The journey to WrestleMania is officially underway, and two spots have been secured.
The 2025 Royal Rumble officially kicked off the start of WWE’s biggest time of the year, as the iconic first premium live event took place Saturday in front of a record crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium. The night was headlined by the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches. Each had 30 entrants, and only one emerged. On the women’s side, a former winner won for the second time, and in the stacked men’s side, an underdog came through for a shocking victory.
The WWE Tag Team Championships were on the card in a two-out-of-three falls match, and that match ended with the return of another pairing. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens took their heated rivalry into another Undisputed WWE Championship bout, and it ended in brutal fashion.
WrestleMania 41 is more than 75 days away, but the extravagant event is about to take shape. Check out the highlights and analysis from Royal Rumble 2025:
Watch: Royal Rumble postshow
Men’s Royal Rumble match
At WrestleMania 41, it will indeed be “Main Event” Jey Uso in the limelight. The “master of yeet” will be headlining WrestleMania 41 after he outlasted one of the most stacked men’s Royal Rumble cards of all time to cement his spot at WWE’s premier event.
There were plenty of big names in the match and a case could’ve been made for any of them. However, in the end it was Uso and John Cena as the final two stars left. They each traded blows, with Uso’s super kicks and Cena’s Five-Knuckle Shuffle. The two stars went over the ropes on the edge of the ring, and Cena looked like he would win his third Royal Rumble when he got the Attitude Adjustment set up. However, Uso jumped off and back in the ring and pushed Cena out. Cena was just as shocked as the entire WWE world, and he went back in to congratulate the winner.
Analysis: What an upset. In the lead-up to the Royal Rumble, people were arguing which former champion would be the one headed to WrestleMania. No one thought it would be Uso, and that’s why you must always expect the unexpected. A surprise win will make the build-up to WrestleMania rather interesting, for Uso and other stars who easily could’ve been the victor, as plenty of big matches are on the horizon in the coming months.
Another development to watch from people that didn’t win was the brawl between Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Rollins clearly lost his self control with a vicious assault on Reigns that included two curb stomps on the “Tribal Chief” and his continued attack on Punk. In addition, Punk was clearly frustrated with the “Wiseman” Paul Heyman, considering he owes Punk a favor. A storyline may be brewing between all parties and headed toward a match at WrestleMania.
All entrants for the men’s Royal Rumble match are listed below, as well as when/if they were eliminated.
No. 30: Logan Paul
Eliminated by John Cena.
No. 29: LA Knight
Eliminated by AJ Styles.
No. 28: Damian Priest
Eliminated by LA Knight.
No. 27: Sami Zayn
Eliminated by Jey Uso.
No. 26: Dominik Mysterio
Eliminated by Damian Priest.
No. 25: Seth Rollins
Eliminated by CM Punk.
No. 24: CM Punk
Eliminated by Logan Paul.
No. 23: John Cena
Eliminated by Jey Uso.
No. 22: Braun Strowman
Eliminated by John Cena.
No. 21: AJ Styles
Styles makes his first appearance since October. Eliminated by Logan Paul.
No. 20: Jey Uso
Winner.
No. 19: Shinsuke Nakamura
Eliminated by Jey Uso.
No. 18: Finn Balor
Eliminated by John Cena.
No. 17: Drew McIntyre
Eliminated by Damian Priest.
No. 16: Roman Reigns
Eliminated by CM Punk.
No. 15: Joe Hendry
The TNA World Champion returns to WWE. Eliminated by Roman Reigns.
No. 14: The Miz
Eliminated by Roman Reigns.
No. 13: Ludwig Kaiser
Eliminated by Penta.
No. 12: Jacob Fatu
Eliminated by Braun Strowman.
No. 11: Andrade
Eliminated by Jacob Fatu.
No. 10: Jimmy Uso
Eliminated by Jacob Fatu.
No. 9: Sheamus
Eliminated by Roman Reigns.
No. 8: IShowSpeed
Streamer replaces Akira Tozawa. Eliminated by Bron Breakker.
No. 8: Akira Tozawa
Did not enter match after attack from Carmelo Hayes.
No. 7: Bron Breakker
Eliminated by Roman Reigns.
No. 6: Otis
Eliminated by IShowSpeed.
No. 5: Santos Escobar
Eliminated by Bron Breakker.
No. 4: Carmelo Hayes
Eliminated by Bron Breakker.
No. 3: Chad Gable
Eliminated by Jacob Fatu.
No. 2: Penta
Eliminated by Finn Balor.
No. 1: Rey Mysterio
Eliminated by Jacob Fatu.
Ladder match for Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
With no love lost between the two, they quickly tried to brutalize each other right off the bat, with Owens using a piece of the ladder as a weapon. Rhodes loves taking the action into the crowd, and he lured Owens into the spectators to give fans a front-row seat to the devastation.
The action eventually found its way back around the ring, and Rhodes quickly stopped an attempt by Owens to climb the ladder. Owens later brought out a mini-ladder − made famous by Hornswoggle − and it quickly became the weapon both stars used. Later, Rhodes was about to grab the titles when Owens pushed him off and he was left dangling on the hook. He found his way back to the ladder, but was unable to grab the championships. Owens later tried the Ruthless Package Piledriver on the ladder, and Rhodes countered it to send the challenger into the steel. The favor was returned when Owens did a powerbomb to send Rhodes forcefully into a ladder.
Owens sent Rhodes off the top rope and into the ladder in the craziest spot of the match. Officials came ringside to check on both stars, who were clearly damaged, and Sami Zayn then came out. The two stars eventually got up, and Rhodes executed a Cross Rhodes. The champion suddenly felt rage and busted Owens’ face open. The two met at the announcer’s table, and Owens tried the piledriver again, but Rhodes turned it around sent Owens through the ladder, breaking it in the process. With Owens down, Rhodes climbed the ladder and claimed both championships to retain.
Analysis: What a brutal one that was. The feud was boiling between Rhodes and Owens, and yet they even took it up another notch in a ladder match where nothing went to waste. It was easy to see Rhodes winning, but it was how he did it that was the shock of it all. Fed up, he ditched the “good guy” persona and did all he had to do to retain his championship. Sending Owens through the ladder, when he was already covered in his blood, sent a strong message that Rhodes can be just as sinister as anyone else. It seems like something to remember as WrestleMania 41 approaches.
With another successful title defense, it’s likely Rhodes finally has Owens in his rear-view mirror and he now awaits to see what happens in the men’s Royal Rumble. WrestleMania 41 will definitely feature “The American Nightmare” in the main event.
Two-out-of-three falls match for WWE Tag Team Championship: #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin)
Part one of the tag team title match showcased why #DIY is among the best duos in WWE. Gargano and Ciampa executed the perfect fake tag that had Shelley thinking Gargano was the legal person in. However, Gargano didn’t tag in, allowing Ciampa to catch the challenger off guard. Ciampa got a high knee on Shelley and secured the first pin to get the advantage for the champions.
Momentum was high for Ciampa and Gargano in the second round. They continued to beat up on a fatigued Shelley. #DIY used tricks again to distract the referee from seeing Shelley tag Sabin in. The referee forced Shelley back in the match and the assault continued on him. Shelley recovered from a deep hole, thanks to Sabin finally getting in the fold. The challengers got Ciampa out of the picture and teed off on Gargano, getting their own pinfall to send the match to a decisive third round.
With one pinfall needed, all four competitors tried to get the upper hand, going off on each other. Ciampa got Sabin on his own with a drop knee maneuver, but the pin attempt was unsuccessful. The Motor City Machine Guns then thought they had the victory in their hands, only for Gargano to break the pin attempt at the last second. Gargano went for a kick on Shelley, but it went haywire when he accidentally kicked Ciampa. Gargano looked to be done when two people in hoodies appeared and distracted the referee. It turned out to be the Street Profits, and Angelo Dawkins used a crutch to hit Shelley. It was the turning point and the champions got the second pin to retain. Their reward? A beatdown from the Street Profits.
Analysis: The Street Profits are back and are hunting for blood. It’s been a few months since they’ve been seen, but they made an emphatic return with their eyes set on claiming more tag team gold.
Aside from the teams participating in the title match, the tag team picture had gotten a bit stale with #DIY and the MCMG the only viable champions. The return of the Street Profits adds a much-needed new player to the mix, and it looks nothing like the duo fans have loved for years. The heel turn could mean the Street Profits are on a warpath for success, and new champions could be coming in the next few months.
Women’s Royal Rumble match
In a stacked field, it’s the “Queen” that comes out on top.
Charlotte hasn’t been in action since December 2023, and not only did she make her return, she solidified her spot at WrestleMania 41 by winning the women’s Royal Rumble.
She entered at No. 27 and although she didn’t make many eliminations, she made the ones that mattered. The final three was Charlotte, powerhouse Nia Jax and NXT sensation Roxanne Perez. Perez and Charlotte worked together to get Jax out, setting up a final two of young star vs. decorated veteran. However, Perez was at a disadvantage by being outside of the ropes. Charlotte just needed to land a nasty kick to the head and Perez went out, giving Charlotte the win.
She’s the first two-time women’s winner.
Other notable moments included the returns of Alexa Bliss and Nikki Bella, and Jordynne Grace made her first appearance as part of the WWE roster after leaving TNA.
Analysis: It seemed too predictable, and maybe that’s why it was somewhat of a shock. Charlotte has always been a main event name, yet it seemed like it would be too much of a rush to thrust her into the WrestleMania spot after missing more than a year. Yet she adds another notch in her family’s wrestling legacy. It may not be the popular move and is another instance of Charlotte passing by other stars, but her name will certainly be a headliner at WrestleMania 41.
Aside from the winner, Perez put up an incredible performance. She is destined to be on the main roster at any moment. She came in at No. 3 and capitalized on her opportunity to shine, setting a women’s record for time in the Royal Rumble. She may not have won, but finishing as the runner-up shows signs she is a main roster champion in the near future, and 2025 could be a big one for “The Prodigy.”
All entrants for the women’s Royal Rumble match are listed, as well as who eliminated them.
No. 30: Nikki Bella
The WWE Hall of Famer returns. Eliminated by Nia Jax.
No. 29: Nia Jax
Eliminated by Charlotte.
No. 28: Giulia
The NXT Women’s Champion appears. Eliminated by Roxanne Perez.
No. 27: Charlotte
Charlotte returns to WWE from injury. Winner.
No. 26: Raquel Rodriguez
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
No. 25: Trish Stratus
The WWE Hall of Famer returns. Eliminated by Nia Jax.
No. 24: Stephanie Vaquer
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
No. 23: Candice LeRae
Eliminated by Trish Stratus.
No. 22: Zelina Vega
Eliminated by Nia Jax.
No. 21: Alexa Bliss
Bliss makes her return to WWE. Eliminated by Liv Morgan.
No. 20: Michin
Eliminated by Charlotte.
No. 19: Jordynne Grace
The newest WWE signing arrives after finishing her time in TNA. Eliminated by Giulia.
No. 18: Natalya
Eliminated by Liv Morgan.
No. 17: Piper Niven
Eliminated by Charlotte.
No. 16: Jaida Parker
Eliminated by Jordynne Grace.
No. 15: Naomi
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
No. 14: Maxxine Dupri
Eliminated by Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya Deville, Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler).
No. 13: Sonya Deville
Eliminated by Bianca Belair and Naomi.
No. 12: Bayley
Eliminated by Roxanne Perez.
No. 11: Shayna Baszler
Eliminated by Bayley.
No. 10: Bianca Belair
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
No. 9: Lash Legend
Eliminated by Chelsea Green.
No. 8: Zoey Stark
Eliminated by Iyo Sky.
No. 7: Ivy Nile
Eliminated by Maxxine Dupri.
No. 6: B-Fab
Eliminated by Chelsea Green.
No. 5: Chelsea Green
Eliminated by Piper Niven.
No. 4: Lyra Valkyria
Eliminated by Ivy Nile.
No. 3: Roxanne Perez
Eliminated by Charlotte.
No. 2: Liv Morgan
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
No. 1 Iyo Sky
Eliminated by Nix Jax.
When is Royal Rumble 2025?
Royal Rumble 2025 is Saturday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. ET.
Where is Royal Rumble 2025?
The 2025 Royal Rumble will be at Lucas Oil Stadium − home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts − in Indianapolis.
How to watch Royal Rumble 2025
The event can be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.
Royal Rumble 2025 match card
Matches not in order
- Men’s Royal Rumble match
- Women’s Royal Rumble match
- Ladder match for Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
- Two-out-of-three falls match for WWE Tag Team Championship: #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin)
How does the Royal Rumble match work?
The 30-person match starts off with two entrants, and every two minutes, another competitor enters the match.
The only way to be eliminated from the match is to be thrown over the top rope of the ring and both feet must hit the floor. If only one foot hits the floor or goes under the top rope, the competitor may re-enter the ring. The match goes until there is one person remaining in the ring that hasn’t been eliminated. The winner of the match then gets a guaranteed championship match at WrestleMania.
Who’s in the men’s Royal Rumble match?
Heading into Saturday night, 18 of 30 participants have been announced. To see the full list, click here.
Who’s in the women’s Royal Rumble match?
Heading into Saturday night, 14 of 30 participants have been announced. To see the full list, click here.
WrestleMania 41 sign goes up
It’s that time of the year. The Royal Rumble means the WrestleMania sign goes up, and it will be present during Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown leading up to the event.
Jordan Mendoza’s Royal Rumble 2025 predictions
- Men’s Royal Rumble match: John Cena
- Men’s Royal Rumble surprise: Joe Hendry
- Women’s Royal Rumble match: Iyo Sky
- Women’s Royal Rumble surprise: Nikki Bella
- Ladder match for Undisputed WWE Championship: The feud was something Rhodes needed, and there should be plenty of ridiculous spots in this one. While Owens winning would certainly add intrigue to start the year, Rhodes is on his way to another WrestleMania main event. Winner: Cody Rhodes.
- Two-out-of-three falls match for WWE Tag Team Championship: The Motor City Machine Guns have been a great addition to WWE, but it feels like they haven’t been used to their full potential. #DIY has had a great turnaround recently, and they should get the first pinfall before the challengers get the last two for a title change to start February. Winner: Motor City Machine Guns.
James H. Williams’ Royal Rumble 2025 predictions
- Men’s Royal Rumble match: CM Punk
- Men’s Royal Rumble surprise: Dolph Ziggler
- Women’s Royal Rumble match: Charlotte Flair
- Women’s Royal Rumble surprise: AJ Lee
- Ladder match for Undisputed WWE Championship: Rhodes will retain and position himself to headline WrestleMania as the defending champion for a third consecutive year. This should be the end of the feud and possibly the last we see of the Winged Eagle title that Owens stole from Rhodes. Winner: Cody Rhodes.
- Two-out-of-three falls match for WWE Tag Team Championship: Gargano and Ciampa will find a way to retain the titles on a big stage. The Motor City Machine Guns will head into the event with momentum after picking up a victory (along with Los Garzas) over #DIY and Pretty Deadly during an eight-man tag team match but #DIY was also spotted backstage with Tama Tonga. The backstage segment could be leading to a potential tag match down the road with Tonga and Jacob Fatu. Winner: #DIY.
Men’s Royal Rumble history
The match first took place in 1988 – with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan winning the inaugural event – and it’s been held every year since. However, it wasn’t until 1993 that the winner received a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. Here are the past 10 winners. The full list of winners is here:
- 2015: Roman Reigns
- 2016: Triple H (second win)
- 2017: Randy Orton (second win)
- 2018: Shinsuke Nakamura
- 2019: Seth Rollins
- 2020: Drew McIntyre
- 2021: Edge (second win)
- 2022: Brock Lesnar (second win)
- 2023: Cody Rhodes
- 2024: Cody Rhodes (second win)
Women’s Royal Rumble history
The women’s Royal Rumble match was introduced in 2018, with Asuka winning the first edition. Here are the list of winners:
- 2018: Asuka
- 2019: Becky Lynch
- 2020: Charlotte Flair
- 2021: Bianca Belair
- 2022: Ronda Rousey
- 2023: Rhea Ripley
- 2024: Bayley
How successful are men’s Royal Rumble winners at WrestleMania?
Since 1993, the winner in the men’s match has mostly been successful in capturing a title at the flagship event, going 17-12 in those matches for a 58.6% success rate. There have been some instances of Royal Rumble winners either not getting a championship opportunity at WrestleMania or, like John Cena in 2008, deciding to cash in their opportunity prior.
See the full list of how men’s Royal Rumble winners fared at WrestleMania here.
How successful are women’s Royal Rumble winners at WrestleMania?
The women’s winners have been quite successful at WrestleMania. Royal Rumble victors are 5-2 − a 71.4% win percentage − in WrestleMania matches with two straight wins.
See the full list of how women’s Royal Rumble winners fared at WrestleMania here.
Best number to enter the Royal Rumble?
Save the best for last when it comes to the men’s match. Five winners have come in at No. 30, the most of any entry number. All of the wins have happened since 2007. The second most is No. 27 with four wins and No. 1 and No. 24 with three wins. Nos. 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17, 20, 21 and 26 have never been winners.
In the women’s match, it’s either been early or later in the match with the most success. No. 3 and No. 28 each have two wins. Nos. 1, 17 and 25 make up the other victories.
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