The road to WrestleMania culminated at WWE's signature event, the Royal Rumble, held on February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis. With over 70,000 fans packed inside, the excitement was palpable as participants battled for championship opportunities at WrestleMania 41.
This year's Royal Rumble promised thrilling moments, featuring both men’s and women’s Rumble matches with 30 contestants each, where the last remaining competitor earns the coveted chance to challenge for any championship title. The stakes were high this year as Cody Rhodes sought to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens and Charlotte Flair aimed to outdo herself by winning the Women’s Royal Rumble for the second consecutive year.
Stephanie McMahon kicked off the event, thanking the raucous crowd and setting the stage for what was dubbed the biggest Royal Rumble ever. The action began with the Women's Royal Rumble match, where Charlotte Flair made her anticipated return from injury and aimed to solidify her legacy.
Flair entered the match as entrant number 27 and showed off her championship pedigree by eliminating several competitors, including Bianca Belair and Nia Jax. She faced tough opposition but proved once again why she is the Queen of WWE. After eliminating Roxanne Perez and Nia Jax, Flair claimed victory, becoming the winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
“All hail the Queen,” the announcement echoed as Flair celebrated her triumph inside the squared circle, capped off by her impressive performance lasting over one hour. Roxanne Perez and Jordynne Grace were the standout competitors, both delivering impressive showings but falling short of the ultimate prize.
Women’s Royal Rumble Match Results:
- Winner: Charlotte Flair
- Notable Eliminations: Nia Jax by Charlotte Flair, Liv Morgan by Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss by Liv Morgan
Next up was the highly anticipated Undisputed WWE Championship Ladder Match featuring Cody Rhodes versus Kevin Owens. With tensions boiling, wrestlers utilized the environment to their advantage, scaling the ladders to retrieve the championship belt suspended above the ring. Rhodes showcased his resilience and skill, outsmarting Owens and retaining his title, which he claimed at WrestleMania 40.
“Cody Rhodes defended the Undisputed WWE Championship with grit and determination against Kevin Owens,” read the post-match report. This intense matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the duration, combining high-flying maneuvers and strategic combat.
The third marquee match of the night featured #DIY, the tag team champions, defending their titles against the renowned Motor City Machine Guns (MCMG) in a Two Out Of Three Falls match. The match displayed incredible athleticism and teamwork from both sides, with Gargano and Ciampa eventually overcoming their challengers. The contest was described as thrilling, filled with near falls and unexpected twists. #DIY proved their mettle by securing two falls to claim victory.
WWE Tag Team Championship Results:
- Winners: #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)
Throughout the Royal Rumble, the essence of camaraderie and competition shone. Each match wove storylines and rivalries, with returning faces like Alexa Bliss and the returns of beloved veterans like Trish Stratus lighting up the arena.
On the heels of the Women's Royal Rumble victory, the Royal Rumble event solidified Charlotte Flair's legacy even more as she prepares for WrestleMania 41, where she could potentially face off against any champion she chooses. This strategic victory only heightens the corner office discussions on where the titles could land after WrestleMania.
The event's success bolstered WWE's fanbase and provided thrilling entertainment for the wrestling community worldwide, extending via streaming platforms like Peacock and Netflix. Wrestling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what transpires next as the winners enjoy the spotlight leading up to WrestleMania.
With each competitor leaving their mark on the show, the buzz around the Royal Rumble continues to resonate, reminding everyone why this annual event remains one of the most engaging spectacles of sports entertainment.