Rhea Ripley didn’t compete at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, but there was still plenty of ‘Mami’ in Indianapolis. The same day as the first PLE of 2025, a Rhea Ripley lookalike contest took place in the city. On X, footage of the contest was shared. Ripley responded, saying she absolutely loved the idea and wishes she could have been a part of the judging process.
Literally LOVE this! If it was the night before I 100% would have loved to of been a judge! https://t.co/aPLpXskgPt
This lookalike contest saw those involved channel Ripley’s personality that has made the Women’s World Champion one of the most popular women in wrestling today. Ripley is in her second reign as Women’s World Champion after regaining the title from Liv Morgan at WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix.
What’s Next for Rhea Ripley?
With Charlotte Flair’s victory in the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Ripley could be in store for a WrestleMania 39 rematch at this year’s Showcase of the Immortals. However, with reports that WWE intends for Flair to face Tiffany Stratton, it remains to be seen who faces the Women’s World Champion at WrestleMania 41.
Roxanne Perez’s time in NXT appears to be winding down, with a main roster debut on the horizon. The 23-year-old standout delivered an impressive performance in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, including breaking the record for the longest time in a Women’s Rumble match.
According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, WWE has been considering Perez for a main roster spot since early January, with sources indicating it’s only a matter of time. Though a specific date for her move is not known, her role at the Rumble signals that her time in NXT is nearly over.
A WWE main roster source stated that Perez has been “ready for the main roster from a performance perspective for a long time.” Perez already has experience appearing on the main roster and is currently feuding with Bayley in WWE NXT.
With her immense talent, Perez has been labelled ‘The Prodigy,’ a moniker designed to show how big things are awaiting the former NXT Women’s Champion. Now, fans can expect those big things to crome to fruition in the near future on the main roster.
Alexa Bliss shocked the WWE Universe with her surprise return at the 2025 Royal Rumble, entering the match at the #21 spot. The match marked Bliss’ first appearance for WWE in over two years, and has left fans wondering what’s going on with The Goddess.
Bliss’ return came after several reports stating that she and WWE but new reports suggest her comeback was more than just unexpected—it was a carefully orchestrated swerve by WWE “far apart” in contract negotiations. It had even been reported that some in WWE believed that the two would not be able to reach a new deal, and as a result, Bliss’ tenure with WWE would end.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer claims that sources within WWE have confirmed Bliss has signed a new contract. With that said, he doesn’t believe it was as “last-minute” as sources indicated and argued that WWE was “pulling a swerve.” News of Bliss re-signing with WWE was kept a closely within the company, with Meltzer adding “It was people in the office they fooled too, and high-up.”
Whether WWE intentionally misled insiders or Bliss’ contract was genuinely finalized at the last moment, one thing is certain, she’s back, and her WWE future is secure. Now, fans can look forward to seeing much more of the pint-sized powerhouse who is ready to make an impact in the ring once again.
Trish Stratus made her in-ring return at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE as part of the eighth-annual Women’s Royal Rumble match. Though Stratus didn’t secure a title match at WrestleMania 41, the WWE Hall of Famer proved she can still deliver ‘Stratusfaction’ in the squared circle.
Speaking with Stratus after the match, Byron Saxton alluded to Trish’s gray and pink attire possibly being a nod to her WWE debut attire from Sunday Night Heat in 2000. The WWE Hall of Famer confirmed this to be the case and was pleased to give fans a throwback.
“Good eye! I just felt that we’re kicking off the 25th anniversary of my career which is huge for me. I’m honored to still be coming back and doing that. Dipping my toe into the current landscape, I thought it was kind of a neat way to come back to this moment and do a little callback. I like a little callback and I know you guys do to.”
It remains to be seen if fans see Trish Stratus back in the ring in the near future, though Trish teased in the interview that her days in the ring may not be over yet. Whatever the case, Stratus continues to prove herself as a legend in the ring with a fun throwback during this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match.
IShowSpeed’s impromptu appearance in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match came to an end when he was launched out of the ring by Bron Breakker. Speaking backstage, a crutches-wielding Speed vowed that this won’t be his last time in the ring.
“Next Royal Rumble, I’m calling out everybody. Roman Reigns, Mark Henry, Rey Mysterio, Dom. It don’t matter, I’m getting all of y’all. Just wait until I start training out there.”
The spear Speed ate by Bron Breakker isn’t his first time being levelled by a WWE Superstar, as the YouTube took an RKO by Randy Orton at WrestleMania 40. When asked, Speed couldn’t give a definitve answer as to which move hurts more, isntead simply saying “they hurt.”
The 2026 Royal Rumble has already been announced for January of next year and will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 39th annual Royal Rumble will be part of Riyadh Season, marking the first traditional Royal Rumble to take place outside of North America. Stay tuned for the latest on the Royal Rumble as IShowSpeed vows to do much better next year than his perfomance in 2025.
WWE 2K25 will feature a special Bloodline Edition, celebrating Roman Reigns’ faction and the wider Anoa’i family. Recently, the OTC was asked for what he thinks Afa and Sika, both of whom passed in 2024, would make to the Bloodline storyline.
“I think they’re looking down on us and they’re proud. I think they’re looking at what they started and they’re seeing what we’re developing.”
Reigns and his family have played a pivotal role on WWE for years now, a period of time that has seen wider changes to the company at large. When asked if this was the ‘Bloodline Era’ Reigns left it to others to define this period of time, but felt the name was apt.
“I don’t think you can go wrong by saying it’s the Bloodline era, the Tribal Chief era. We are the center of the storm. We make everything happen. All roads run through us. Even Cody Rhodes.”
The Bloodline saga has continued to develop, with eyes now on new arrivals including Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga. As for Roman Reigns, it remains to be seen what’s next for him after a different family member stood tall at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE.
After the show, Jackie Redmond caught up with Jey Uso for his first thoughts following the biggest victory of his career.
“There’s gonna be a party tonight! There’s gonna be a party tonight Uce! It’s my turn, It’s my turn Jackie!”
Later in the interview, Jey gave his bold vision for WrestleMania 41, where fans will see him capture the richest prize from Monday Night Raw.
“They ain’t never seen me coming, but guess what? I just won the damn Royal Rumble 2025! I bet y’all never see that coming! But another thing you’re gonna see coming Uce. Me main eventing WrestleMania and becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion!”
With his victory, Uso has earned a championship match against either Cody Rhodes or GUNTHER at WrestleMania 41, though clearly has his sights set on the Ring General. Uso and GUNTHER battled at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2024 in a match that saw GUNTHER retain.
Uso’s surprising win demonstrates the unpredictability wrestling fans love, as few expected him to win a match that included CM Punk, John Cena, Roman Reigns and other top stars. Now, Jey Uso is ‘Yeet-ing’ his way to the main event of WrestleMania 41 where he plans on winning his first World Championship.
Jey Uso has punched his ticket on the Road to WrestleMania 41 by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. In the main event of the 2025 Royal Rumble Uso last eliminated John Cena to win the 30-Man match.
Jey entered at the #20 spot to one of the loudest ovations inside Lucas Oil Stadium. With a star-studded match featuring Cena, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and more, Uso’s win is being considered one of the biggest surprises in Royal Rumble history.
Check out these highlights of the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match:
Someone in Indianapolis must have said Joe Hendry’s name, as the TNA World Champion appeared in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. Hendry entered the match at #15 to a huge pop from the crowd inside Lucas Oil Stadium. On commentary, Michael Cole shared highlights of Hendry’s career, including his victory over Nic Nemeth at Genesis.
Despite the ovation, Hendry’s time in the Men’s Royal Rumble match wasn’t a long one. The Scottish star was thrown about by Roman Reigns, who was the #16 entrant.
Hendry’s appearance in the WWE Men’s Royal Rumble match is just the latest showcase for the TNA World Champion. Hendry appeared in WWE NXT in 2024 and challenged then-NXT Champion Ethan Page at No Mercy. Though Hendry failed to win the richest prize in NXT, the Scottish star remains one of the most popular stars in pro wrestling today.
Hendry’s role in the Royal Rumble comes after WWE and TNA announced a multi-year partnership that has promised plenty of crossover between the two companies. Though Joe Hendry didn’t win the Men’s Royal Rumble match, this may not be the last time fans see the TNA World Champion in a WWE ring.
WWE EVOLVE has been confirmed, and fans now know when and where they can watch the show. During the 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event, it was confirmed that WWE EVOLVE will make its debut on Wednesday, March 5, streaming exclusively on Tubi.
We’re excited to announce the launch of WWE EVOLVE which will showcase in-ring action featuring rising WWE prospects as they look to make it to NXT, SmackDown & Raw.
WWE EVOLVE premieres March 5 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, exclusively on @Tubi, with a new episode dropping every Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/H3o2EiJCFv
The show will showcase rising WWE prospects who will compete for a shot at making it to NXT, SmackDown, and Raw.This announcement follows WWE’s filing of a trademark for the EVOLVE name on January 30.
Gabe Sapolsky, who originally ran EVOLVE Wrestling before WWE purchased it in 2020, is believed to be heavily involved in the relaunch. Shawn Michaels, who serves as WWE’s SVP of Talent Development & Creative, is also set to play a key role.
WWE EVOLVE will give fans a look at potential future World Champions and demonstrates the promotion’s commitment to developing new talent. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on WWE EVOLVE.
Cody Rhodes’ reign as Undisputed WWE Champion is truly undiusputed after retaining the gold against Kevin Owens at the 2025 Royal Rumble. In the penultimate match of the night, Owens and Rhodes didn’t hold back in their battle to determine the true WWE Champion.
With another victory to his name, Rhodes’ attention turns towards WrestleMania 41 and who will face him for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Should he still be champion, the April 2025 event will be Rhodes’ third consecutive year in a WWE World Championship at the Showcase of the Immortals.
The 2025 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is taking place from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The card for the show includes:
Charlotte Flair won the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Kevin Owens
Men’s Royal Rumble Match
Two-Out-of-Three Falls for the WWE Tag Team Championship: #DIY (c) defeated Motor City Machine Guns
Stay tuned to SEScoops for more from the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, including breaking news and live results.
Charlotte Flair has punched her ticket on the Road to WrestleMania 41 by winning the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match. In the opening match of the 2025 Royal Rumble Flair last eliminated Roxanne Perez to win the 30-Woman match.
This win makes Charlotte the eleventh WWE Superstar to win multiple Royal Rumbles. Flair has also made history as the first-ever two-time winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Check out some highlights of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match:
With this victory, Flair has earned herself a title match at WrestleMania 41. Currently, this means that Flair will challenge either WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton or WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley.
The WWE Royal Rumble is typically a night of surprise returns and the 2025 Women’s Rumble is proving to be no exception. After over two years away, Alexa Bliss returned as part of the match as the #21 entrant.
Bliss had been out of action since the 2023 Royal Rumble PLE, where she had unsuccesfully challenged then-Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The following month, Bliss shared that she and her husband Ryan Cabrera were expecting. In November 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter Hendrix into the world.
Bliss’ return comes after reports and speculation on the future of the former Women’s Champion. Bliss and WWE had reportedly been at odds over contractual issues. While Bliss reportedly wanted a new deal, WWE wanted her to continue on her previous contract with time added. This issue resulted in Bliss’ return on the January 13, Raw being nixed and plans for her to work with the Wyatt Sicks being scrapped.
On commentary, Bliss’ contract issues were alluded to, with Michael Cole saying he thought that Bliss was never going to return. Now, the Goddess of WWE is back and ready to take the WWE Women’s roster by storm.
“Honestly, I think we could have a banger match. I feel like that’s a given… we would probably have one of the best matches on the entire WrestleMania card.”
Stratton is certainly hopeful that the match will happen, in what would be the Buff Barbie’s debut match at WrestleMania. While the pair have never faced off in the ring before, a match with Flair would be years in the making for Stratton.
“I got into wrestling because of her. I saw her on an episode of SmackDown one day and she inspired me… It would just mean so much to my younger self if she would be my WrestleMania opponent.”
Flair will make her return from injury at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, where she hopes to become the first-ever two-time winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble match. The Queen will face some stiff competition, however, including fellow former Rumble winners Bianca Belair and Bayley.
Stratton is in her first reign as WWE Women’s Champion, after cashing in her Money in the Bank contract during the first SmackDown of 2025. The reigning champion will certainly be watching tonight’s Women’s Rumble match closely, especially once Charlotte Flair finally steps foot back in the squared circle.
Saraya and Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse were in a relationship for six years, but it came to an end in January 2025. Fans were curious about the reasons behind their breakup, and now Saraya has shed light on the matter.
While speaking to TMZ Sports, Saraya revealed that the breakup was due to the couple simply drifting apart over time.
“I’m doing great, it was meant to be. We’re good friends, though. It ended amicably. We just drifted apart in a way; we’re just better off as friends.“
Saraya added that the couple’s respective schedules played a role in the split as both are “geting bigger and so much busier. While Radke was “really sweet,” the pair simply weren’t compatable any more.
“We’re just better off as friends. We were friends beforehand and tried to make it work as a relationship. It worked, and then it didn’t.”
Following the breakup, Saraya responded to a fan on X asking if she was trawling for boyfriends, stating “Nope, I’m good.” Only time will tell what the future holds for Saraya, but she remains determined to make 2025 a big year for her, both in pro wrestling and in her personal life.
The 2025 Royal Rumble is mere hours away with 30 men and 30 women hoping to secure a championship match at WrestleMania 41. On a recent edition of the Pat McAfee Show, however, Sheamus shared what he’ll do should he stand tall in Indianapolis.
“I’m going right back after Bron Breakker… I need to be complete and become WWE’s first ever Ultimate Grand Slam Champion.”
Sheamus’s quest to become a Grand Slam Champion has fuelled the Irishman for years, as he is only missing the Intercontinental Championship from his collection. The ‘Ultimate Grand Slam’ is a term for someone who’s held a World title, both mid-card titles, a tag-team title, in addition to winning the Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, and King of the Ring.
Sheamus won the 2012 Royal Rumble match and would follow-up by winning the World Heavyweight Champion in just 18 seconds at WrestleMania 28. A victory this weekend would make Sheamus the eleventh two-time winner of the iconic match-type. This will prove easier said than done, however, as this year’s Men’s Rumble will be a stacked affair including Roman Reigns, CM Punk, John Cena, and more.
No wrestler has ever used their Royal Rumble opportunity on a mid-card title, but Sheamus is ready to make history this April. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Sheamus and his unlikely quest to the Intercontinental Championship that stars at the 2025 Royal Rumble.
Could NBA star Tyrese Haliburton make his presence felt in the upcoming Men’s 2025 Royal Rumble match? Don’t count it out. This week, the Indiana Pacers star made time to attend the Royal Rumble kickoff show. He confirmed that after his game, he plans to handle media obligations, freshen up, and head straight to Lucas Oil Stadium to attend WWE’s first PLE of 2025.
Haliburton then introduced Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Levesque, a two-time winner of the Royal Rumble, closed his spirited promo bu reminding fans that you never know who will show up in a Royal Rumble match. He then approached Haliburton and said “Let’s talk,” teasing that the NBA star will do much more in Lucas Oil Stadium than watch the show.
Triple H says that “just about anybody could enter the #RoyalRumble as a surprise”.
And then proceeds to ask Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton if he’s got a minute. pic.twitter.com/rsOXs27x2N
Haliburton is a known WWE fan, and stirred up drama with comments about Orlando during a WWE NXT appearance last year. In September 2024, Haliburton teased “surprises” for the Royal Rumble PLE, with fans now waiting to see if he steps in the ring.
The Indiana Pacers star was also present on this week’s WWE SmackDown, again demonstrating his deep love for all things WWE. Stay tuned to SEScoops to find out if Haliburton is just a visitor at tonight’s Premium Live Event or if he gets in the ring.
The January 31 episode of WWE SmackDown took place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, just one day before the highly anticipated 2025 Royal Rumble. Monday Night Raw’s CM Punk made an appearance on the show and the Best in the World had plenty to say.
The night kicked off with an interview segment featuring Joe Tessitore and Kevin Owens who continued to fuel his storyline with Cody Rhodes. Owens blasted Tessitore as a “Cody Rhodes fanboy” and grabbed the Winged Eagle title he had previously handed over at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Before Owens could leave, CM Punk made his entrance to a thunderous reaction from the Indianapolis crowd. A “holy s***” chant erupted as the two had their first face off since Punk’s return to WWE in November 2023.
Punk made clear that if he wins the Royal Rumble and Owens defeats Cody Rhodes, the WrestleMania main event would be CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens. Once again, Punk made clear that he plans on challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship should he win the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Owens liked the idea of beating Punk at WrestleMania, but said he hopes Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble. The Prizefighter explained that he wanted Punk to live with the fact that he’s never main-evented WrestleMania—something Owens has done twice. Punk fired back by mocking Owens’ past defeats at the Royal Rumble, including last year’s loss to Logan Paul. After this intense face-off, it remains to be seen if fans get to see these two trade blows at WrestleMania 41.
Stephanie McMahon made a rare on-screen appearance during the January 31 edition of WWE SmackDown, the go-home episode of the blue brand ahead of the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE.
After Chelsea Green retained her Women’s United States Championship against Michin via disqualification, WWE aired a package hyping Charlotte Flair’s return in the Women’s Royal Rumble match. After that, Stephanie McMahon was shown sitting ringside, smiling, as WWE spotlighted her upcoming ESPN+ series, Stephanie’s Places. McMahon wasn’t alone for the show as she was with Nick Khan’s son.
McMahon didn’t cut a promo or get physical, but her presence alone generated a lot of buzz from the fans. After SummerSlam 2024, McMahon’s husband Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque said that while she did not have an established role in WWE, the promotion would love to have her back. McMahon parted ways with WWE in January 2023 around the time her father Vince McMahon forced his way back.
Stephanie’s Places
Stephanie’s Places will launch on ESPN+ this March and see McMahon team with several WWE Superstars and legends. McMahon has said that she hopes the show will prove useful for fans, not only giving them insight into a wrestler but advice on how to overcome obstacles. A trailer for the show has confirmed The Bloodline and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin as guests on the show.
McMahon’s appearance on SmackDown is the latest for Stephanie and follows on from her presence at WrestleMania 40, SummerSlam 2024, and WWE Raw’s debut on Netflix. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Stephanie McMahon, including any future appearances on WWE TV.
The 2025 Royal Rumble is mere hours away, with fans excited to see who punches their ticket to WrestleMania 41. The Royal Rumble is typically a night of surprise returns and one of the biggest names from ECW could be in action tonight.
According to PWInsider Elite, Rhyno was seen at the hotel WWE talent and crew are staying at, where he was greeted by Talent Relations staff before being “quickly whisked away to a more private area.” This sighting has fueled speculation that Rhyno could be making a surprise appearance in the Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Rhyno recently finished his time with TNA Wrestling, and the former ECW World Champion is currently a free agent. While the Man-Beast was already in town for WrestleCon, his presence at the hotel has left many believing he will be doing something at WWE’s first PLE of 2025.
Rhyno’s last WWE appearance took place on November 7, 2024, when he made a special cameo on NXT at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia while still under contract with TNA. That show was a special tribute event for ECW and saw other extreme alum including Rob Van Dam, Francine, Dawn Marie, and Bubba Ray Dudley.
The Man Beast made his Royal Rumble debut in 2004 where he lasted 14 minutes and scored an elimination over fellow ECW alum Tajiri. Now, two decades later, fans may be seeing the former ECW World Champion back in the Royal Rumble match.
During her time with WWE, Saraya was regarded as a pioneer in women’s wrestling as her ‘Anti-Diva’ persona won over countless fans. While she has been with AEW for over two years, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to WWE in the future.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Saraya expressed her love and appreciation for WWE when asked about a potential return:
“Yeah, I love WWE. I appreciate everybody there. They made me. They gave me my career, and I’m just appreciative of that. One day—who knows? I love my time in AEW though. My contract’s up with AEW in September, so I don’t know, maybe I’ll stay with them, maybe not, I don’t know.”
Saraya also spoke about how much she has enjoyed her time in AEW. With her contract set to expire in September, she remains uncertain about her next steps. She may choose to stay with AEW or potentially return to WWE, keeping her options open.
Saraya’s most recent appearance was on the October 8 episode of AEW Dynamite, where she competed in a 4-Way AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Match against Jamie Hayter, Willow Nightingale, and Nyla Rose. In 2023, Saraya held the AEW Women’s World Championship, her only title to date so far in the promotion.
Saraya left WWE in July 2022 when her contract was not renewed, though Triple H did make an effort at the time to bring her back and keep her from AEW. With the Game now fully in charge of WWE’s creative vision, it remains to be seen if a return is in the works for the former Paige.
Charlotte Flair will make her long-awaited return at the 2025 Royal Rumble PLE, and the Queen isn’t taking it easy in training. On Instagram, the Flatback Training shared footage of Charlotte’s preparation. The former Women’s Champion was senn delivering chops to AEW’s Austin and Colten Gunn while Women’s World Champion Mariah May watched on.
Charlotte will be a part of this year’s Women’s Royal Rumble match, her first match since December 2023. During an episode of SmackDown, Charlotte suffered a leg injury in a match with Asuka and has been ut of action ever since.
Charlotte Flair Royal Rumble Stats
Royal Rumble Matches: 4 Royal Rumble Victories: 1 (2020) Royal Rumble Eliminations: 15 Total Royal Rumble Duration: 2 Hours, 16 Minutes, 30 Seconds Longest Royal Rumble Stint: 50 Minutes, 1 Second (2019
Flair will have her work cut out for her in the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble match, with fellow former Rumble winners Bayley and Bianca Belair also confirmed for the match. Stay tuned to SEScoops to see whether Flair’s return to the ring makes her a two-time Rumble winner, or if someone else takes the throne.
Alexa Bliss hasn’t appeared in a WWE ring in over two years, with her latest match being at the 2023 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Now, the idea of Bliss returning may be finished for good as she and WWE remain nowhere close to a new deal.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, the situation is looking grim. It was explained that the two sides are so far apart regarding a new deal that “people are talking about not expecting a deal to be made.”
WWE reportedly planned for Bliss to return to Raw on January 13 as part of The Wyatt Sicks storyline. However, when Bliss pushed for a new contract instead of continuing under her existing extension, WWE nixed all plans for her return. The day after she was supposed to return, Bliss erased all WWE references from her social media accounts, signalling issues with the promotion behind the scenes.
Bliss has not publicly addressed the contract situation, but her priorities have been made crystal clear online. This week, Bliss shared a photo of herself and her daughter Hendrix with the caption, “If you need me. I’ll be here. For a while.” The notion that Bliss will be with her daughter “for a while” has continued to leave fans speculating that her current hiatus from WWE shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Alexa Bliss was once one of WWE’s top female performers with multiple title reigns and a Money in the Bank contract win to her name. Now though, Bliss’ future remains increasingly uncertain as the promotion moves ahead without the ‘Goddess’ around.
This weekend, WWE will host its 2025 Royal Rumble PLE from Indianapolis, Indiana, kicking off the Road to WrestleMania 41. Speaking to SI Media with Jimmy Traina, Seth Rollins reflecting on why competing in the titular match can be easier than a traditional one-on-one contest.
“You’re sharing the workload with 29 other guys. There’s a little less stress, you know, it’s like a team sport.”
Rollins compared this to a singles match, where the “microscope is entirely on you the whole time.” In contrast, talent are able to be a “cog in the machine” during a Royal Rumble match.
While a Rumble may be an easier match, being part of the event does have its difficulties. On the show, Rollins explained how being part of one of WWE’s most popular Premium Live Events of the year does add the pressure on.
“The pressure is higher, because there are so many eyes on it [the Royal Rumble event.] You want it to be memorable. It’s the kickoff to our biggest party of the year, WrestleMania season.. so it’s kind of easier and harder in some ways.”
Check out these interesting stats about Seth Rollins in the Royal Rumble Match:
Year
Entry Number
Time in Match
Eliminations
Finish
Additional Notes
2014
2
48:31
2
6th Place
Longest time in the match for Rollins.
2018
18
19:00
4
9th Place
–
2019
10
43:00
5
Winner
Became the Iron Man in this match.
2020
30
4:00
0
28th Place
Shortest time in the match for Rollins.
2021
29
6:00
0
28th Place
–
2023
1
56:30
6
2nd Place
Longest time since his debut in Rumble.
Rollins hopes to become the latest two-time winner of the Royal Rumble match, an act that’d see him join the likes of Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton, John Cena, and more. With 30 competitors involved, Rollins will have to be more than a mere ‘cog’ if he hopes to punch his ticket to WrestleMania 41 at the 2025 Royal Rumble on February 1.
AJ Lee hasn’t competed for WWE for close to a decade, but fans and Superstars alike hope to see her back in the ring, potentially at the 2025 Royal Rumble event. Speaking at a WWE Fanatics event, Big E was asked about Lee returning as part of this weekend’s Women’s Royal Rumble match.
“I would love to see AJ Lee in the Rumble. I think the pop would be absurd. It would be very exciting.”
At the event, Bayley reminded Big E of an unfortunate incident from the April 8, 2013 Raw, where Big E struck AJ in the chest during their entrance. Even a dozen years later, the former WWE Champion feels bad for what happened.
“We’re trying to move on, okay?! That was like 13 years ago! It was very embarrisng for me, she just smiled like it was nothing.”
Big E isn’t the only notable name hoping to see AJ Lee make her return to action this weekend in Indianapolis. While appearing on the Lightweights Podcast, , WWE interviewer Jackie Redmond said that she would be “so pumped” to see Lee return this weekend. Redmond even shared her take that nothing would be bigger than a return by the former Divas Champion.
“That’s all anyone would be talking about. What could top it? … If AJ f**king Lee came back, is there anything that could steal that headline from her?”
CM Punk also hopes to see his wife return to WWE this Saturday, though has said in the past he wouldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t wish to do. Punk hopes to earn his first victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble this weekend, and fans remain excited at the prospect of a return by AJ Lee at the 2025 Royal Rumble event.