Surprise Entrants Shake Up the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble Matches

The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble delivered plenty of unexpected moments, as 60 Superstars battled for their chance to main event WrestleMania. From shocking returns to unexpected debuts, this year’s Rumble continued the tradition of jaw-dropping surprises.

Jey Uso’s Historic Victory & iShowSpeed’s Last-Minute Appearance

The biggest shock of the night came when Jey Uso outlasted 29 other men to win his first-ever Royal Rumble, eliminating John Cena to secure his WrestleMania moment. The win solidifies Jey as a true main-event player, and the WWE Universe is already buzzing about who he will challenge on the grandest stage of them all.

But the surprises started much earlier. Akira Tozawa was scheduled to compete but never made it to the ring, thanks to a blindsiding attack from Carmelo Hayes. With a sudden vacancy in the match, Triple H made a split-second decision and sent out popular streaming star iShowSpeed, who happened to be nearby. The internet sensation may not have lasted long, but his appearance added a wild, unpredictable element to the match.

TNA Represented in the Men’s Rumble

In a major crossover moment, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry made his surprise Royal Rumble debut to a thunderous ovation. However, his decision to go after Roman Reigns proved costly, as The Tribal Chief quickly disposed of him. Still, Hendry’s brief but memorable appearance marked a huge moment for WWE and TNA’s ongoing working relationship.

The surprises didn’t stop there, as AJ Styles made his long-awaited return after months sidelined with a foot injury. Entering at number 21, The Phenomenal One put on a strong showing, even eliminating LA Knight before Logan Paul ultimately sent him packing.

Women’s Rumble Sees Major Debuts and Returns

The Women’s Royal Rumble also delivered its fair share of shocking moments, none bigger than Jordynne Grace officially entering as a WWE Superstar. The former TNA Knockouts Champion’s participation confirmed what had been rumored for weeks—she’s now part of the WWE roster.

Another major return saw Alexa Bliss step back into the ring after two years away. Amid speculation about her WWE future, Bliss silenced the doubters by making a strong comeback.

Fans were also treated to appearances by two WWE Hall of Famers. Trish Stratus entered at No. 25, while Nikki Bella had the advantage of the coveted No. 30 spot. However, both legends fell victim to Nia Jax, who had a record-breaking performance, eliminating nine competitors before being taken out herself.

What’s Next on the Road to WrestleMania?

With Jey Uso now set for a championship match at WrestleMania and several surprise entrants making waves, the road to WrestleMania 41 is already heating up. Will Jordynne Grace make an immediate impact in WWE? What’s next for AJ Styles after his return? And how will John Cena respond to coming up short?

WWE Royal Rumble 2/1/2025 (Results)

Women’s Royal Rumble Match:

  1. IYO SKY
  2. Liv Morgan
  3. Roxanne Perez
  4. Lyra Valkyria
  5. Chelsea Green
  6. B-Fab
  7. Ivy Nile
  8. Zoey Stark
  9. Lash Legend
  10. Bianca Belair
  11. Shayna Baszler
  12. Bayley
  13. Sonya Deville
  14. Maxxine Dupri
  15. Naomi
  16. Jaida Parker
  17. Piper Niven
  18. Natalya
  19. Jordynne Grace
  20. Michin
  21. Alexis Bliss
  22. Zelina Vega
  23. Candice LeRae
  24. Stephanie Vaquer
  25. Trish Stratus
  26. Raquel Rodriguez
  27. Charlotte Flair
  28. NXT Women’s Champion Giulia
  29. Nia Jax
  30. Nikki Bella

Winner: Charlotte Flair last eliminating Roxanne Perez

WWE Tag Team Championships Two Out Of Three Falls Match: #DIY (c) defeated Motor City Machine Guns

Ciampa and Sabin to start, off the ropes, Shelley tags in, double-teams ensue! Gargano in, double solebutts, double whips reversed, do-si-do, MCMG double corner lariats and DIY get dumped to the floor! Chris tags back in, stereo baseball slides! Back inside, DIY cut Sabin off and get a nearfall out of it!

Chris gets a boot up in the corner, victory roll Tom through, tag blocked, back elbow takes Alex out! Running kick from Sabin, Shelley tags in, John fakes a tag, Ciampa with a knee…

#DIY win the first fall by pinfall with a knee trembler from Tommaso Ciampa on Alex Shelley, going up 1-0.

Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, collectively known as #DIY, put their gold on the line against the legendary Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. The fast-paced action kicked off with both teams displaying their signature chemistry and rapid-fire double-team maneuvers.

Fall 1: #DIY wins

After a flurry of counters and hard-hitting exchanges, Ciampa landed a devastating knee trembler on Shelley, securing the first fall and putting #DIY in the driver’s seat.

Fall 2: MCMG win

The Machine Guns fought back, using their veteran experience to isolate their opponents. After a perfectly executed Skull and Bones on Gargano, Sabin and Shelley evened the score at 1-1, forcing a decisive third fall.

Fall 3: #DIY wins with outside interference from The Street Profits

Just as the match reached its climax, a hooded figure appeared at ringside, causing a distraction. That figure turned out to be Montez Ford of The Street Profits! Before Shelley could react, Angelo Dawkins cracked him with a steel crutch, setting up #DIY to capitalize with their Meet in the Middle finisher for the victory. With a 2-1 win, Gargano and Ciampa retained their titles, but the post-match attack by the Profits sent a clear message—this rivalry is far from over.

Undisputed WWE Championship – Ladder Match: Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Kevin Owens

The night’s main event saw Cody Rhodes put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line against Kevin Owens in a brutal, high-stakes Ladder Match. Both men wasted no time turning the bout into an all-out war, brawling through the crowd and using every available weapon.

Ladders quickly became instruments of destruction, with Owens powerbombing Rhodes into one, while Cody retaliated by breaking off a rung and using it as a weapon. The physicality escalated when Owens executed an avalanche Fisherman Buster through a ladder, forcing WWE officials and medical personnel to check on both competitors.

In the match’s most jaw-dropping moment, Owens attempted a Package Piledriver on the announce desk, but Cody countered with an Alabama Slam through a ladder, sending KO crashing to the floor. With Owens down, Rhodes climbed the ladder and retrieved his title, surviving one of the most punishing matches of his career.

As the dust settled, medical personnel and Sami Zayn rushed to Owens’ aid,

Men’s Royal Rumble Match:

  1. Rey Mysterio
  2. Penta
  3. Chad Gable
  4. Carmelo Hayes
  5. Santo Escobar
  6. Otis
  7. WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker
  8. Akira Tozawa (attacked by Carmelo Hayes) – replaced by IShowSpeed
  9. Sheamus
  10. Jimmy Uso
  11. Andrade
  12. Jacob Fatu
  13. Ludwig Kaiser
  14. The Miz
  15. TNA World Champion Joe Hendry
  16. Roman Reigns
  17. Drew McIntyre
  18. Finn Balor
  19. WWE US Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
  20. Jey Uso
  21. AJ Styles
  22. Braun Strowman
  23. John Cena
  24. CM Punk
  25. Seth Rollins
  26. Dominik Mysterio
  27. Sami Zayn
  28. Damian Priest
  29. LA Knight
  30. Logan Paul

Winner: Jey Uso

Bully Ray Teases “Huge” Surprise Planned For WWE Royal Rumble

With the WWE Royal Rumble set to take place this Saturday, speculation is running wild about potential surprises—and according to Bully Ray, fans should expect something massive.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he’s received some inside information about the event and hinted at a major shocker in store.

“It’s going to be big. Inside information on a need-to-know basis, and I needed to know … I’m telling you, what I found out this morning for the Rumble, big is not the right word. Huge.”

While he didn’t provide specifics, Bully Ray also emphasized that neither the men’s nor women’s Rumble matches will have an easy winner, which could indicate unpredictable outcomes or unexpected entrants.

What Could This “Huge” Surprise Be?

With WrestleMania season officially kicking off at the Royal Rumble, there are several possibilities for what this major moment could be. Here are some of the biggest rumors and theories circulating:

  • A major return – Could we see The Rock?
  • A shocking debut – WWE has been known to bring in outside stars for big moments. Could a TNA or NJPW star make a surprise appearance?
  • An unexpected winner – While many expect Cody Rhodes, Gunther, or Seth Rollins to take the men’s Rumble, could WWE throw a curveball? And on the women’s side, could someone like Jade Cargill or a returning legend shake things up?
  • A game-changing storyline twist – WWE is known for pulling off massive storyline swerves at the Rumble. Could this be the night we see a major Bloodline betrayal, a new faction debut, or a shocking turn of events?

Regardless of what it is, Bully Ray’s comments have only added to the anticipation and excitement leading into Saturday’s event.

WWE Keeping Things Under Wraps

So far, WWE has been tight-lipped about any major surprises, which makes this year’s Rumble even more unpredictable. With Triple H leading creative, fans have high expectations for a blockbuster moment that will set the stage for WrestleMania 40.

Asuka Issues Firm Warning to Fans, WWE & TKO Taking Action To Protect Her

WWE Superstar Asuka is making it clear—she wants no romantic advances from fans.

Earlier this week, the former Women’s Champion took to Twitter (X) with a direct message, urging fans to stop developing romantic feelings for her, calling it “100% pointless.”

She also revealed that she has been feeling unsafe lately and has already consulted the police regarding the matter. Asuka expressed concern that, if this continues, she may feel threatened even when approached by fans in public settings like airports or city streets, making her hesitant to interact.

Her statement was unambiguous:

“I absolutely reject any romantic or personal approaches toward me. There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”

WWE and TKO Step In

Following her initial post, Asuka provided an update on Friday, informing fans that WWE and TKO Group Holdings are taking action to protect her. While she didn’t specify the exact measures being implemented, it’s clear that the company is treating the situation seriously.

Fan Behavior Crosses the Line

Unfortunately, Asuka is not the first WWE Superstar to deal with overzealous or inappropriate fan behavior. Alexa Bliss, Sonya Deville, and Rhea Ripley have all had publicized incidents involving stalkers or obsessive fans in recent years. While most fans are respectful, cases like this highlight the darker side of fan interactions, reinforcing the importance of boundaries and personal safety for performers.

A Reminder to Respect Boundaries

Asuka’s message serves as a reminder that wrestlers are entertainers—not romantic interests for their fans. While social media and meet-and-greets allow for more interaction than ever, there’s a fine line between admiration and invasion of privacy.

WWE has yet to comment publicly on the situation, but with TKO stepping in, it’s clear they are taking Asuka’s concerns seriously. Hopefully, these measures will ensure her safety and peace of mind moving forward.

Maria Kanellis Departs AEW, Becomes a Free Agent

Maria Kanellis has officially wrapped up her time with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The longtime wrestling personality announced on X (formerly Twitter) that January 31 marked her final day with the company. However, her husband, Mike Bennett, will continue competing for AEW as part of The Kingdom alongside Matt Taven.

Kanellis, who has worked in WWE, TNA Wrestling (now TNA Wrestling again), and Ring of Honor (ROH), signed with AEW in 2022. Though she made appearances on AEW programming, her primary role was in Tony Khan’s version of ROH, where she served as a manager for talents like Cole Karter and Griff Garrison.

Contract Expiration and Free Agency

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Kanellis’ AEW contract was initially set to run through late 2024, but the two sides instead agreed to a short-term extension through the end of January. Now, with her contract officially expired, Kanellis is a free agent and free to appear wherever she chooses.

Creative Ambitions and Departure

Throughout her tenure in AEW and ROH, Kanellis was outspoken about wanting a larger role behind the scenes, possibly in a creative or administrative capacity. However, it seems that she and Tony Khan weren’t able to align on a vision for her position in the company, leading to her exit.

Overcoming Health Challenges

Beyond her wrestling career, Kanellis has also faced personal challenges. In 2023, she revealed that doctors had found an unusual growth on her adrenal gland, which required surgery. Thankfully, in an update later that year, she shared that the procedure was successful and that the mass was non-cancerous.

What’s Next for Maria Kanellis?

With her experience as a wrestler, manager, and promoter, Kanellis has plenty of options ahead. Whether she returns to WWE, finds a new home in TNA Wrestling, or takes on a backstage role in another promotion, it will be interesting to see what’s next for her. One thing is for sure—wherever she goes, she’ll bring her signature mix of intelligence, presence, and industry knowledge.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on Maria Kanellis

AEW Collision Preview 2/1/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TNT, was taped Wednesday night in Huntsville, Alabama.

  • TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly vs. Lee Moriarty
  • Mid-South Street Fight: FTR vs. Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta
  • Hook & Samoa Joe vs. Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian
  • The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners
  • Harley Cameron vs. Taya Valkyrie
  • Megan Bayle vs. TBA
  • The Beast Mortos vs. TBA
  • Max Caster’s Open Challenge Series
  • We’ll hear from Timeless Toni Storm

WWE Royal Rumble 2/1/2025 (Card)

WWE Royal Rumble – Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM ET –
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

CARD

Undisputed WWE Championship – Ladder Match:
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens

Men’s Royal Rumble Match:
John Cena, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura, Logan Paul, Penta, Chad Gable, Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Damian Priest, Santos Escobar, Jacob Fatu, 12 More TBA – ? AJ Styles, Omos

Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
Nia Jax, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Liv Morgan, Lyra Valkyria, Ivy Nile, IYO SKY, Chelsea Green, Zelina Vega, Candice LeRae, Piper Niven, 17 More TBA – ? Becky Lynch, Jordynne Grace, Nikki Bella

WWE Tag Team Championships Two Out Of Three Falls Match:
#DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns

WWE SmackDown Preview 1/31/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN

  • WWE Women’s United States Championship: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Michin
  • Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes
  • Naomi vs. Liv Morgan
  • DIY & Pretty Deadly vs. Motor City Machine Guns & Los Garza

Dark Side of the Ring Returns for Season 6 on VICE TV – Full Episode List Revealed

Wrestling’s most controversial and eye-opening docuseries is back. VICE TV has officially announced that Dark Side of the Ring will return for Season 6 on Tuesday, March 25. Since its debut in 2019, the series has shined a light on some of the industry’s most shocking and tragic stories, covering topics like The Plane Ride from Hell, Chris Kanyon’s struggles, and Grizzly Smith’s dark past.

The announcement was made via the show’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which also included a brief trailer hyping up the new season. The post asked fans, “Which episode are you looking forward to the most?”—and with the newly revealed lineup, there’s plenty to be intrigued about.

Season 6 Episode Topics:

  • Hell in a Cell
  • Big Van Vader
  • Tony Atlas
  • Ludvig Borga
  • Billy Jack Haynes
  • “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert
  • “Superstar” Billy Graham
  • Daffney
  • The Original Sheik
  • Muhammad Hassan

The trailer features WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley discussing his legendary Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker at King of the Ring 1998. It remains to be seen whether the episode will focus solely on that brutal encounter or explore the Hell in a Cell match type as a whole. Either way, Foley’s involvement suggests an in-depth look at one of wrestling’s most unforgettable—and painful—moments.

One particularly interesting episode will cover Tony Atlas, as former WWE star Mark Henry previously revealed that he was initially hesitant to participate in Dark Side of the Ring due to its focus on wrestling’s darker moments. However, he made an exception to contribute to the Atlas episode, signaling that it may contain some deeply personal and untold stories.

With a lineup featuring wrestling legends, tragic tales, and infamous industry moments, Dark Side of the Ring Season 6 looks poised to deliver another gripping set of episodes.

AEW Grand Slam Australia Set for Unique Broadcast Slot Amid NBA All-Star Weekend

AEW’s highly anticipated Grand Slam Australia is just around the corner, bringing a stacked card to fans Down Under on February 15. With Toni Storm defending the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mariah May and the dream team of Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay facing Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita, the event promises to be a major milestone for the promotion. However, there has been some confusion regarding when the show will actually air in the United States.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Grand Slam Australia will air on a 20-hour tape delay in the U.S., a decision made by TNT to maximize viewership. Instead of airing live in the early morning hours, the event will be slotted immediately after the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities, which typically draw massive ratings. While the AEW broadcast is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET, Meltzer noted that the unpredictable nature of NBA events means the show could start closer to 11:05 PM ET if the All-Star coverage runs long.

This strategic scheduling could be a huge win for AEW, as it ensures a strong lead-in audience from NBA All-Star Weekend, which consistently ranks among the most-watched sports broadcasts of the year. Additionally, since the event will air live on the West Coast, Grand Slam Australia will be in primetime for viewers in California and surrounding regions—potentially giving AEW its biggest Saturday night audience in months.

Meltzer also suggested that AEW should capitalize on the moment by kicking off with a major match or angle to hook the new audience. With Revolution set for March 9 in Los Angeles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a major storyline development in Australia that sets the stage for the pay-per-view.

AEW’s international expansion has been a major talking point in recent months, and if this event pulls in strong ratings, it could open the door for more global shows in the future. Will the decision to delay the broadcast pay off? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.