Alexa Bliss made a highly anticipated return to WWE at the 2025 Royal Rumble, surprising fans and rekindling their excitement. The event, which kicked off on January 31 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, was peppered with unexpected moments, but none stirred the crowd more than Bliss stepping back inside the ring.
This marked her first appearance since competing against Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship at the last Royal Rumble. Bliss had taken time off following the birth of her first child and had been away from WWE action for several months. Adding to the intrigue was her medical history; she had recently revealed being diagnosed with skin cancer only to find herself embroiled in negotiations over her WWE contract.
Initially rumored to be far apart on the contract talks, Bliss's comeback echoed through the arena. Reports indicated she had been backstage during the pre-show, heightening the anticipation for her entrance. Despite some skepticism about whether the contract details could be resolved, when she finally appeared at number 21, the energy shifted. Michael Cole, one of WWE’s announce team members, humorously remarked on how he’d thought Bliss wouldn’t be back, reflecting the worries many fans shared.
Bliss entered to her familiar theme music, captivating the audience with her signature “dark pixie” look and carrying her beloved doll, Lily. Her attire symbolized not just nostalgia from her previous persona but also expectations of how she might evolve her character moving forward, mingling elements of her past with current wrestling narratives.
During her time inside the ring, Bliss showcased her characteristic tenacity, lasting approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Although she did not score any eliminations, the thrill of seeing her back was palpable among the crowd. Unfortunately, her return was short-lived as she was eliminated by Liv Morgan just before Charlotte Flair made her way down the ramp.
The reaction to Bliss’s performance at the Royal Rumble was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees expressed their joy via social media, sharing clips of her sentimental stroll to the ring. Fans praised both her return and the emotional weight it carried, emphasized by her history with WWE and her battle with personal issues. But it wasn’t just the fans; fellow wrestlers and commentators echoed this enthusiasm. "Glad they got those contract issues worked out..." remarked wrestling insiders, showcasing the collective relief among the WWE community.
Bliss's presence added depth to the narrative fabric of the Royal Rumble—participants not only contended with competitors but also with returning legends and familiar faces. Her comeback stoked the flames for potential storylines, including possible feuds with other stars, particularly The Wyatt Six, reflecting her past alliances and shifts as her character develops.
The evening also included captivating matches, with Charlotte Flair eventually winning the Women's Royal Rumble by eliminating Nia Jax for the final spot to secure her position at WrestleMania. Bliss’s fleeting appearance, albeit exciting, sparked conversations about the need for WWE to explore the avenues her return could open, particularly against other rising stars or rivalries established long ago.
Even though she exited the ring earlier than most anticipated, Alexa Bliss's return had made quite the impactful statement, leaving fans eager to see what is coming next. Will there be renewed rivalries? How will her character evolve after her leave? Only time—and the building narratives of WWE—will tell.
The 2025 Royal Rumble proved once again, through the surprises and extraordinary matches, just why this event remains beloved among wrestling fans. With names like Alexa Bliss re-entering the fray, fans are now more excited than ever as WrestleMania approaches, leading to vast possibilities for storytelling as the year progresses.