4 WWE stars who can win the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble Match if The Rock doesn't return
With Survivor Series: WarGames in the history books, the locker room is gearing up for the Royal Rumble. The PLE is scheduled for February 1st in Indianapolis.
The Rock, heavily rumored to battle Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, could win the Men's Rumble and book a date with The American Nightmare. However, The Final Boss is busy with a demanding schedule, as reflected by recent reports.
Hence, WWE may have to find alternative methods of booking The Rock on the card for The Show of Shows. Nonetheless, Triple H has plenty of options, including these four talented Superstars.
#4. John Cena wins his third Royal Rumble match
Royal Rumble 2025 will be an emotional ride for The Cenation as John Cena confirmed that he will participate in his final Rumble match. Due to his experience and resilience, Cena is a top candidate to win the bout.
The story writes itself. The 16-time World Champion outlasts 29 other men to book a date with the World Champion in his final WrestleMania match. This would provide Cena with the perfect setting and background story to create history by winning his 17th World Title.
Gunther vs. John Cena would be a money-making match for WWE, and The Ring General would be a worthy opponent for The Cenation Leader at 'Mania.
#3. CM Punk could realize his dream of main-eventing WrestleMania next year
When CM Punk returned in November 2023, he declared his intentions of main eventing WrestleMania. An ill-timed injury in the 2024 Men's Royal Rumble match ended those aspirations, but Punk could realize his dreams in Las Vegas.
Winning the Rumble is the safest way of booking one's spot in the main event of WrestleMania. The Second City Saint could enter the 30-man melee, outlast all the competitors to get closer to his lifelong dream of main eventing The Show of Shows.
However, Seth "Freakin" Rollins presents a major obstacle. Since neither man holds the World Title, their rumored match at WrestleMania 41 will likely be a grudge bout with no gold on the line.
#2. Seth "Freakin" Rollins
Seth "Freakin" Rollins may be preoccupied with CM Punk, but he is yet to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship. The Visionary elevated the title in its infancy and would love to relive his glorious days as champion.
Hence, Rollins could win the 2025 Men's Royal Rumble match to earn a one-on-one shot against Gunther at WrestleMania 41. Earlier this year, WWE teased a Gunther-Rollins match but never followed up on that tease.
However, The Visionary's chances of winning the bout are slim due to his brewing rivalry with Punk, which will likely keep both men out of the World Title picture.
#1. Roman Reigns wins his second Royal Rumble
If The Rock isn't available for WrestleMania, Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes III wouldn't be a bad option, especially considering their in-ring chemistry and background story.
The Original Tribal Chief lost his Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania XL, which began his downfall. Solo Sikoa took over and Reigns lost his tribe. The OTC is on a redemption tour, which could lead him to Royal Rumble 2025.
Reigns could outlast 29 other men to book another match with The American Nightmare at The Show of Shows. This time around, the roles will be reversed and the fans will support The OTC.