The Royal Rumble occasion stays a crowd favourite, and with its mixture of shock parts blended with potential contemporary matchups, it’s clear why the present has been round for over 37 years. At this yr’s occasion on Saturday, a jampacked Locus Oil stadium in Indianapolis noticed main returns like 16- time world champion John Cena and former Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Aptitude, who was seeking to regain her dominance. We additionally witnessed the shock return of the outstanding AJ Types and the multi-time world champion Alexa Bliss. There was no greater shock, nevertheless, than Jey Uso persevering with his path to greatness and successful the Males’s Rumble match. Just one that compares is how brutally Cody Rhodes overcame his outdated good friend turned bitter enemy, Kevin Owens, and leaving the occasion nonetheless undisputed champion.
Successful the Royal Rumble ensures a possibility to headline WrestleMania. Which WWE superstars headlined our pound-for-pound rankings this month?
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Previously few weeks, “The Irresistible Power” has been centered on obliterating the lady who cashed in her Cash within the Financial institution contract and took her World Championship—SmackDown’s Tiffany Stratton. During the last month, Nia discovered herself in a feud together with her longtime rival, RAW famous person and Girls’s World Champion Rhea Ripley. These two powerhouses clashed at WWE Saturday Evening’s Important Occasion particular; nevertheless, Jax was unsuccessful in her pursuit of the world title. Following this loss, the previous multi-time champion set her sights on the Royal Rumble, hoping to headline the most important present of all of them—WrestleMania.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: After coming into the Royal Rumble at #29, Nia Jax wasted no time dominating the sector, first eliminating WWE Corridor of Famer Trish Stratus. The 2024 Queen of the Ring confirmed no worry when the remaining opponents within the ring tried to workforce up towards her, however Jax finally overcame every opponent. She recorded 9 eliminations on this yr’s Rumble match, taking out notable names comparable to Iyo Sky, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, WWE Corridor of Famer Nikki Bella, NXT’s Stephanie Vaquer, WWE Girls’s Tag Crew Champions Naomi and Bianca Belair, and Zelina Vega. Jax now holds the ladies’s file for many eliminations in a single Royal Rumble match.
Final Month’s Segments: Former World Champion Liv Morgan has been embroiled in a feud with the present champion, Rhea Ripley, for the higher a part of the previous yr. On WWE’s huge debut episode of RAW on Netflix, Morgan misplaced the WWE Girls’s Championship to The Eradicator and hasn’t been the identical since. She has grown considerably distant from her boyfriend, “Soiled” Dominik Mysterio, in addition to the remainder of her Judgment Day stablemates.
Maybe Morgan was distracted by her aspirations of successful the Royal Rumble. Or possibly the previous Cash within the Financial institution winner soured on Judgment Day after Mysterio seemingly tried to worm his approach again to Ripley—his former flame—following Morgan’s loss final month. Regardless, the intrigue surrounding her state of affairs made Morgan a viable option to win the Rumble.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: With the New Jersey native having just lately held the World Championship, it was essential for Morgan to have a powerful displaying within the Rumble match. She lasted over an hour—the second-longest time ever recorded in a girls’s Rumble—proving that she stays a prime competitor within the division.
Getting into at #2, Morgan secured two eliminations, first taking out veteran Natalya and later eliminating the returning former World Champion, Alexa Bliss. She demonstrated her endurance and combating spirit by attacking almost each competitor who entered the match after her. Morgan delivered a powerful efficiency, reaffirming her standing as one of many premier abilities in WWE’s girls’s division.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: At Saturday Evening’s Important Occasion on December 14, Cody Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE Championship towards Kevin Owens. Rhodes emerged victorious, however the loss left his Canadian-born opponent livid. Following the match, Owens attacked Rhodes along with his ending transfer—the package deal piledriver—which had been banned in WWE till just lately. He then stole the just lately reintroduced winged eagle WWE Championship belt, successfully sidelining Rhodes for a number of weeks.
Through the buildup to the Royal Rumble, Owens repeatedly claimed he was the true World Champion and even tried to recruit his longtime good friend and fellow Canadian, Sami Zayn, to help him in dethroning Rhodes. As tensions escalated, The American Nightmare made his return and engaged in a number of brawls with Owens on WWE TV. Their rivalry culminated in a contract signing for a ladder match on the Royal Rumble, the place each the winged eagle title and the Undisputed Championship—nonetheless in Rhodes’ possession—can be suspended above the ring. The storyline main into the premium reside occasion (PLE) was compelling, with many followers believing Owens had a reputable shot at dethroning Rhodes.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: The WWE Champion discovered himself in an all-out struggle towards a harmful and decided Kevin Owens on the Royal Rumble. The 2 opponents brawled into the group earlier than making their approach again to ringside, escalating the depth of the match. Owens, identified for at all times delivering an entertaining efficiency whatever the match kind, didn’t disappoint.
Rhodes endured a relentless onslaught for many of the contest. Determined to show the tide, he tried to climb the ladder to retrieve the titles, however Owens had different plans. The Prizefighter yanked the ladder from below Rhodes, leaving him hanging in mid-air, clutching the suspended championships—an exciting second that paid homage to traditional ladder matches of the previous. Owens capitalized on the state of affairs with a brutal powerbomb variation.
In a crucial second, Rhodes tried to superplex Owens from the highest rope—an formidable transfer that not often succeeds. As an alternative, Owens countered with a devastating Avalanche Fisherman Buster onto a ladder, delivering one of many match’s most jaw-dropping spots. Nonetheless, Owens’ downfall got here after he was despatched crashing by a ladder by way of an Alabama Slam, sealing the victory for Rhodes.
Regardless of the loss, Owens delivered a stellar efficiency, proving as soon as once more why he stays one among WWE’s elite opponents.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Heading into the Royal Rumble, CM Punk was broadly thought of the odds-on favourite to win. Nonetheless, there was no scarcity of superstars decided to stop that from occurring. Since his WWE return in late 2023, The Second Metropolis Saint has reignited his longstanding rivalry with “The Architect” Seth Rollins, a feud that has spanned over a decade. Their tensions escalated additional after Punk defeated Rollins on WWE’s Raw on Netflix debut in January.
Along with Rollins, Punk additionally needed to cope with Drew McIntyre, who was fixated on avenging his loss to Punk inside Hell in a Cell. Extra intriguingly, Punk had an undisclosed association with The Wiseman Paul Heyman earlier than Survivor Sequence in November, which led him to help The Solely Tribal Chief Roman Reigns in his Conflict Video games match.
Because the Royal Rumble approached, Punk’s in-ring promo with Cody Rhodes on the ultimate Uncooked earlier than the PLE added yet one more layer to his ongoing storylines. With so many narrative threads converging, Punk successful the Rumble appeared like a pure final result—even perhaps too straightforward.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: Getting into at #24, Punk had loads to show. Final yr, the previous multi-time champion suffered an harm through the match and finally completed because the runner-up. This time, he was decided to alter the end result. Upon coming into the fray, Punk instantly clashed with Rollins earlier than Drew McIntyre took his flip attacking him. Logan Paul additionally tried to ambush Punk however was swiftly taken out with a crisp “Go to Sleep” finisher.
The defining second of Punk’s efficiency got here when he shockingly eradicated each Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns concurrently—a feat that few might accomplish. Nonetheless, his Rumble run got here to an abrupt finish when he was eradicated by Logan Paul. The chaos didn’t cease there, as all hell broke free exterior the ring. Punk and Rollins continued brawling at ringside earlier than being forcibly separated by a swarm of WWE officers.
Though Punk didn’t win the match, his elimination of Reigns and Rollins set the stage for one thing even greater. His story—particularly with The Tribal Chief—is simply starting.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Is shedding a match towards CM Punk on Netflix actually that unhealthy? In case you’re Seth Freakin’ Rollins, it’s. After blowing one of many greatest moments of his profession, The Visionary tried to regain momentum. He declared himself for the 2025 Royal Rumble, dreaming of as soon as once more successful the match and heading to WrestleMania. Usually entangled with longtime rivals like Drew McIntyre and CM Punk, Rollins has been a focus of Uncooked. Some followers even thought of him a favourite to win the Royal Rumble.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: Very like Punk, Rollins’ most memorable moments occurred after his elimination. After being thrown out by CM Punk, Rollins grew to become unhinged. Roman Reigns was exterior the ring, and Rollins delivered an unprovoked Curb Stomp earlier than partaking in one other brawl with Punk. At each alternative, The Revolutionary attacked a weak Reigns, finally delivering a brutal stomp onto the metal steps.
The previous World Champion showcased a vicious facet, all however guaranteeing an intense and compelling story construct as we method WrestleMania. An incredible effort by Seth Rollins.
Final Month’s Rating: No. 1
Final Month’s Segments: On the Uncooked on Netflix debut, Roman Reigns went to struggle in a Tribal Fight match towards Solo Sikoa. After an intense battle, Reigns managed to conquer his former protégé. Following his victory, The Tribal Chief was absent from tv however remained a focus of WWE programming, as a number of rivals—together with Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens—continued to say him weekly. Even when he’s not on the present, Reigns stays a central determine in WWE.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: Getting into his first Royal Rumble in 5 years, Reigns aimed to reassert himself within the World Title image. He shortly made an influence, delivering devastating spears to The Miz and Sheamus, resulting in their eliminations. The Tribal Chief then made brief work of TNA’s World Champion Joe Hendry and Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, eliminating each.
Reigns secured a complete of 4 eliminations earlier than being eradicated by CM Punk. All through the match, he remained a reputable contender for victory. Together with his ongoing story involving Punk and Seth Rollins, WWE followers are in for a curler coaster journey within the months main as much as WrestleMania.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Multi-time World Champion Charlotte Aptitude had been absent from WWE tv for over a yr as a consequence of a critical knee harm. Over the previous few weeks, the daughter of the legendary Nature Boy Ric Aptitude launched a sequence of movies on-line, documenting her unimaginable journey again to the ring and showcasing her intense coaching periods. It was quickly introduced that she can be making her WWE return and coming into the Royal Rumble. As soon as the world found Aptitude’s participation within the match, she instantly grew to become one of many prime contenders to win.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: Charlotte entered at #27—a quantity that has traditionally produced probably the most winners—and shortly grew to become the focal point. All eyes have been on the queen as she made her solution to the ring. Aptitude lasted over quarter-hour and secured 4 eliminations, taking out Michin, Nia Jax, Piper Niven, and, lastly, former NXT Girls’s Champion Roxanne Perez.
Regardless of her lengthy absence, the previous Royal Rumble winner confirmed no indicators of ring rust, even delivering a wonderfully executed Pure Choice on Bayley at one level within the match. Overcoming each a torn ACL and MCL, in addition to fierce competitors, Aptitude cemented her triumphant return by successful the Rumble. Now, she has the chance to decide on which World Champion she’s going to problem in a headlining match at WrestleMania.
All hail the queen.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A.
Final Month’s Segments: Over the summer time, John Cena announced that 2025 can be the ultimate yr we see him carry out in a wrestling ring. On the Uncooked on Netflix debut, the 16-time champion mirrored on what the yr may maintain for him. He questioned whether or not he might nonetheless headline one other WrestleMania. How would he get there? Might he win the Elimination Chamber match? Or possibly he might win the Royal Rumble?
After posing these inquiries to each the viewers and himself, Cena formally declared his entry into the Royal Rumble match. Whereas the announcement was predictable—since most followers anticipated him to compete—Cena stays one of the crucial entertaining and fascinating figures in WWE historical past. The longer term Corridor of Famer efficiently piqued the curiosity of followers main as much as the Royal Rumble occasion.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: Cena has mastered an offensive type that he can execute successfully at any age, which labored in his favor through the match. He delivered all his signature strikes, together with a wonderfully executed 5 Knuckle Shuffle on the eventual winner, Jey Uso.
The battle-tested veteran engaged in a hard-hitting alternate with Uso on the ring apron earlier than finally changing into the final man eradicated from the Males’s Royal Rumble. Cena lasted over half-hour within the match and secured three eliminations, taking out Braun Strowman, Finn Bálor, and YouTube sensation Logan Paul.
After the match, Cena “handed the torch” to Uso in true legendary trend. An incredible outing from The Man We Can’t See.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Recognized affectionately as Rok-C, the 23-year-old former NXT Champion has been in a heated rivalry with Uncooked famous person Bayley over the previous few weeks. Perez would value Bayley a win in a match towards WWE girls’s champion Tiffany Stratton after an alternate on NXT earlier in that very same week. Roxanne coming into the Royal Rumble might acquire her again some much-needed momentum after shedding her girls’s championship to Giulia earlier this yr.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: The sooner you enter the Rumble, the much less doubtless you might be to win the match. After coming into at #3, Perez discovered her again towards the wall towards 29 different unimaginable girls. Roxxane had a historic efficiency on this yr’s Royal Rumble match, lasting over 1 hour and seven minutes and shattering the file (beforehand held by Liv Morgan) for longest time spent by a girl within the match. She additionally tasted a little bit of revenge when she eradicated the NXT Champion Giulia. After outlasting the remainder of the sector, Rok-C got here up brief in her quest to win the Royal Rumble, however she undoubtedly established herself as a mainstay for years to return.
Final Month’s Rating: N/A
Final Month’s Segments: Earlier this yr, the person with the “Yeet” catchphrase received a match to make himself the #1 contender for World Champion Gunther. At Saturday Evening’s Important Occasion, Jey Uso confronted Gunther and misplaced. For some stars, such a defeat would immensely derail their character improvement. Nonetheless, “Important Occasion” Jey Uso proved he was too common with the viewers to lose any steam. Every week, the group chanted and sang alongside to Uso’s theme track whereas additionally doing the signature “yeet dance” with him. Jey needed to show he was not simply the “proper hand man” for Roman Reigns or the “different twin,” and that he might succeed as a solo (no pun supposed) wrestler. For Jey, the Rumble match was one of the best alternative to exhibit his abilities and additional elevate his worth.
Royal Rumble In-Ring Efficiency: The previous intercontinental champion discovered himself in a good place, coming into the match at quantity 20 as roughly 70,000 individuals reacted with loud Yeet chants. One thing felt particular concerning the multi-time workforce champion that evening. Uso had an unforgettable second with the mega star LA Knight during which they went forwards and backwards with strikes that inevitably compelled the group to chant “yeah,” which is Knight’s catchphrase, and “yeet.” Actually entertaining! What followers will bear in mind probably the most about Jey’s efficiency, nevertheless, is his interplay with John Cena on the finish of the match. In what is certainly the most important win of his profession, Jey Uso eradicated Cena to win the 2025 Royal Rumble. Uso will now get a well-earned, well-deserved push and headline WrestleMania. What a begin to the yr for Important Occasion Jey Uso. Yeet!
