Every year, the WWE Royal Rumble captivates both hard-core and average WWE fans alike with both its entertaining in-ring action and surprises. After all, who doesn’t love a good surprise? Well, no sporting event is more synonymous with making jaws drop than the Royal Rumble. It’s only fitting to expect more shockwaves in Indianapolis at the 2025 edition of the annual event.
As the road to WrestleMania 41 hits its stride, many are wondering who might steal the show at the Royal Rumble. From long-awaited returns to some big names who could fit into the storylines, there are a whole host of potential surprise entrants for Saturday night.
Below, we share our predictions for the seven biggest surprise returns for the WWE Royal Rumble 2025.
When is the WWE Royal Rumble 2025?
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble takes place this Saturday, February 1st. Taking place in Indianapolis, Indiana, you can watch the Rumble live on Peacock, with the show starting at 6 PM EST.
Predicting 7 Surprise Returns For WWE Royal Rumble 2025
Big E
For my money, a Big E return at the WWE Royal Rumble 2025 might produce one of the five biggest crowd pops in WWE history. The former champion and New Day fixture has been out of action for over two years since breaking his neck. While rumors have swirled numerous times since then about a possible return, it has yet to come to fruition. Given the severity of the injury, there has also been plenty of talk that Big E’s in-ring wrestling days might be over for good.
While there is still little public clarity on Big E’s health, the groundwork for a potential return is as solid as ever heading into the 2025 Royal Rumble. The public shaming and betrayal he endured courtesy of his former New Day brethren, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, was tough to watch for those who have been fans of the faction over the past decade. Whether Big E makes a one-off appearance at the Rumble or becomes a regular part of WWE booking after that, one has to believe that revenge is inevitable.
Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett has been a fixture of the WWE commentary desk across all three shows since rejoining the company five years ago. Thus, he could very easily find his way into the 2025 Royal Rumble. Not only is it possible, but it also makes a whole lot of sense when one considers the run-ins he has had with good friend Drew McIntyre over the past year.
As McIntyre became obsessed and unhinged during his incredible rivalry with CM Punk, Barrett attempted to be the voice of reason for his friend on numerous occasions. McIntyre didn’t want it, and even threatened “Bad News” at one point. This feud has WrestleMania written all over it if WWE wants to book it. The fact that Michael Cole brought it up when Barrett sat in on commentary on RAW just this past week did not go unnoticed!
Trick Williams
WWE’s “transfer window” has been ongoing for a few weeks now, and this does include the NXT roster. It feels like only a matter of time before Trick Williams gets pulled up to the main roster spotlight, especially after losing his NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil. The WWE Royal Rumble 2025 could very well be the start of this transition. While he is more than capable of making the ascent on his own, reuniting with Carmelo Hayes is another possible booking approach. Here’s hoping for a “Whoop That Trick!” serenade at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night.
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Alexa Bliss
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble will officially mark two full years since we last saw Alexa Bliss on WWE programming. She lost her title match against Bianca Belair at this event in 2023 and has been away from the ring since to welcome her first child. The WWE women’s division could really use a shot in the arm right now, and probably more than just one for that matter. A potential Bliss return at the rumble would certainly help achieve this.
Jade Cargill
It’s been so long since Jade Cargill was attacked backstage and taken out of action that I honestly can’t remember how long it’s been! At any rate, Cargill appears to be nearing her return. Her attacker still remains a mystery, but there’s a really good chance that the woman who did it is a part of the Royal Rumble field. Since Cargill has been expressing on social media that she may know something we don’t in relation to the attack, this could very well come to a head on Saturday. “A storm is coming” indeed!
The Rock
Following the awkward and unexpected behavior of The Rock on the Netflix premiere of WWE Monday Night RAW, hopes of a Royal Rumble appearance have taken a major hit. That said, it’s still not out of the question entirely. If The Rock is destined to face Roman Reigns (or even Cody Rhodes, albeit, unlikely) at WrestleMania 41, the storyline needs to start somewhere. There have even been rumors circulating that this year’s Royal Rumble might feature 31 entrants as The Rock flexes his power as a member of the board to partake. Now THAT would be the ultimate “Final Boss” maneuver!
Joe Hendry
After producing one of the most watched and discussed moments of 2024 with his appearance on NXT, Joe Hendry seems to have lost a little momentum. What better way to create some more excitement while also potentially elevating his TNA Wrestling booking than to have him partake in the Royal Rumble Match? After all, WWE and TNA did announce a multi-year partnership recently. Needless to say, the seeds are definitely there.
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