars who arguably needed to win Queen of the Ring the most.

#5. Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Lash Legend

Lash Legend’s elimination in the opening round was disappointing. Perhaps because she entered the tournament with considerable momentum. She was part of a stacked Fatal 4-Way that featured IYO SKY, Roxanne Perez, and Giulia, with SKY ultimately advancing.

Over the past year, Lash has steadily developed into one of WWE’s most physically imposing female stars. Her performance in the 2026 Royal Rumble further showcased her potential. She scored notable eliminations and looked capable of hanging with top-tier talent.

Hence, a Queen of the Ring victory could have been the final step in transforming her from a promising prospect into a legitimate championship contender. Instead, her loss leaves her searching for another path toward the women’s title picture.

#4. Kiana James

Kiana James has spent much of 2026 trying to establish herself as a consistent force on the main roster. Unfortunately, her Queen of the Ring journey ended when Raquel Rodriguez defeated her, Bayley, and Jacy Jayne in a Fatal 4-Way match.

The loss became even more significant because it directly led to the collapse of her alliance with Giulia. Following the match, tensions exploded between the two women, and they officially ended their partnership.

A tournament victory could have completely changed James’ trajectory. Rather than being remembered for another setback and a failed partnership, she could have emerged as a genuine singles star with a clear path to SummerSlam.

Kiana has often displayed strong character work and impressive in-ring ability. However, she has struggled to secure a defining moment on the main roster. Given this, Queen of the Ring could have provided exactly that.

#3. Bayley

It feels strange to place a former world champion on this list. However, Bayley arguably needed the tournament more than many younger stars.

The veteran has already accomplished almost everything possible in WWE. However, the past several months have seen her drift away from the main-event spotlight. Her elimination at the hands of Raquel Rodriguez ensured that trend would continue for the time being.

More importantly, the former Hugger remains one of WWE’s most reliable performers. Hence, a deep tournament run culminating in a victory would have created several compelling championship matches.

Instead, WWE opted to move forward with younger names. Although that decision makes sense for the future, Bayley’s experience and star power could have further elevated the tournament’s prestige.

#2. Roxanne Perez

Roxanne Perez may be the biggest missed opportunity of the entire tournament. The former NXT Women’s Champion has already proven that she can carry a division. Hence, many fans expected her to be one of the favorites entering Queen of the Ring. Instead, she was eliminated in the opening-round Fatal 4-Way won by IYO SKY.

Perez has spent the last year transitioning into a bigger role on the main roster while remaining involved in several high-profile storylines. However, she still lacks the signature accomplishment that would officially cement her status among WWE’s elite female superstars. Hence, a Queen of the Ring victory would have solved that problem immediately.

Instead, Triple H chose to continue building other stars, leaving Roxanne waiting for another major opportunity.

#1. Jacy Jayne

Jacy Jayne has enjoyed a strong run over the last year, including success in NXT and a growing presence on SmackDown after Fatal Influence moved brands. Hence, the reason why her elimination from winning Queen of the Ring was surprising.

Jacy Jayne was part of the Fatal 4-Way match won by Raquel Rodriguez. Unlike some of the other names on this list, Jacy is at a crucial point in her career. She is no longer simply an NXT standout trying to find her footing. She is now expected to prove she belongs at the top of the division.

A tournament win would have given Jayne the biggest accomplishment of her career. That’s not all. It would also simultaneously create fresh championship programs for SummerSlam. Whether challenging Liv Morgan or another champion, Jacy would have entered the title picture with significant momentum.

Instead, the former NXT star joins the growing list of talented competitors who fell short. Thus, making her perhaps the superstar who needed the Queen of the Ring crown more than anyone else.

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