After weeks of hype and buildup, WWE Royal Rumble 2025 finally arrived, delivering excitement and unforgettable moments. As the event that kicks off the WrestleMania season, it exceeded expectations with its star-studded card and compelling storytelling. The anticipation for the Men’s Royal Rumble match was high, and while many competitors deserved recognition, the eventual winner was a surprising choice for most fans. In addition, the WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens featured a powerful narrative, while the event also showcased a dynamic Women’s Royal Rumble match and an intense WWE Tag Team Championship contest. This review will examine each segment of the event, discussing the storytelling, in-ring action, and the creative decisions that made Royal Rumble 2025 a memorable chapter in WWE history.
Women’s Royal Rumble
WWE Royal Rumble 2025 opened with the Women’s Royal Rumble match—a segment that, despite receiving less buildup than other parts of the event, proved its worth through high-energy performances and memorable moments. The match began with Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan entering as the first two competitors. Many fans believed Iyo Sky was the favorite to win, and her early appearance set an energetic tone for the contest.
NXT talent played a significant role throughout the match. Roxanne Perez, in her debut appearance, delivered a standout performance. Not only did she finish as the runner-up, but she also earned the title of the match’s “ironwoman” through her resilience and skill. Other NXT representatives such as Jaida Parker, Lash Legend, Stephanie Vaquer, and NXT Women’s Champion Giulia showcased the depth of the NXT women’s roster, reinforcing that the future of the division is bright.
The initial segment of the match was a masterclass in in-ring storytelling. Superstars like Bianca Belair, Bayley, Iyo Sky, Liv Morgan, and Chelsea Green all had moments to shine, hinting at future rivalries and alliances. Their performances set the stage for potential fresh matchups between established WWE talent and emerging NXT stars. Notably, WWE star Jordynne Grace made her debut during the match, adding a new layer of excitement to the women’s division.
A surprising moment occurred with the return of Alexa Bliss after nearly two years away from the ring. Her entrance was met with enthusiastic cheers, though she was eliminated by Liv Morgan—a decision that might spark a future feud between the two. Additionally, Charlotte Flair made a pre-announced return accompanied by a dramatic display of pyrotechnics. While her entrance drew attention, many felt that an unexpected return would have had an even greater impact.
One controversial moment in the match involved Nia Jax, who eliminated several top competitors—among them Iyo Sky, Stephanie Vaquer, and four other main-event caliber superstars—in one swift sequence. While eliminations are inherent to the Rumble format, this particular spot felt abrupt. It robbed several talents of the opportunity to build meaningful storylines, and the quick removals left little room for anticipation or buildup. This decision appeared to prioritize a brief “heel moment” for Nia Jax over the development of potential rivalries.
Toward the end of the match, the crowd experienced a nostalgic moment with the return of Nikki Bella as the 30th entrant. Although her appearance evoked fond memories for longtime fans, it did not generate the same level of excitement as a surprise appearance from a figure like AJ Lee or Becky Lynch might have in these modern times. Ultimately, Charlotte Flair emerged as the winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble match, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown with Tiffany. This victory lays the groundwork for an intriguing storyline as the feud between Charlotte and Tiffany progresses toward WrestleMania.
WWE Tag Team Championship: DIY vs. MCMG
Following the Women’s Royal Rumble, attention at WWE Royal Rumble 2025 shifted to the WWE Tag Team Championship match between DIY and MCMG. This match marked the first time since last year’s WrestleMania that a tag team title match received such a prominent placement on a pay-per-view card. The story behind the SmackDown tag team division had been meticulously developed over recent months, with each team showcasing their strengths and building new alliances.
The match was contested in a best-of-three falls format—a structure that promised a long, engaging contest. In the opening fall, DIY secured the victory, only for MCMG to bounce back by winning the second fall. The final five minutes of the match turned into an intense, back-and-forth struggle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Every near-fall was met with an eruption from the crowd as both teams pushed themselves to the limit.
Just as MCMG appeared on the verge of clinching the match, the Street Profits made a surprise return. Their interference dramatically shifted the match’s dynamics. The Street Profits attacked MCMG, enabling DIY to secure the final fall and win the championship match. In a twist that added another layer to the ongoing storyline within the tag team division, the Street Profits then turned on DIY. This unexpected betrayal not only heightened the drama of the match but also hinted at the possibility of a major WrestleMania bout involving multiple tag teams. The unfolding narrative emphasized that the tag team division is evolving into one of the most important and engaging aspects of WWE’s programming.
WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens
Arguably the match of the night at WWE Royal Rumble 2025, the WWE Championship contest between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens was both raw and intense. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was not just a title match but a personal battle between two fierce competitors. Both Cody and Kevin appeared determined to inflict maximum damage on each other, creating an atmosphere where every move felt consequential.
The match was brutal and unpredictable, with both men using a variety of weapons and even taking the fight outside the ring. One of the most memorable aspects was the creative use of a ladder as a weapon. Both competitors took several dangerous bumps on the ladder, which added an element of shock and realism to the match. In one particularly brutal spot, Kevin Owens executed his signature Package Suplex from the top rope onto a ladder. The impact was so severe that officials had to intervene by raising the familiar “X” sign to indicate that the move had been properly sold, heightening the dramatic effect. For more on this maneuver, you can read about professional wrestling moves.
During the match, Sami Zayn made an appearance to check on his friends. Although his presence initially suggested that he might interfere, Zayn maintained his neutrality, simply observing the unfolding carnage. As the match continued, Cody Rhodes absorbed the punishment and managed to launch a fierce counterattack against Owens. The climax came when Owens attempted a Package Pile Driver on an announce table. In a breathtaking reversal, Cody transformed the move into a devastating Alabama Slam—a move that has become a fan favorite in WWE history. The impact was so dramatic that it appeared as if Owens might have been driven head-first through a ladder. Seizing the moment, Cody advanced slowly toward the referee to secure the WWE Championship belt. His celebration, marked by the image of a bloodied Kevin Owens, provided a striking visual that underscored his transformation into a resilient champion.
Cody Rhodes’ victory at WWE Royal Rumble 2025 did more than just capture the title—it advanced his character in a significant way. His willingness to endure extreme punishment and his innovative adaptations during the match have established him as one of WWE’s most resilient and resourceful competitors. This evolution in his character sets a promising tone for the road to WrestleMania, where his rivalry with Owens and any potential rematches could be among the most compelling storylines of the season.
Men’s Royal Rumble
The Men’s Royal Rumble match at WWE Royal Rumble 2025 was one of the most stacked in recent memory, featuring current stars and a blend of styles that delivered high-flying, high-paced action from the outset. Unlike previous editions that sometimes relied on legends or surprise returns, this year’s Rumble showcased a roster of active superstars who were fully committed to the competition.
The early part of the match featured an exhilarating mix of styles and strategies. Wrestlers such as Rey Mysterio and Penta provided a glimpse into what could be a dream match, combining speed and technical skill to create an electrifying atmosphere. In addition, competitors like Chad Gable, Carmelo Hayes, Santos Escobar, and Bron Breaker each brought their unique flair, ensuring that no single style dominated the contest. Their performances not only entertained but also set the stage for potential future feuds that could develop as the season progresses.
An unexpected highlight occurred when IShowSpeed, a popular celebrity, made his entrance. His debut was accompanied by his energetic “World Cup” theme song, and the reaction from the crowd was overwhelmingly positive. In a surprising twist, IShowSpeed assisted Bron Breaker with an elimination. However, the alliance was short-lived; moments later, Bron Breaker delivered one of the most astonishing spears ever witnessed in a WWE ring. The collision was as dramatic as it was unexpected, proving that even celebrity appearances can contribute to moments of genuine athleticism and high drama.
The intensity of the match increased further when Jacob Fatu entered the ring and began clearing competitors with a series of dominant moves. Fatu’s presence shifted the dynamics, and soon after, AJ Styles returned with his classic theme song, reinvigorating the atmosphere and reminding everyone of his in-ring prowess. The excitement reached another peak when current TNA Champion Joe Hendry made his presence felt. Hendry’s entrance was met with a strong pop from the crowd—a clear sign that his reputation and popularity remain intact despite any recent changes.
As the match progressed, a series of surprise entrants further amplified the drama. The appearance of Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and even Logan Paul underlined that this was one of the most competitive Royal Rumbles in years. With so many main event-caliber superstars sharing the ring, each elimination carried significant narrative weight and opened new possibilities for future rivalries.
One particularly dramatic sequence occurred when CM Punk eliminated both Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in quick succession, only to be eliminated himself moments later by Logan Paul. This unexpected turn of events briefly shifted the focus outside the ring as these three men engaged in a heated brawl. Such a confrontation could lay the groundwork for a major feud at WrestleMania, potentially leading to a triple-threat match featuring Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk. Despite the excitement, one element disappointed many fans: the handling of Drew McIntyre’s role. Many believed that McIntyre deserved a more prominent position in the final stages of the match, especially given the level of competition surrounding him. Rumors have circulated that something went wrong with his elimination, leaving fans questioning whether his booking was mishandled.
Ultimately, the final three competitors were not those most had predicted. Instead of the expected finish with John Cena winning, the last three remaining were John Cena, Logan Paul, and Jey Uso. Although many assumed Cena would clinch the victory, the match took a surprising turn when Jey Uso eliminated Cena after Logan Paul had already been eliminated. This unexpected outcome crowned Jey Uso as the winner of the Men’s Royal Rumble 2025—a decision that, for many, was a welcome surprise. Jey’s victory opens numerous narrative possibilities, including the potential for a rivalry with Cody Rhodes that promises fresh, engaging storylines. With Jey now emerging as a rising star, his win may mark the beginning of a compelling new chapter in WWE storytelling.
Many fans appreciated that John Cena did not win the Rumble, as his victory might have overly simplified his ongoing retirement tour storyline. Leaving Cena off the top spot allows him to continue building momentum for a grand finale later in the season. Additionally, the evolving dynamics between Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and CM Punk hint at the possibility of a massive triple-threat match at WrestleMania. If booked effectively, such a match could serve not only as a fitting climax to the Royal Rumble narrative but also as a platform to firmly establish CM Punk once again as a main event player.
Looking Ahead to WrestleMania 41
With Royal Rumble 2025 now behind us, the road to WrestleMania 41 is already generating considerable buzz. Each match on the card contributed to an overarching narrative that promises to reshape the WWE landscape. Charlotte Flair’s win in the Women’s Royal Rumble sets up an exciting feud with Tiffany—one that fans hope will elevate both competitors as the grand stage of WrestleMania approaches.
Similarly, the developments in the tag team division indicate that we may soon witness a major multi-team match at WrestleMania. The chaotic finish involving DIY, MCMG, and the Street Profits delivered immediate drama while hinting at deeper storylines that could carry on for months. These emerging rivalries are particularly crucial because they ensure that every division continues to offer compelling narratives, engaging fans well into the future.
The WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens was not just a display of physical toughness; it was a narrative of survival and evolution. Cody’s willingness to endure extreme punishment and his ability to innovate in the heat of battle have firmly established him as one of WWE’s most resilient competitors. His hard-fought victory, achieved through skill and determination, sets him up as a key figure in the upcoming WrestleMania festivities, with potential rematches and evolving storylines on the horizon.
The Men’s Royal Rumble, filled with current superstars and surprise entrants, delivered a rollercoaster of action that was both unpredictable and exhilarating. Jey Uso’s unexpected win serves as a reminder that in WWE, outcomes are rarely predictable, and even the most anticipated scenarios can take a surprising turn. His victory has already sparked discussions about possible new feuds—particularly with Cody Rhodes—and suggests that the creative team is unafraid to reward emerging talent over established icons like John Cena.
As we look ahead to WrestleMania 41, one thing is clear: Royal Rumble 2025 has successfully set the stage for a season brimming with surprises and dynamic storytelling. The blend of high-flying action, dramatic twists, and carefully crafted narratives ensures that the journey to WrestleMania will be as captivating as the event itself. The creative risks taken at Royal Rumble 2025 have enriched WWE’s storytelling, promising that every division—from the women’s and tag team divisions to the main event scene—will continue to evolve and surprise audiences.
In conclusion, Royal Rumble 2025 was a multifaceted event that exceeded expectations in many areas. The Women’s Royal Rumble provided moments of brilliance and showcased the future stars of WWE, even as a controversial spot briefly disrupted the flow. The tag team championship match delivered high drama and set up future rivalries that promise to escalate in the coming months. Meanwhile, the WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens not only entertained fans with its raw intensity but also advanced Cody’s character in a significant and meaningful way. Finally, the Men’s Royal Rumble, featuring a stacked field of current superstars and surprise entrants, ended with Jey Uso’s unexpected yet intriguing victory—a decision that opens up exciting new storylines for the future.
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