A fearless international star; 16-time former WWE Champion - 7 surprise names who could participate in the 2025 Royal Rumble matches
The Royal Rumble is always one of the most exciting events on WWE's PLE schedule. The 30-star matches represent different storytelling, with winners of both contests earning title shots at WrestleMania.
Returns and debuts can put the event over the top. AJ Styles debuted for WWE in 2016, while Jordynne Grace crossed over from TNA to participate in last year's Royal Rumble.
Pat McAfee will probably participate in next year's match, which will take place in Indianapolis, IN, since he played for the Colts during his NFL career.
Which big names from all across the industry could pop up in the big match? The next seven performers could be surprise entrants in the 2025 Royal Rumble contests.
#7. Jordynne Grace has worked in NXT
Jordynne Grace was a surprise entrant in last year's Royal Rumble match. She received a warm reception and shared moments with both Naomi and Bianca Belair.
Grace and Naomi battled over the Knockouts Championship while The Juggernaut matched The EST's strength with dueling deadlift suplexes. If Grace leaves TNA for good, WWE and NXT seem like a slam-dunk next step.
She has previous exposure in front of those crowds, so it wouldn't be a random addition to the match. Grace could also set up more feuds for when and if she officially signs with the promotion.
#6. Aleister Black & #5. Dustin Rhodes could be finished with AEW
Dustin Rhodes, aka Goldust, is currently one-half of the ROH Tag Team Champions alongside Sammy Guevara. He is currently unsigned but could drop the titles before the end of 2024.
Rhodes is also the ROH Six-man Tag Champion alongside the Von Erichs. The trio won the belts in July, so if he's coming back to WWE for one more run with his brother, he could be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble.
Malakai Black's AEW status has been a topic for debate lately since he's received few singles opportunities. If he departs AEW like Andrade did, he could make a big return in the Royal Rumble.
#4. Joe Hendry is TNA's most popular star
Few stars have enjoyed a meteoric rise like TNA's Joe Hendry. His natural charisma and ability to craft themes dissing his opponents endeared Hendry to fans. The simplicity of his songs invites fans to sing along with them.
His popularity was utilized this year once TNA and WWE entered into a working partnership. Hendry has appeared several times on NXT and even challenged Ethan Page for the NXT Championship.
An easy way to keep the relationship going would be to have Hendry pop up in the Royal Rumble. Fans know who he is, and several signs of his catchphrases have popped up during episodes of RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
#3. The 2025 Royal Rumble could be the last for a WWE Legend
When will the John Cena retirement tour officially begin? Could he appear at WarGames or Saturday Night's Main Event? Is his next appearance being saved for the debut episode of RAW on Netflix?
Cena mentioned how certain PLEs would be the final events of his career, so he must compete in the next few months. He's won two Royal Rumbles and would be a sentimental favorite due to his career coming to an end.
The match could even set up his WrestleMania program. Whoever has the honor of eliminating the 16-time World Champion could be one of the final opponents of his career.
#2. Pentagon Jr. would be a huge addition to WWE
Another star whose current contract situation has been the subject of debate is Penta El Zero Miedo, aka Pentagon Jr. Both of the Lucha Brothers have been absent from AEW programming for months.
When a star isn't re-signing, the promotion usually removes them from all programming. AEW added time to Rey Fenix's current deal due to the many injuries he suffered in the ring.
Pentagon Jr, however, could emerge as a surprise entrant in the 2025 Royal Rumble. His time with AEW is either already at an end or coming to an end with the change of years. It will be a big boost for WWE and a big loss for Tony Khan.
#1. The Rock has competed in past Royal Rumbles
With CM Punk as the final member of the OG Bloodline team, The Rock's return could happen at any time. He could participate at Survivor Series: WarGames to add another layer to the angle. Perhaps he'll emerge after the huge match like he did at Bad Blood.
His next appearance, however, is still up in the air. Since he feels entitled to a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship since he pinned Cody Rhodes on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, he may enter the Royal Rumble.
Due to his spot on the board of directors, he could even give himself the last spot in the match. Even though he pinned Rhodes before he won the title, the Rock will face off with The American Nightmare at some point next year.