WWE's first major pay-per-view event of 2025, the Royal Rumble, lived up to the hype as fans packed Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on February 1, 2025. This high-stakes event set the tone for WrestleMania 41, with thrilling matches and shocking moments defining the night.
The evening kicked off with WWE Executive Stephanie McMahon welcoming fans to the Royal Rumble, proclaiming, "WWE grows because of the fans, who have made this the biggest Royal Rumble in history." Her words were met with loud cheers, signaling the excitement levels of the gathered crowd.
Fans were treated to two exhilarating Royal Rumble matches. First, the women's Royal Rumble unfolded with Charlotte Flair returning from injury to claim victory for the second time, eliminating fierce competitors like Nia Jax and Roxanne Perez. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd erupting as Flair made her grand entrance, decked out with spectacle-worthy pyro. The women showcased their talents and resilience, but it was Flair's star power and strategy coupled with her history of success at the event, which saw her through to the end.
Meanwhile, the men’s Royal Rumble saw Jey Uso surprising many by winning the bout, last eliminating WWE superstar John Cena. The conclusion of the match was frenetic, with dramatic near-eliminations and fan favorite moments throughout. Jey Uso capped off his win by shouting, "It's gonna be a party tonight! It's my turn!" shortly after securing his spot for WrestleMania.
Following the Rumble matches, the excitement continued with Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a brutal Ladder Match. The match was filled with heart-stopping moments, including Owens utilizing ladders as offensive tools. Action reverberated throughout the arena as Rhodes emerged victorious, retaining his title and captivating the audience with his storytelling and resilience under pressure.
Tag team action also made waves as the formidable duo known as #DIY, comprising Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, faced off against the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) for the WWE Tag Team Championship. The LGBTQ storyline of competition took center stage as unexpected interference from the Street Profits added chaos to the match. The duo's involvement tilted the scales, allowing DIY to claim victory, yet their celebration was short-lived as the Street Profits launched their own attack, leaving fans buzzing with discussion.
Backstage drama added to the evening's narrative when Drew McIntyre reportedly "stormed out" after his elimination from the Royal Rumble. According to sources, McIntyre confronted several fellow wrestlers, furious about the circumstances surrounding his exit, stating, something "went wrong" and expressing dissatisfaction over the order of eliminations attributed to others wanting their moments. His exit and frayed emotions created an unexpected buzz, raising speculation about future interactions and stories leading up to WrestleMania.
The Royal Rumble 2025 not only showcased exciting wrestling action but also presented narratives – both scripted and real – intertwining perfectly to engage the audience. With Jey Uso's and Charlotte Flair’s victories, Cody Rhodes' spectacular defense, and the backstage chaos, the foundations have been laid for what fans can expect at WrestleMania 41.
Overall, this year’s Royal Rumble was marked by record attendance, cementing its status as one of the premier events for WWE. With 67,540 tickets sold, this became the largest non-WrestleMania pro wrestling event of all time, demonstrating the enduring popularity of WWE events and the anticipation surrounding the Road to WrestleMania.