WWE Royal Rumble 2025: Star-Studded Showdown Kicks Off WrestleMania Season

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The road to WrestleMania 41 officially begins Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, as WWE’s Royal Rumble takes center stage at Lucas Oil Stadium. The annual event, featuring the iconic 30-person men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, will determine who earns a guaranteed championship opportunity at WrestleMania in April.

This year’s Royal Rumble boasts a star-studded lineup, with confirmed participants including CM Punk, John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins. The men’s match, in particular, is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in history, with surprise entrants and high-stakes drama expected to dominate the night.

The event will also feature a two-out-of-three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championships and a heated Undisputed WWE Championship bout between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. WrestleMania 41, set for April, is already generating buzz, with the Royal Rumble serving as the launching pad for its marquee storylines.

Royal Rumble matches begin with two entrants in the ring, with a new competitor joining every 90 seconds. Elimination occurs when a wrestler is thrown over the top rope, with both feet touching the floor. The last wrestler standing earns a title shot at WrestleMania.

Since its inception in 1988, the Royal Rumble has become a cornerstone of WWE programming. The women’s Royal Rumble match was introduced in 2018, with Asuka winning the inaugural event. Historically, Royal Rumble winners have a strong track record at WrestleMania, with men’s winners capturing titles 58.6% of the time and women’s winners boasting a 71.4% success rate.

This year’s event could see the return of several high-profile stars, including Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and even The Rock. Orton, a two-time Royal Rumble winner, has been absent from WWE programming since a storyline attack by Kevin Owens late last year. His potential return could set up a major WrestleMania feud.

AJ Styles, sidelined since October 2024 with a Lisfranc injury, has hinted at a possible comeback. Meanwhile, The Rock’s involvement remains a wildcard, with speculation swirling about a potential WrestleMania match against Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns.

International fans can stream the Royal Rumble on Netflix in most markets, while U.S. viewers will need a premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. The event kicks off at 3 p.m. ET and promises to deliver the high-octane action and surprise moments that have made the Royal Rumble a fan favorite for decades.