The WWE Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated shows of the year. It rivals WrestleMania as the best PLEs that WWE has to offer. It is the start of WrestleMania season, and always manages to pull out a great title match.
Of course, one cannot discuss the PLE without mentioning the major reason it is so popular. The Royal Rumble match is the most exciting gimmick match that WWE has to offer. It is fast-paced and unpredictably unpredictable.
You never know who is going to come through the curtain and insert themselves into the Royal Rumble.
The next WWE Royal Rumble 2025, in Indianapolis, should provide several surprises that make it a must-see match. Here are some predictions as to who those surprises will be.
Joe Hendry
Imagine the clock counting down, and when it hits zero, you hear that famous entrance music—the music that states if you say his name, he will appear. The pop would be deafening, and it would mean a main roster appearance for Joe Hendry.
The self-made man has become one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. His time in TNA and NXT has been an overwhelming success, and there is no doubt this popularity will transfer to the main roster. With a working relationship between WWE and TNA present, it is a no-brainer for WWE to pull off in Indy.
Ethan Page
After years of hard work, Ethan Page made a very impactful debut with NXT. He was instantly thrust into the main event, even winning the NXT Championship. His work has been terrific so far, but he is bordering on not having much else to do in NXT.
Bringing him up to the main roster, with a Royal Rumble surprise, would be awesome. The Rumble match would provide for some great matchups for Page and could set up a potential feud down the line. The time is now to bring All-Ego to the big show.
Alexa Bliss
Since her Women’s Championship loss at the 2023 Royal Rumble, we haven’t seen Alexa Bliss on WWE television. She left due to her pregnancy nearly two years ago. Bliss has been active on social media since then, but recent posts have made fans wonder if she is ready for her return.
Bliss’s contract expired at the end of 2023, but WWE could add more time to it due to her inactivity. She has stated that she is not done with wrestling, and with the new crop of women making names for themselves, it would be the perfect time for Bliss to shock the world and show she still has a lot more to give.
Masha Slamovich
The forbidden door is no longer a thing with WWE. Gone are the days of other promotions being kept in the dark. In fact, over the past few years, we have seen various wrestlers show up at the Royal Rumble and tussle with the WWE stars.
A great choice to walk through the door this year would be Masha Slamovich. The current TNA Knockouts Champion has been fantastic throughout her career. She was incredibly popular in the Indies and has carried that over to TNA. Her move set is fabulous and would look great in the Rumble match.
Josh Alexander
The longest reigning world champion in TNA history carried the brand on his back for years. The Canadian-born Josh Alexander is a great talent and one of the best wrestlers to never make his way over to WWE.
Alexander’s contract is up with TNA in a couple of months, and he has expressed a desire to test the free-agent market. Making his debut as a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble would be a great way to introduce himself to the WWE Universe.
He could mix it up with some of the best and establish his first big feud with the company.
AJ Styles
This may be a long shot, but if AJ Styles can rehab himself enough, he could become an incredible surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble.
Styles has said his career was winding down, but that doesn’t mean his tank is empty. Styles has proven, over the past year, that he can still go, so why not have him make a return that no one saw coming and tear through the field?
He could get some eliminations along the way to a young star knocking him out of the match, thus making a name for themselves.
Also, Style’s big WWE debut took place when he was a surprise entrant at the Royal Rumble. Why not have everything come full circle and have him surprise the audience once again?
Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks was an underrated talent when he was with AEW. The man could wrestle, he could talk, and he matched up well with just about everyone. It is a shame that he wasn’t given a chance to do more, and that could be a mistake that WWE should rectify.
Starks coming out during the men’s WWE Royal Rumble 2025 would be a huge coop for WWE. He would fit right in with the new regime and could slot nicely into the mid-card on either show.
Plus, he is known for having a great friendship with Cody Rhodes, which could factor into WWE stealing Starks away from AEW.
Pat McAfee
The former NFL kicker has been a godsend for WWE. His passion for the business makes him a great voice for the matches, and he has also been able to hold his own in the ring.
McAfee’s relationship with WWE has been fruitful, and he never fails to recognize an opportunity when it presents itself. WWE Royal Rumble 2025 would be the exact opportunity that he thrives on.
He spent his entire NFL career as an Indianapolis Colts. His character endeared him to the local fans, and the pop he would get by making a surprise appearance at the Rumble would be deafening.
Jordynne Grace
The former TNA Knockouts Champion was one of the first to step through the fabled forbidden door. Her appearance at the 2024 Royal Rumble was a huge surprise and a fantastic showing.
Jordynne Grace was booked to look like the star that she is and held her own against the best women in WWE.
Grace’s TNA contract is up nearing the end of January, and she has expressed interest in making WWE her full-time home. She has already surprised us all once, so what’s to say she won’t do it again and make her full-time debut at WWE Royal Rumble 2025?
It would be a great way to build a big first program for the former champion.
Matt Cardona
The Indie God has made a massive name for himself since leaving WWE. His work ethic is inspiring as he moves around the country, competing in every indie company that he can. He has become a fantastic heel and has drawn great heat everywhere he goes.
At some point, Matt Cardona has to make his way back to WWE. He has become the star that WWE has always wanted and can do some real damage to their ranks. His return would provide for a massive pop and would be a lasting memory from the show.
Also, his wife, Chelsea Green, has become a big star, and it might be easier to lure him back to the big show.
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