5 Wrestlers Who Could Make the 2025 Royal Rumble Exciting
The Royal Rumble is one of the most anticipated events on the WWE calendar, and with the 2025 edition taking place on Saturday, February 1st, at Lucas Oil Stadium, fans are already buzzing about potential surprise entrants. The Royal Rumble has always thrived on shocking returns, memorable debuts, and dream confrontations, and we hope this year promises no less. Here are five wrestlers who could take the excitement to a whole new level.
Wade Barrett
In 2016, Stu Bennett, better known as Wade Barrett, retired from in-ring competition after being released by WWE. While his in-ring career was cut short, Barrett made his return to WWE in 2020 as a commentator on NXT, where he quickly became a fan favorite. By 2022, he moved to SmackDown to join Michael Cole on commentary, fueling speculation about a potential return to the ring. Barrett’s original run ended prematurely due to poor booking, and many fans feel he has unfinished business. His return as a surprise entrant in the 2025 Royal Rumble would be a thrilling moment for the WWE Universe, finally giving him the chance to end his career on his terms.
Joe Hendry
Though Joe Hendry is currently signed to TNA Wrestling, his recent Instagram post thanking NXT coach Terry Taylor for his mentorship has sparked rumors that his time with WWE's NXT may be coming to an end. However, Hendry’s magnetic charisma and talent make him a perfect candidate for a cross-promotional appearance. Imagine the 70,000 fans in Lucas Oil Stadium singing the iconic “say his name and he appears” as he makes a dramatic entrance at number three, cutting a promo on whoever's in the ring. Hendry’s debut in the Royal Rumble could be a career-defining moment, bridging the gap between WWE and TNA Wrestling in a spectacular fashion.
John Cena
It’s no secret that 2025 will mark John Cena's final run as an in ring competitor. With his "After This You Can’t See Me" tour in full swing, Cena has hinted at competing in one last Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania. Many fans already have him penciled in as one of the final four, with some even predicting he could win the Rumble for a third time, tying Stone Cold Steve Austin's record. A Cena win would set up a potentially historic WrestleMania main event, where he could challenge for a 17th world title in Las Vegas—cementing his legacy as the greatest of all time.
Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar hasn’t been seen in WWE since SummerSlam 2023, where he lost a best-of-three series against Cody Rhodes. Since then, Lesnar's future in WWE has been the subject of speculation, especially with rumors linking his absence to ongoing legal issues involving Vince McMahon. While it’s unclear if Lesnar will even return, Triple H’s comments in July 2024 about being open to discussions have reignited hope among fans. Though it’s unlikely Lesnar would win the 2025 Rumble, his mere presence in the match would be a game-changer. Whether he enters as a dominant force or sets up a showdown with a new rival, Lesnar’s return could shift the entire dynamic of the match.
Miro (Formerly Rusev)
Miro, formerly known as Rusev, has been off WWE television since February 2020, and though he’s had a run in AEW, his booking there has also frustrated fans. Rumors have swirled about Miro requesting his release from AEW, sparking hope for a Rusev Day return. WWE fans never got to see the Bulgarian Brute fulfill his true potential, with both WWE and AEW mishandling his character at times. A surprise return in the 2025 Royal Rumble could reignite Rusev Day and give him the second chance he deserves to dominate on the WWE stage.
Whether it’s a long-awaited comeback, a shocking debut, or a legendary farewell, these wrestlers would undoubtedly elevate the excitement and drama of this iconic event. Who will emerge victorious on the road to WrestleMania? Only time will tell!
