WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Kicks Off WrestleMania Season in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The road to WrestleMania begins Saturday, Feb. 1, as WWE‘s Royal Rumble 2025 takes center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The event, one of the most anticipated on the WWE calendar, features 30-person men’s and women’s matches, with the winners earning a championship opportunity at WrestleMania. The Royal Rumble also includes two title matches, including a ladder match for the WWE Universal Championship between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens.

The Royal Rumble marks WWE’s first premium live event of 2025 and will stream live on Peacock for U.S. viewers, while international audiences can watch on Netflix. The event begins at 5 p.m. ET, with a preshow starting at 3 p.m. Tickets for the event sold out quickly, reflecting the event’s popularity and the growing fanbase in Indianapolis.

Charlotte Flair, returning from a year-long injury, is a favorite to win the women’s Royal Rumble match. Meanwhile, CM Punk leads the odds for the men’s match. The event also features a 2-out-of-3-falls match for the men’s tag team championship, adding to the night’s high-stakes drama.

Indianapolis is set to host three major WWE events in the coming years, including WrestleMania and SummerSlam. The city’s selection as a host reflects its growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events. A kickoff pep rally on Friday featured WWE stars like Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, and Bianca Belair, alongside Indiana Pacers‘ Tyrese Haliburton, who hinted at a potential surprise appearance in the Royal Rumble.

“Expect the usual surprises,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque during the rally, fueling speculation about unexpected entrants in the matches. The Royal Rumble is known for its unpredictable moments, and this year’s event promises to deliver on that tradition.

With a mix of returning stars, intense rivalries, and high-stakes matches, the Royal Rumble 2025 sets the stage for an exciting year in WWE. Fans worldwide are tuning in to see who will emerge victorious and earn a shot at championship glory at WrestleMania.