Sports
WWE Royal Rumble 2025: Top Stars Declare for Men’s and Women’s Matches
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The stage is set for WWE‘s 2025 Royal Rumble, with nine men and two women officially declaring their participation in the annual event. The matches, scheduled for Saturday, February 1, at Lucas Oil Stadium, promise high-stakes drama and potential surprises as wrestlers vie for a shot at championship glory at WrestleMania.
John Cena, a 16-time world champion, announced his entry during the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025. Cena, currently on his farewell tour, aims to secure a record-breaking 17th world title. CM Punk, another marquee name, also declared his participation during the same event, fueling speculation about a potential WrestleMania main event spot.
Roman Reigns, the reigning Tribal Chief, confirmed his entry through Paul Heyman on the January 10 episode of SmackDown. Reigns, who recently defended his title in a high-profile match against Solo Sikoa, remains a dominant force in WWE. Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre, both fan favorites, declared their intentions on the January 13 episode of Raw, setting the stage for a potential clash between the two.
Other notable entrants include LA Knight, who announced his participation on January 3, and Jey Uso, who declared on January 10. Rey Mysterio, a former Royal Rumble winner, joined the fray on January 17, while Sami Zayn made his announcement on January 20.
On the women’s side, Nia Jax and Bayley are the only confirmed participants so far. Jax, who had a standout 2024, declared on January 13, while Bayley, the 2024 Royal Rumble winner, announced her return on January 20. Despite their strong performances, both face steep odds in a field that typically includes surprise entrants and unexpected twists.
The Royal Rumble is renowned for its surprise appearances, with past events featuring unexpected returns and cross-promotional talent. Fans are speculating about potential shock entrants, including Matt Cardona, who last appeared in WWE in 2020. Cardona’s wife, Chelsea Green, has since carved out a prominent role in WWE, adding fuel to rumors of his return.
With the event just weeks away, anticipation is building for what promises to be a night of unforgettable moments and high-octane action. As the countdown to February 1 continues, WWE fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this storied tradition.