The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 has come and gone, leaving behind an electrifying trail of jaw-dropping moments, surprise returns, and intense showdowns. The annual event, known for shaping the road to WrestleMania, did not disappoint, delivering a mix of nostalgia, athleticism, and storytelling at its finest. In this WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review: The Biggest Surprises and Standout Matches, we dive deep into the most thrilling highlights of the night, from unexpected returns to shocking eliminations and championship clashes.
Table of Contents
The 30-Man Royal Rumble Match – Shocks, Surprises, and a New Contender
The men’s Royal Rumble match is always the most anticipated part of the event, and this year’s edition was nothing short of extraordinary. The match saw the return of John Cena, whose surprise entrance at number 27 sent the crowd into a frenzy. Adding to the nostalgia, CM Punk made his presence felt with a dramatic comeback, engaging in a brutal brawl with Seth Rollins midway through the match.
The final four consisted of Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Drew McIntyre, and a shock entrant, Randy Orton, who made a heroic return after nearly a year away from the ring. In a heart-stopping conclusion, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious, eliminating Orton and solidifying his main event spot at WrestleMania 41.
With this result, WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review has set up an intriguing storyline leading into WrestleMania, and fans are eager to see if Rhodes will finally claim the championship that eluded his family for generations.
The 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match – A Historic Triumph
This year’s women’s Royal Rumble match was a testament to the evolution of women’s wrestling. From NXT stars making an impact to legendary returns, the match delivered in every way possible. Becky Lynch entered at number 1 and lasted an astonishing 60 minutes, setting a new record for the longest time spent in a women’s Rumble match.
One of the biggest surprises was the unexpected return of AJ Lee, who hadn’t been seen in a WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review ring in nearly a decade. The final moments of the match were intensely fought between Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Becky Lynch. In a fitting end, Becky Lynch secured the win, punching her ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 41.
The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Clash – Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
One of the most anticipated matches of the night was Roman Reigns defending his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Seth Rollins. The history between these two former Shield members made the match even more personal, with both men delivering a storytelling masterpiece inside the squared circle.
The match saw multiple near falls, high-impact moves, and controversial moments, including interference from The Bloodline. However, Rollins fought through the chaos and pulled off a shocking victory, ending Reigns’ historic title reign and ushering in a new era in WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review. The crowd erupted as Rollins held the championship high, proving that he truly is the architect of success.
The United States Championship – Logan Paul vs. LA Knight
Logan Paul’s run as United States Champion has been met with mixed reactions, but his match against LA Knight was undeniably one of the most exciting bouts of the night. Knight, riding a wave of immense popularity, pushed Paul to his limits with his hard-hitting offense and crowd-pleasing charisma.
In a surprising turn of events, Logan Paul retained his title thanks to an unexpected assist from Austin Theory, setting up potential rivalries moving forward. Despite the loss, LA Knight’s performance further cemented his status as one of WWE’s top stars.
Intercontinental Championship – Gunther vs. Sami Zayn
Gunther’s reign as Intercontinental Champion has been historic, and his match against Sami Zayn proved why he is one of the most dominant champions in WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review today. Zayn, the ultimate underdog, put on a valiant fight, pushing Gunther to his limits with his resilience and tactical in-ring approach.
However, in the end, Gunther retained his title with a devastating powerbomb, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world today. Zayn may have lost the match, but his performance won the hearts of many fans.
Surprise Returns and Unexpected Moments
No Royal Rumble is complete without a few surprises, and WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review: The Biggest Surprises and Standout Matches wouldn’t be complete without highlighting some of the most unexpected moments of the night:
- The Rock made a shocking return, hinting at a potential match at WrestleMania 41.
- Brock Lesnar returned, making an immediate impact by eliminating multiple superstars.
- Trish Stratus entered the women’s Royal Rumble match, receiving one of the biggest ovations of the night.
- Pat McAfee made a surprise appearance, bringing his unique energy and charisma to the Rumble match.
These moments not only made for an exciting night but also left fans speculating about future storylines leading into WrestleMania.
What’s Next After WWE Royal Rumble 2025?
With the dust settling on WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review: The Biggest Surprises and Standout Matches, all eyes are now on WrestleMania 41. Key storylines to watch include:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Will Rhodes finally fulfil his destiny?
- Becky Lynch’s WrestleMania opponent – Will she face Rhea Ripley or another challenger?
- The Rock’s potential WrestleMania match – Will we finally see Rock vs. Roman Reigns?
As the road to WrestleMania 41 begins, WWE has set the stage for what promises to be an incredible few months of wrestling action.
Conclusion – A Night to Remember
The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Review: The Biggest Surprises and Standout Matches proves that this year’s event was one for the history books. With epic returns, unforgettable moments, and groundbreaking matches, WWE has once again delivered a spectacle worthy of its legacy. Whether it’s Cody Rhodes’ triumphant victory, Becky Lynch’s historic win, or Seth Rollins’ shocking title triumph, the 2025 Royal Rumble has cemented itself as one of the greatest in WWE history.
As we head towards WrestleMania 41, one thing is certain – the best is yet to come!