For some, it’s their favorite PLE of the year.
For others, it sets up the biggest night of the year.
The Royal Rumble comes to you live tonight, and the winner of the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble will go on to get a championship opportunity at Wrestlemania.
We will take you through the preshow to the final bell for live updates. Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s premium live event. Follow along for all the action.
WWE PPV tonight
Royal Rumble takes place Feb. 1.
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Royal Rumble 2025 location
The Royal Rumble will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
What time does the Royal Rumble start today?
The Royal Rumble starts at 6 p.m.
Where to watch the Royal Rumble?
The Royal Rumble will air live on Peacock. It is also available on traditional pay per view for $44.99.
Is there a Royal Rumble preshow? What time does it start?
There is a Royal Rumble Preshow. It begins at 4 p.m. on Peacock and WWE’s Youtube page.
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How long is the Royal Rumble?
Tonight’s card features four matches, including two Royal Rumble matches, which last about an hour. The entire show will likely last between three and four hours.
Is there a Survivor Series press conference?
There will be a press conference following tonight’s show.
WWE Royal Rumble 2025 match card
- Men’s Royal Rumble: Penta, Chad Gable, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Carmelo Hayes, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Mysterio, Sami Zayn, LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, Seth Rollins, John Cena, CM Punk and Roman Reigns are in the Royal Rumble. Expect other WWE stars and of course, surprises.
- Women’s Royal Rumble: lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, Iyo Sky, Bayley, Naomi, Bianca Belair, Raquel Rodriguez, Nia Jax, Liv Morgan and Charlotte Flair are in the Royal Rumble. The rest will be named.
- Tag Team Championship match: Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa vs. Motor City Machine Guns, two out of three falls.
- WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a ladder match.
Royal Rumble predictions
DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns
You’d think the two out of three falls stipulation would help the good guys, but DIY are great cheaters. I see Gargano and Ciampa walk out as champs.
Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes
Kevin Owens deserves the title. He’s been so good as the disgruntled bad guy. Especially because he’s yet to say anything that’s untrue. But Cody isn’t losing here. Cody Rhodes retains.
Women’s Royal Rumble prediction
This match comes down to Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair in my mind. The women’s division has been great without them, and their return will only make it that much better. We’ll go with Charlotte Flair.
Men’s Royal Rumble prediction
Do you remember when we knew going in who would win? I don’t miss those days. Now anyone could win. Will the Rock return? John Cena should be a heavy favorite. CM Punk has been the best thing on TV for more than a year now. But we’re going with Roman Reigns. That match was great the past two years, why not make it three in a row?
Royal Rumble 2025 match card order
There has yet to be an official announcement for the order of tonight’s match, but it seems pretty easy to guess. They’ll want to separate the men’s and women’s Royal Rumbles, so it’s likely one will go first, one will go last. While both are huge matches, the men have a lot of star power in this one, so we’ll guess we’ll open with the Women’s Royal Rumble. Next will likely be the tag team match, followed by the ladder match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, and finally the men’s match. The women could also headline the show, but with Roman, Cena, Punk, Rollins, McIntyre and so many other stars, this is one of the biggest rumble matches ever.
Who can main event Wrestlemania 41?
WWE has more options than ever. That means tonight’s show is pretty unpredictable. Anything can happen tonight because there are so many stars in WWE right now.
Here’s a list of stars who could easily headline Wrestlemania.
Royal Rumble countdown begins
The Royal Rumble countdown has started and it opens with a tremendous Royal Rumble video highlighting so many great moments over the years. Big E, Wade Barrett, Pat McAfee and Michael Cole are holding down the pregame show.
Pat McAfee WWE
The former Colts punter got a huge ovation by the crowd in Indianapolis. Having the guy who hosts a daily show on ESPN, one of the stars of College Game Day and one of the most popular media members in the world right now as your color commentator is pretty cool. And he’s not there for the payday, he’s there because he loves it, and that makes it better.
WWE Pay Per View 2025
This is the first premium live event, or old school pay per view of the year. Here are the others that are on the calendar.
- Royal Rumble, Feb. 1, Indianapolis
- Elimination Chamber, March 1, Toronto
- Wrestlemania 41, April 19, 20, Las Vegas
- WWE Summer Slam, Aug. 2, 3, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Big E opens WWE Topps trading cards
Rhea Ripley has been trying to get her card all weekend. She did get two Tiffany Stratton cards, but was unable to pull her card. The boys on the desk opened a pack of cards each, and while they pulled out some great cards, they didn’t get any of the special card. They mention there’s a Cody Rhodes card worth $1 million. Maybe I need to start collection.
Michael Cole pulls a CM Punk autograph card
What a waste! While opening the packs of cards, Michael Cole pulled an autographed CM Punk card. Great get, but wish it didn’t go to Cole. Would you want an autographed card from your coworker?
WWE Royal Rumble 2025 participants
On the men’s side, confirmed are John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Jey Uso, Penta, Bron Breakker, Chad Gable, Rey Mysterio, Damian Priest and Jacob Fatu.
The woman’s match will include Bayley, Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile Raquel Rodriguez, Iyo Sky and Candice LeRae.
Royal Rumble surprise entrants
One of the best parts of the Royal Rumble is all of the surprise returns and debuts. AJ Styles had one of the best surprises a few years back, Edge returned at the Royal Rumble, as did Chris Jericho. This year, it’d be fun to see guys like Rob Van Dam appear. The Hardy Boys could appear, thanks to the agreement WWE has with TNA, and who wouldn’t believe in Joe Hendry if he pops up.
On the women’s side, I’m thinking Becky Lynch returns, and t sounds like Nicki Bella could turn up.
Could Kevin Owens defeat Cody Rhodes?
I find it hard to believe Cody Rhodes won’t go into Wrestlemania with the championship, but Owens is so good right now, it would be fun to see him win it. While talking with coworker and great staff writer Charles Daye, he said asked my thoughts on Owens winning, Sami winning the Rumble and having those two meet in the main event. To quote Henry Hill in Goodfellas, “Ohhhhh, alright!”
CM Punk favor from Paul Heyman
Another theory thrown out this week was Roman Reigns wins the Royal Rumble, setting up a rematch between Cody and Roman, but the favor is putting Punk into the main event, so Heyman has to pull some strings to make it a three-way dance.
Bubba Ray Dudley in the house
ECW original, WWE Hall of Famer and cohost of Busted Open Radio Buh Buh Ray Dudley is in the house. When the rumble was in Philly a few years back, he was a surprise competitor. He still does a great job on the indy scene when he wrestles, but it’s nice to see him in the WWE mix. He’ll always be my second favorite Dudley.
One hour warning
We are an hour away from the Rumble starting. Now is a good time to order the food, get to your friend’s house and start watching!
Report: Royal Rumble opening with Woman’s Rumble
According to pwinsider.com, tonight’s show is slated to open with the woman’s Royal Rumble. So we won’t have to wait long to find out who the surprises are and more importantly, who will challenge for a championship in less than three months.
What time is the men’s Royal Rumble?
Assuming it’s the main event, it’s likely the men’s Royal Rumble will start between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. That could change, it could be earlier if the earlier matches are shorter, but that’s a good bet.
GUNTHER great on the mic
There was a time when Gunther was considered to have a low ceiling because he wasn’t great on the microphone. Those days are long gone. Now he’s a star in the ring, and also on the mic. Whoever is helping these guys in WWE with their interviews is a genius because everyone there can talk now. Even guys who were known as in-ring stars but not stars on the microphone.
Pat McAfee has fun
While WWE is doing its pregame hype, you can see Pat McAfee walk into the stadium and he is shaking hands and having fun. It’s great when crossover stars come to wrestling, but it’s even better when they come over and want to be there. They have fun. It can’t be understated how valuable this guy is to WWE.
Lanie Gardner sings the national anthem
We are officially underway with country music star Lanie Gardner singing the Star Spangled Banner. She did a great job. WWE has had a lot of country stars on as of late. Aren’t they too southern to be on TV? Oh well, I’m ready for tonight’s slobberknocker! And a chant of USA breaks out!
Will Roman Reigns remember how to wrestle in Royal Rumble?
Roman Reigns is the biggest star in WWE, but he hasn’t been in a rumble in years. Let’s hope he remembers how to do it! When you’re the champ, the rumble is meaningless.
Stephanie McMahon appears
Stephanie McMahon kicks off the show. She talks about how much WWE is growing and thanks the fans. She said it’s the biggest rumble in history. Then she kicks off the 2025 Royal Rumble with her patented McMahon over the top announcement. Good to see her there.
Pat McAfee has another job
Pat McAfee narrates the opener, which makes since since they’re in Indianapolis. They certainly get their monies worth from this guy. We are officially on the road to Wrestlemania!
Woman’s Royal Rumble kicks things off
It’s officially time for the first match of the night. So it’s every two minutes this year between entrances. We’ll update the competitors right here. We’ll also tell you who gets booted.
No. 1: Iyo Sky
The former WWE Women’s champ is the first woman out. She’ll have to go an hour if she wants to get gold at Mania. She doesn’t look too concerned, she’s dancing en route to the ring. She has the wind to go far, she’s tough, she has a shot.
No. 2: Liv Morgan
Well, that’s not good for her chance at getting a shot at Mami. It’s Judgement Day vs. Damage CTRL as we kick off the 2025 Royal Rumble. Morgan is also smiling. I thought she’d have a chance at winning it, but from No. 2, that’s a big ask. Either way, this is a great way to kick off the show, with two former champions butting heads for the right to get their title back.
They exchange headlines and then go back to wrestling. They’re both flying around early! Iyo gets backdropped onto the apron, but she fights back with a kick and springboards back in. Liv now is thrown to the apron, but she is able to hang on to the rope. The way they balance themselves is crazy.
No. 3. Roxanne Perez
The NXT star is out next and the former champion wastes no time getting involved, slapping Sky silly before doing the same to Liv. Sky is whooping up on Liv and Iyo and she hits a combo DDT/Russian leg sweep and the fans like that. Liv goes over the top rope again, but she hangs on again. Sky dumps Perez over, but she fights off. Morgan hits a codebreaker on Perez.
No. 4. Lyra Valkyria
The Women’s Intercontinental champion Valkyria is next in, and all four women are still alive. She hits a tornado DDT into a fishermen’s suplex on Sky. Valkyra has a problem with her shirt and Morgan slaps her. Now the first three women in are battling it out while Valkyria fixes her wardrobe malfunction.
No. 5 Chelsea Green
The most entertaining woman on the roster is out next, the U.S. Champion. She has fun with the crowd, before entering the ring and she buys a round of slaps for the girls in the ring. She just threw all four girls out to the apron, but nobody was eliminated. Sadly, she doesn’t know it. Now they’re back and she’s shocked and that’s why she’s the most entertaining person in the division. All of the girls gang up on her, beat her up and now she’s down.
No. 6: B-Fab
B-Fab is the next one out. Michin’s new tag team partner runs to the ring and is ready to rock. She slams Morgan onto Valkyria and she tries to throw Sky out of the ring. Nobody eliminated yet. It’s nice that the stats are up on the bottom. It gives it a sports like feel!
No. 7: Ivy Nile
The Pitbull is out next. I liked her until she sided with Chad Gable. Now, not so much. She’s running to the ring and is getting the “You Suck” chant. Huge shoutout to Kurt Angle, and a great tribute to a younger star! Nile hits a double German suplex, so she’s learned from Chad! Still nobody eliminated.
No. 8 Zoey Stark
Another young star comes to the ring, she flips in and hits a Tazplex on Sky. Then a superkick. Zoey gets thrown to the apron, but comes back with a blockbuster from the top rope. The match is 13 minutes old, nobody has been tossed. Liv tried to kick
No. 9 Lash Legend
One of the powerhouses enter the ring, the NXT star hits the ring in a hurry. She clears house. She’s now spinning Nile around like she’s a weapon. What’s new. Ends it with a powerbomb before B-Fab clobbers her. The two are now beating each other up pretty good. They both hit big boots, and Chelsea Green eliminates B-Fab. So one down, 28 to go.
No. 10 Bianca Belair
A former Wrestlemania main eventer enters the ring now, as the EST dances her way in before hitting a flying cross body on Green. It’s impossible to write all that’s going on, but I’ll say this, it’s crazy they can keep from hitting the floor by hanging on to the ropes. They have to be slippery and they’re holding on with one hand. It’s pretty amazing. Belair is killing it, beating up pretty much everyone in the ring.
No. 11 Shayna Baszler
One of the most underrated wrestlers in the world comes in the ring and starts tearing things up early. Baszler was the best NXT champ and she could do the same in WWE. She needs a chance. But she’s doing great in there. And Ivy Nile eliminates Valkyria. So two down.
No. 12 Bayley
Last year’s winner enters the ring as Bayley makes her way to the ring. She cleans house and goes head to head with Iyo Sky, her former friend in Damage CTRL. But they are interrupted by Baszler.
No. 13 Sonya Deville
The pride of Seneca High School has made her way to the ring. I’d love to see her win, she needs a breakthrough victory, and she has her teammates with her, so she could do some damage here. Still only two competitors gone.
No. 14 Maxxine Dupri
One of the most improved wrestlers hits the wring, Dupri. She is immediately attacked by her former friend Nile. Then she hits her Ravishing Rick Rude dance, which I enjoyed. Pure Fusion Collective tried to gang up on Dupri, but they’re cut off, she hits the backwards worm and eliminates Nile. Good for her. But then Dupri is dumped by PFC. Oh well, good showing for her.
No. 15 Naomi
Bianca Belair’s tag team partner Naomi hits the ring. I hope Cargill joins soon so we see what happens. Where will Belair’s loyalty go? We have 11 women in, four eliminated and 15 still to come. Good action so far. The tag champs are working together. Zoey Stark is gone, as is Baszler and Deville. That’s a shame. All PFC is gone. Too soon! We are now down 7 competitors.
No. 16 Jaida Parker
Another NXT star is out next, making her first Rumble match. The herd has been thinned, we only have nine women in the ring. Once again, Green is so funny. She’s so great. Lash Legend was tossed by Green. Green is having a nice rumble and the fans are chanting Chelsea!
No. 17 Piper Niven
Green’s former tag team partner is out next. As great as Green is, Niven plays a huge part in the act and I really enjoy her shenanigans. Niven comes in and beats up the tag champs. She hits a double splash on them. She’s just beating up on everyone. Niven accidentally eliminates Green. Too bad, was hoping she’d stick around.
No. 18 Natalya
The Hart Dynasty star is headed to the ring. I’m not sure if anyone likes wrestling more than her. And she likes cats. So it’s hard not to be a fan of hers. She tries to toss some girls. Some of these stars have been in there 30 minutes. That ain’t easy my friend. Nine girls have been tossed so far.
No. 19 Jordynne Grace
The former TNA champion is bound for glory in the Royal Rumble. She is officially signed with WWE. i’m really happy for her. She hit an amazing slam on Niven.
No. 20 Michin
One of the Smackdown stars Michin is out next and she does what she does. She cleans house.
No. 21 Alexa Bliss
She’s back! After having a baby, Bliss is back and she looks to be evil. The crowd loves her, so it doesn’t matter, but she is here and is back! As Bliss hits her moveset, the fans are going nuts. So far, this match has had two great surprises, and both have been recent. The match is in full gear now.
No. 22 Zelina Vega
Vega has really worked hard to get to the WWE, and it would be fun to see her win it. I don’t think it’ll happen, but would be fun. There are 12 women in the ring, 10 out, eight still to come. The tag champs are working together.
No. 23 Candice LeRea
The women’s speed champion is out next, but she’s in no hurry to get to the ring. Well, after celebrating, she hustles a little. Lots of action
No. 24 Stephanie Vaquer
The NXT star is making her debut. She enters with a flying cross body.
No. 25 Trish Stratus
The former WWE champion and hall of famer Trish Stratus is out next. Who wouldn’t want to see her win. A seven time champion! She tries for her bulldog, but Grace catches her. And she hits a bulldog off the top rope. Trish is killing it. She looks great.
No. 26 Raquel Rodriguez
Liv Morgan has a friend. Her Diesel bodyguard makes her way to the ring and starts beating up everyone. Natalya is eliminated by Morgan. Bliss tries to throw out Morgan, but she turns the tables. Bliss is out and the fans are not happy.
No. 27 Charlotte Flair
The champ is here. My prediction to win this is walking to the ring, the Queen has arrived and is back from her knee injury. The pop these women are getting really tells you how exciting women’s wrestling is. They are every bit as loved as the men. It’s so fun to see. While she makes her way to the ring, it’s probably time for the next star to get there. She comes in and hits clotheslines and chops and the fans are whooing right along. Welcome back, Queen. She’s showing Grace how they do things in WWE. She throws out Michin. Then hits the top rope and flies into a group. She then reverses a double suplex into a DDT. But Niven cuts her off. Then she dumps Niven over the top.
No. 28 Giulia
NXT Women’s Champion is out next. If she wins, she likely won’t challenge herself, I’m guessing. She squares right off with Sky, which is smart because she’s been in since the start. We only have two left. to come out. I’m going to guess one is Becky Lynch. Grace is eliminated by the NXT champ. I wonder if Grace is headed there. I’d watch that feud. Look, it’s NXT vs. WWE! Pretty cool they’re loyal to their brands.
No. 29 Nia Jax
Business is about to pick up, Nia Jax is making her way to the ring. She’s slow going out. It’s fair to think Jax has a good chance at winning this. Disappointed Grace didn’t last longer, but that’s a good thing. Just another star for WWE. LaRea is out. Trish was about to toss Jax, but LaRae grabbed her foot, allowing Jax to throw out Trish.
No. 30 Nikki Bella
Welp, it was a return, but not Becky. Nikki Bella has returned to WWE, at least for tonight. Everyone is in, now it’s officially a battle royal. Now they’re all eyeing Jax and looks like they’re going to toss her. It’s 11 on one right now, but so far, one is winning. She just tossed them all to the ground. Now they’re teeing off on her. Nikki Bella is doing pushups. So is Perez. Bella tries to give Perez an attitude adjustment as she throws her out, but she never hits the ground. Half the match is on the apron. Five of the 12 women are hanging on the apron after getting tossed. Jax just throw out Vaquer, Sky, Morgan and Belair. Oh, and Naomi. Wow. We are down to the select six.
The NXT champ is one, it’s down to five, Bayley, Perez, Jax, Bella and Flair. Make that four, Bayley is toast. So is Bella. Charlotte, Perez and Flair are left. Perez attacks Flair’s knee. Jax dumps Perez to the apron, Flair throws out Jax, then Perez.
Charlotte Flair wins 2025 Woman’s Royal Rumble
In her return from a bad knee injury, Charlotte Flair wins her second Royal Rumble. She gets a title match at Wrestlemania. She points to the Wrestlemania sign. It’s official, the Queen is back!
Piper Niven, Maxxine Dupri shine
Other than fun moments like Grace’s debut, Stratus’ return and Flair winning, two people who stood out were Niven and Dupri. They both put on great performances, and hopefully that will springboard them to bigger things. Dupri got ripped earlier this year by fans. I thought that was terrible then, and I’m happy she starred tonight for a few seconds.
Who will Charlotte challenge at Wrestlemania?
Who doesn’t want to see Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair again? We all should. But I have a feeling Charlotte’s going to be on Tiffy Time in Vegas. You can’t go wrong with either, but I predict she takes on Ms. Money in the Bank.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY
Next up is the tag title match, two out of three falls. I’m not sure who is going to win this, but it’s going to be a great match. The challengers are on their way to the ring. I’m not saying this is the best two tag teams in the world today, but they might be. Next up are the underhanded, devious champions.
The teams are going back and forth, but DIY has control and they’re taking it to Sabin. Shelly makes a quick tag and eats a knee. Then is pinned, DIY takes a 1-0 lead.
DIY wins first fall
That was pretty neat. DIY missed a tag, Alex Shelly thought they made the tag, then he ate a knee and found himself trailing.
Second fall, DIY leads 1-0
Good action so far, but it hasn’t kicked into second gear. It will. The bad guys are keeping control for most of the second fall. Sabin tags in and turns the tables. Hits a pair of big kicks off the apron onto DIY and then hits a flying crossbody block onto both of the champs.
The Motor City Machine Guns hit their finisher on Gargano and tie things up.
Motor City Machine Guns take second fall
After hitting their finisher, the two sides are going down to the wire.
Third fall, DIY-MCMG tied
DIY hit a double team move but are unable to get the three count. Gargano hits a flying body block, Tommaso Ciampa hits a crazy backbreaker, but is unable to get the three. Sabin is taking a lot of punishment from Ciampa, but Sabin pushes him into the ring post from the middle rope. That looked nasty. MCMG hit a blockbuster off the top rope, but Ciampa is saved by his partner. Gargano hits a superkick on his partner (accident) and the MCMG go to town. Angelo Dawkins just hit Shelly with a crutch. DIY meets in the middle and they win the match. I guess the Street Profits are officially bad guys. That’s a shame.
DIY defeats MCMG, 2-1
Maybe the Profits aren’t good guys. Now they’re beating up DIY with the crutch. They stand over the champs holding the titles. I guess the Profits aren’t good guys, they’re not bad guys. They’re the top contenders for the championship!
McAfee shows off NFL highlights
Since they’re in Indy, they’re showing some McAfee’s big plays, including his big hit, a great fake punt and various other times McAfee showed he was the top punter in the game at the time. I did not like him when he was a punter.
Rob Van Dam gets a huge ovation
I guess my surprise isn’t happening, because Rob Van Dam isn’t in the locker room. He’s sitting in the crowd with his wife Katie Forbes. RVD is one of the good guys in the game. He also recently started OnlyWrestlers, which will soon hold its first show.
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens, ladder match
Kevin Owens is out first. He’s a top top guy, and he’s still underrated. Another guy, whatever role they have for him, he’s awesome. WWE’s roster is stacked with dudes like him, maybe not as good as him, but guys who are great at whatever you ask of them. And Cody is out next. He’s been everything WWE would want in a champ and more. Cody has only defended his title eight times? That seems low. I guess a lot of his matches have been non-title, and he did have some tag team matches. Cody’s entrance has taken a while. You’d think he’d be eager to start the bout. The belts are being hooked up, it’s time to find out who the rightful champ is. I’m pulling for KO since, as much as I love Roman Reigns, Owens has a great point. He should be mad at Cody for turning his back on him and helping his enemy.
I ain’t alone. The fans are screaming for KO. Good. I’m glad people see that he was wronged here. The two are going to war and now they’re fighting throughout the stadium. They’re back in the ring and they’re using the ladders. Things are getting brutal. KO nearly went for a splash off a 5 foot ladder, but he didn’t want to take the high risk.
Rhodes tried to get to the top and he grabs the latch holding the belts, but Owens removes the ladder. Cody was unable to bring them down, but Owens was able to pull Rhodes down. Cody is hurt.
Owens continues the assault. Rhodes is taking a beating, Owens brings another ladder in the ring. Owens just got backdropped on a ladder, which was sitting on its side. That had to hurt so much. Right on the edge it looks like Ouch.
Now they’re even, Cody is powerbombed onto the ladder. I can’t imagine how bad that hurts. I get upset when I bang my knee getting in my car. Owens tries to get the gold, but he’s caught from behind. And Owens hits a fisherman’s buster onto a ladder. Both guys are down. Both guys are hurt. It’s a shame nobody has a Money in the Bank contract, now would be an ideal time.
Sami Zayn comes out to check on Owens. Now he’s checking on Cody. Is he there to help KO? Is he there to check on his friends? Who knows. Owens looks like Apollo Creed, climbing to his feet with the help of the ropes. He goes for a stunner, but Cody hits a Cross Rhodes.
Owens is taking a beating and he’s busted wide open. He’s wearing the crimson mask. He got juice! Any other good ones? Rhodes is attacking the open wound atop Owens’ head. This is the most fire Cody has ever showed, possibly, and that’s pretty cool. Rhodes looks obsessed with getting as much blood as possible from his foe, but then he took a shot in the plums. Owens goes for a pile driver but Cody reverses it into an Alabama Slam from the table through the ladder. Cody is climbing the ladder and he wins the titles. Cody is your champion.
Cody Rhodes defeats Kevin Owens
Rhodes pulled it off after a brutal match. Great match! I guess Cody will watch the Rumble to determine his potential challenger, while Owens will be taking an ice bath. Both men beat the heck out of each other. Owens looks terrible. I hope he’s just doing a great job pretending because he took a heck of a shot on that slam. Rhodes is standing over KO celebrating.
WWE Evolve
Looks like WWE is getting a new show. March 5, WWE Evolve will air on Tubi, the free online network. That show, I’m guessing, will have up and comers on, and if you watch NXT, you know that can be some of the best wrestling out there. That’s a Wednesday, so it looks like AEW will have competition, at least that week.
Elimination Chamber 2025
We are four weeks away from the next PLE, when Toronto hosts the Elimination Chamber. That typically sets up championship matches for Wrestlemania, so that’s a big one.
Men’s Royal Rumble match 2025
We’re now slated to see who will main event Wrestlemania. Big E is wearing a suit, so he probably won’t be competing. I would hope he’d be warming up if he was entering his first match in a few years. I really hope Big E can return if that’s what he wants to do. But if he never wrestles again, I’ll be fine with it because he’s happy, healthy and that’s the most important thing. He is another guy who comes off as one of the best dudes out there.
And we’re about to get started with our first two competitors. In about an hour, we’ll know who is bound for Vegas. Well, most will be bound for Vegas, but only one gets a golden ticket.
No. 1 Rey Mysterio
They’re starting with a hall of famer. The LWO leader has won the Royal Rumble before when he was the No. 2 entrant and went on to win the title at Wrestlemania when he defeated Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a triple threat match. Can he do it again?
No. 2 Penta
Wow, another Lucha star, the newest addition to the WWE men’s roster, Penta is out next. What a start to his career. This will be interesting to see these two start out, you know we’re going to see things we probably haven’t seen before.
Men’s Royal Rumble match starts
The fans go nuts as Mysterio and Penta square off after shaking hands. Gotta be one of the coolest moments of Penta’s career. He’s been a star for years, but this is pretty cool. They are now pounding away and it’s as fast as you’d expect.
No. 3 Chad Gable
Penta’s first opponent and Mysterio’s son’s running buddy Chad Gable is out next. Gable slingshots Rey over the top rope, but he holds on. Penta hits a super kick to the back of Gable’s head. They hit a double team splash on Gable and Mysterio landed right on his knees.
No. 4 Carmelo Hayes
Another young star joins the mix with the former NXT star who is now killing it on the main roster. He squares off with Mysterio and takes control. Four guys in, nobody out, we’re just getting started and the action has been great so far.
No. 5 Santos Escobar
Lots of Luchadores early, and he joins the ring by immediately DDTing Gable. Escobar hits a 619 on Rey, before getting picked off by Penta. They’re going at it and Penta gets hit with a “Mexican” Destroyer. Gable has throwing everyone out, but nobody went over. Then he gets drilled with a quadruple super kick.
No. 6 Otis
OK, so everyone in the ring has a beef with Gable. It’s three Lucha wrestlers, Hayes who has no friends and now Otis. He starts out with a chokeslam on Escobar, then he goes for the worm/caterpillar, but as he’s down, Gable locks in the ankle lock. Now the two are squaring off in the middle. Gable hits a German suplex. Gable celebrates, he gets put in the torture rack.
No. 7 Bronn Breakker
The son of the Dogfaced Gremlin, the nephew of the Big Bad Booty Daddy and one of the best athletes in the world is out next. He throws out Hayes. He hits a Frankensteiner on Gable from the top rope. He overhead throws Otis. He runs through Mysterio. He spears Escobar who was holding Penta. Then he throws out Escobar. Two down.
No. 8 Akira Tozawa
Before he can get to the ring, he’s pounded by Hayes. Instead, he’s being replaced by Speed!
No 8 IShowspeed
Famous streamer runs to the ring and eliminates Otis. He celebrates with Bronn, who is going to kill him, I think. And he does. He just ran right through him with a spear. Then, he press slams him and throws him into Otis. Otis catches him and throws him over the table. Poor IShowspeed. Very irresponsible of HHH to send him to the ring.
No. 9 Sheamus
The toughest Irishman is out next, he has a win to his credit. He gets to the ring and starts pounding on Gable. Gable must be the toughest guy in there because everyone goes after him. As soon as he enters the ring, he gets clotheslined over the top by Penta, but he holds on. Breakker is the man, he’s showing the world how good he is. As soon as I say that, he eats a kick from Sheamus.
No. 10 Jimmy Uso
Jimmy is out next. One of the best in the Bloodline is the first one out. He’s looking good thus far. Uso hits a nice backflip senton on Penta. Fans are behind Jimmy as he buttheads Mysterio and Gable. Now he gives one to Penta. And he attacks Sheamus. That was a mistake.
No. 11 Andrade
A win here would mark the second time a husband and wife won the Royal Rumble the same year. Seth and Becky did it one year. I don’t think that will happen her. Andrade is beating up everyone, but Penta throws him over the ropes and tries to eliminate him. He’s not having much success. Still only four guys out. Breakker is close, Sheamus has him over, but looks like he’s holding on. Penta hits a superplex on Andrade.
No. 12 Jacob Fatu
Well, things are going to get interesting here. The craziest member of the WWE roster is out and he does what you’d think he would do. Hurts everyone. He’s squaring off with Penta and that didn’t go well for Penta. Fatu than stacks Penta and Mysterio for a Samoan drop. He then eliminates Gable, Mysterio and Andrade. Now he’s facing off with Breakker.
No. 13 Ludwig Kaiser
Gunther’s friend is out next and he’d be stupid to rush in. It’s only stars in there, you’re better off buying time, and that’s exactly what he’s doing. This isn’t cheating, it’s smart. The ring is full of killers. It’s way safer outside, and you can’t get thrown out. He goes in and goes right out. Kaiser was in for about a second. Wait, it was two seconds, so it’s not a record! Breakker was thrown out, but hung on. That’s not easy for a guy his size to do that.
No. 14 Miz
The most underrated wrestler in the world is out next. The Miz tried to toss Breaker, hits his finisher on Uso and then gets taken down by Penta. Mysterio hits a Frankensteiner. But he runs into Fatu. he gets throw out, but holds on, springboards back in, and gets caught in a Samoan drop. Fatu is a killer.
No. 15 Joe Hendry
TNA champion is out next and he has the best song in the game. Congrats Hendry! I believe in Joe Hendry, but I’m not sure he can win this. TNA is getting a great boost here as their champion is beating up everyone. And the fans not only know who he is, they love him. They believe in Joe Hendry. CLAP CLAP. They believe in Joe Hendry. And Fatu kills Hendry.
No. 16 Roman Reigns
Excuse me, I have to stand up and acknowledge my guy. Get those fingers in the air. The best wrestler in the world is making his way out with his wiseman, Paul Heyman. I miss managers at the Royal Rumble. Those were always fun. Reigns throws out the Miz. Spears Sheamus and clotheslines him over. Joe Hendry goes after Roman. He gets speared and eliminated. Now it’s Bronn and Roman squaring off. So many cool faceoffs. Wow, Breakker hits the spear on Roman. But Reigns turns the table and throws out Breakker. That’s a money match we have to see. Jimmy Uso is out. It’s now down to three guys, Roman, Penta and Fatu, with the two Samoans ready to square off. This is another match that has to happen. Fatu throws first punch, Reigns fires back. They’re going to war with Fatu getting the best of it. Roman hits a spear.
No. 17 Drew McIntyre
Another star heads to the ring, the former champion. He has no love for Reigns. Roman says he’s right here. There are so many stars who are on the cusp of Reigns’ level, and it will be fun to watch those matches when they happen. McIntyre and Reigns are going toe to toe, but Fatu goes after Roman. Now the two of them are double teaming Roman Reigns.
No. 18 Finn Balor
Balor is in the ring and he goes after Reigns too. He teams with McIntyre. Makes sense, the United Kingdom connection! OK, so Ireland isn’t part of the UK, you know what I mean. Reigns is up and beating up both Balor and McIntyre.
No. 19 Shinsuke Nakamura
The U.S. Champion is out next and things are getting interesting. This Royal Rumble has so many great stars, and it’s showing every time a guy comes out. Whenever they square off with someone, I think ‘that’s a great match.’ ‘That’s another great match.’ That’s how you want your promotion to look in matches like this. Penta is tossed by Balor. Penta really shined tonight, which shouldn’t surprise anyone.
No. 20 Jey Uso
This is good for Roman. He’s getting backup in the form of his cousin. Since everyone in the ring hates Roman, this will help. Uso goes right after his foes. He hits a nice reverse Frankensteiner on Fatu. He’s now battling Nakamura. And he eliminates the U.S. champion. Down to five alive in the first 20.
No. 21 AJ Styles
We don’t want none, we want all of AJ! On a night when the TNA champion appeared in the Royal Rumble, the best TNA champ of all time enters the ring. He goes right after McIntyre. Then Balor. Then Jey. He doesn’t care. Good guy, bad guy, he’s going after him. Now he’s eye to eye with Fatu. they’re throwing hands and he hits a Pele kick.
No. 22 Braun Strowman
Bad news for Fatu, his rival is headed to the ring. And he’s headed right after his foe. Strowman hits a crossbody on Fatu and then eliminates Fatu. Wow. But he didn’t keep the momentum, he’s getting blasted.
No. 23 John Cena
His time is now. John Cena is making his way to the ring. HIs towel says “the Last Time is Now.” You trying to make me cry, John? He runs to the ring as Fatu watches. Cena eliminates Strowman. He hits an AA onto Balor and nearly kills him as he eliminates him. Reigns and Cena are eyeing each other up.
No. 24 CM Punk
Another all time great comes out next, as the voice of the voiceless is out next. His dream is to main event Wrestlemania and he has a chance if he wins tonight. Look at the ring right now. Styles, Punk, Reigns, Cena, McIntyre and Uso. Show me a better lineup! The fans are going nuts and they haven’t touched. They didn’t touch for two minutes.
No. 25 Seth Rollins
What the heck, lets add another all timer to the ring, see what happens. The fans are singing as seven of the best to ever do it are in the ring right now. Cena goes after Reigns as Punk and Rollins go head to head. Uso and AJ are also fighting. Which one of these guys wouldn’t you want to see in the Wrestlemania main event?
No. 26 Dom Mysterio
OK, he might not be at the level of the guys in the ring, but the best bad guy in the business is out now. He’s probably going to get beaten up. But he starts with a frog splash on Cena. Now he’s going to suplex Roman, but he failed. And he gets Samoan dropped for his efforts.
No. 27 Sami Zayn
Another star is out next, the honorary Uso, the Bloodline member, he’s out and he’s going to work on CM Punk. Just noticed Punk has the Macho Man pants on. Cool. Only three guys left to come out, but the ring is filled with stars. The best of the best.
No. 28 Damian Priest
Former WWE champion who beat Drew McIntyre at Wrestlemania in Philly last year is out next. Another deserving winner. The end of this match is going to be incredible because whoever wins it is going to earn it. Priest tees off on Styles. Priest throws out Dom. He is now going blow for blow with Punk.
No. 29 LA Knight
Wow, his first Royal Rumble match and Knight opens the match with an elbow smash from the top on Cena. Now he’s going toe to toe with Uso. Fans alternate between “Yeet!” and “Yeah!” WWE fans have been so loud tonight. Sammi is eliminated by Jey Uso. It was an accident, but he ate a super kick.
No. 30 Logan Paul
Another streamer comes in at the final spot, and he looks ready. All of the competitors are out now. We have 10 men in the ring and all make sense to be in the main event. Priest just threw out McIntyre. I’ll enjoy a feud between those two. Paul was thrown out by LA Knight, but he jumped to the table, he never hit the floor. Priest is out, courtesy of LA Knight. Yeah! And then Styles throws out LA Knight. Logan Paul is trying to navigate his way back to the ring. He jumps from the barricade to the steps. As he’s there, Styles goes for a forearm and Logan pulls him off the top rope, eliminating AJ. We’re down to six. Roman, Cena, Punk, Rollins, Uso and Paul. I’m still riding with Roman! Rollins buys everyone a round of stomps, and as he recovers, Roman is staring him down. They’re going to kill each other. They’re talking trash, and the fans are going INSANE. They are throwing hands after talking and neither is backing down. This is a bareknuckle fight. Rollins hits two super kicks, tries to eliminate Reigns and Punk throws them both out. And Logan throws Paul out. Rollins hits a stomp on Roman on the outside. It’s now a huge fight between Punk and Rollins on the outside. Do I smell a three way dance between Punk, Roman and Reigns. Rollins hits a stomp on the stairs on Roman. He’s now brawling with Punk on the outside. Very interesting developments!
Reigns is hurt, Punk steps over the injured Tribal Chief and Heyman is upset. Now we’re down to three, Jey Uso, Logan Paul and John Cena.
Paul and Uso go at it. Cena eliminates Paul. It’s down to Jey and John!
One of the stars of Total Divas is going to Wrestlemania! The two are eyeing each other up. Will it be Main Even Jey or Big Match John? Yeet or You Can’t See Me? Both have fans on their side! No matter how it ends, happy for Jey. He deserves this. Cena hits his tackles, hits his side suplex. Cena hits the five-knuckle shuffle. He goes for the AA but eats a super kick. Uso is trying to throw John out, but he’s holding on. Cena kicks him off, but Uso hits a spear! Both Cena and Uso are on the apron. They are throwing hands like crazy. They have to be tired, but they’re crushing it. Uso hits a super kick, Cena holds on. And Uso throws out Cena. Jey Uso is your main eventer!
Jey Uso wins the Royal Rumble
Day one ish it is! Yeet? Yep! As long as Rock doesn’t feel like jumping the line, Jey Uso will main event Wrestlemania. This was a massive win, a fun win and a well-deserved win. Jey Uso has been another underdog who is officially a full time main eventer. Great night of wrestling.
Royal Rumble Match Ratings
It was a great night of action. Here’s how we see the matches.
Woman’s Royal Rumble
This match was a lot of fun and Flair will have a great match with either champ. Prediction: She challenges Tiffany Straton. B+
DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns
Very old school, but still a lot of fun. B
Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens
These guys killed each other. A-
Men’s Royal Rumble
Just the drama made this so good. A+
Royal Rumble post show
John Cena gets emotional during the presser. He isn’t taking questions, he is talking about his WWE career. He’s done it all at Wrestlemania.
John Cena is going in the Elimination Chamber
Cena said he’s going to earn his spot in the championship match at Wrestlemania and he said he’s going to win at the Elimination Chamber. John Cena said winning his 17th championship is best for business.
Predicting Wrestlemania after Royal Rumble
- Jey Uso vs. Cody Rhodes
- John Cena vs. Gunther
- Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk
- Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
- Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch
- Charlotte Flair vs. Tiffany Stratton
- Naomi and Bianca Belair vs. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez
- Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY vs. Street Profits
Predicting 2026 Woman’s Royal Rumble winner
Rhea Ripley
Predicting 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble winner
Bronn Breakker
