Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
According to sources, the main WWE roster did not know about Stephanie McMahon’s announcement at the end of Monday’s RAW, confirming an all-women’s WWE Royal Rumble match. Most of the talent found out about it when it aired live. Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that the women in the ring had “no idea” about what Stephanie McMahon was about to announce. This was done so that everyone’s reaction would be authentic and genuine.
The site reports that “only a handful of people” knew what was about to happen. Even the the production team wasn’t aware of the announcement. WWE was determined that the announcement did not leak out early.