Charlotte Flair made her triumphant return to the WWE at the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble event, held on February 1, 2025, at the Premium Live Event (PLE) in Indianapolis. Flair, who had been sidelined for over a year due to injuries, entered the match at #27 and showcased her formidable skills by eliminating Roxanne Perez to claim victory.
The match began with IYO SKY entering at #1 and Liv Morgan at #2. Morgan made history by lasting over one hour, setting the record for the longest time spent competing in the women's Rumble match. "I couldn’t believe I made it so long. It was like the crowd was carrying me along the way!" Morgan expressed afterward, reflecting on her unforgettable performance.
Meanwhile, the elimination frenzy kicked off early. B-Fab became the first casualty, eliminated by Chelsea Green. The eliminations continued, with notable performances from both returning faces and new entrants alike. Nia Jax made significant waves during the match, showcasing her strength by eliminating several competitors, including Lana and Bianca Belair, earning the record for the most eliminations with six.
Among the surprises were the debuts of several NXT superstars. The most notable inclusion was Roxanne Perez, who entered the match at #3, quickly establishing herself as a contender. Her determination caught the audience’s attention, particularly with her moves against some of the more seasoned superstars.
Throughout the match, fans were treated to shocking moments like the return of Hall of Famer Trish Stratus at #25, leaving many nostalgic for her hallmark wrestling style. Giulia, entering at #28, brought high energy to her performance, becoming one of the last competitors to face Flair and Perez. The excitement reached its peak when Nikki Bella made her comeback as Entrant #30, drawing cheers and gasps from the crowd.
The climax of the match unfolded as Flair, Perez, and Jax found themselves as the final three participants battling for the win. The tension mounted when Flair successfully eliminated Jax, leaving her to face Perez, who appeared poised to make the upset. After several exchanges, Flair decisively eliminated Perez, concluding the match and securing her spot at WrestleMania 41.
Despite some backlash about the handling of the match and the predictable nature of Flair’s win, the event delivered high energy and thrilling narratives intertwined throughout. “Did WWE do a good job of putting the Rumble together? For the most part, yeah,” noted one fan. “But we were hoping for twists and turns!” The overarching storyline of Flair's return undeniably captured the imagination of the audience both present and watching at home.
Overall, the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble proved to be another remarkable chapter within the rich history of WWE's storytelling, blending moments of nostalgia with the thrill of competition. With Flair now heading to WrestleMania, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the showdown of the year. "What a comeback for CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The QUEEN is going to #WrestleMania!" WWE proclaimed, encapsulating the excitement and significance of her victory.