Five Surprise Wrestlers to Look Out for in the 2025 Royal Rumble
The WWE Royal Rumble is set to take place on February 1st, 2025, with many fans believing the men’s Rumble will be the most stacked of all time. It will feature the likes of Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre. It will also be the last ever Royal Rumble that John Cena will compete in. This announced roster has already made it the most talented in history, though there are still some other names that could make it even more competitive. Here are some of the biggest potential surprise entrants to look out for in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble.
5. Joe Hendry
New TNA World Champion Joe Hendry is more than likely going to be entering this year's Royal Rumble. Hendry has become a fan favorite among wrestling fans worldwide, including WWE watchers. He had a short stint in NXT in 2024, and considering how known he instantly was, it’s safe to say that he will get a huge reaction when he enters the Rumble. 2025 already seems like a great year for Joe Hendry, which could include an amazing performance at the upcoming PLE.
4. Trick Williams
After Trick Williams lost the NXT World Championship, it became clear that a main roster run is in the very near future for him. The iconic Memphis ‘Whoop that Trick’ chant has become synonymous with him and is now a major part of his entrance. Trick has all the capabilities and potential to become a major WWE superstar and it can start at the 2025 Royal Rumble. He may also have a faceoff with his former tag team partner Carmelo Hayes, which is something that fans have been craving for.
3. Jeff Hardy
With many legends competing in this year’s Royal Rumble, it would be a very nostalgic moment if Jeff Hardy returned to the WWE for a one-time appearance. Hardy is currently one-half of the TNA Tag Team Champions alongside Matt Hardy. With WWE’s new partnership with TNA that has ensured that wrestlers from both companies will be competing on each other’s shows, it’s the perfect time to bring Jeff back. He may even have one last run with the company following the Royal Rumble, as it’s clear that the charismatic enigma’s wrestling career is slowly coming to an end.
2. Aleister Black
Malakai Black is currently signed to AEW, though his contract is set to expire sometime in either February or March. Although it is a stretch given that Royal Rumble is on February 2nd, there is a chance that he may return to WWE as Aleister Black. Black is a former NXT Champion and won the Trios Championships during his stint in AEW. This is the least likely out of the five as it’s unclear when Black’s contract ends, which is why it would very much be a surprise if he enters the Royal Rumble.
1. AJ Styles
AJ Styles was injured in his return match against Carmelo Hayes in October 2024. It was previously reported that Styles would miss the Royal Rumble and perhaps even WWE WrestleMania, though he could have a John Cena-esque moment where he returns months before he is expected to. Styles is considered one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time and would fit in perfectly with the already-announced bunch. 2025 could even be the year that AJ wins the match, as he has done nearly everything in his wrestling career except win the Royal Rumble.
