Jey Uso stunned the WWE Universe by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match outlasting 29 of the company’s top superstars, including John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and a returning AJ Styles.
The monumental victory now guarantees Uso a championship match at WrestleMania 41, where he will have the opportunity to face the champion of his choosing—specifically targeting World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther.
The Royal Rumble, held in front of an electrified crowd, saw some of the most exciting moments in recent memory. From the renewal of feuds to surprise eliminations, the match lived up to its reputation as one of WWE’s most anticipated events of the year.
Cena’s final Royal Rumble appearance
John Cena entered the Royal Rumble match at number 23, delivering an impressive performance that saw him eliminate top competitors like Braun Strowman and Finn Balor. However, in what could very well be his final appearance in a Royal Rumble as an active superstar, Cena fell short of victory when Jey Uso shocked the world by eliminating him in dramatic fashion.
Despite Cena’s efforts, it was Uso who earned the right to headline WrestleMania 41. The moment was an emotional one for many, as Cena, having been a mainstay in WWE for over two decades, now finds himself heading into the twilight of his wrestling career. Uso’s victory was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble, where anything can happen.
Star-Studded Men’s Royal Rumble Match
The men’s Royal Rumble match featured a stellar lineup of athletes, including the likes of Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and the returning AJ Styles. The match saw some intense moments, with Reigns and Rollins rekindling their rivalry before being eliminated by the ever-dangerous CM Punk. 
However, Punk’s own dream of headlining WrestleMania was dashed when Logan Paul threw him over the top rope, securing his own place in the match's final stages.
As the match progressed, the battle for the coveted championship spot came down to three men: John Cena, Logan Paul, and Jey Uso. After a brief alliance between Cena and Uso to eliminate Paul, the final confrontation between Cena and Uso left the crowd in disbelief as Uso tossed Cena over the top rope, claiming victory.
Charlotte Flair’s Royal Return
In the Women’s Royal Rumble match, Charlotte Flair made her triumphant return to WWE after a year-long hiatus due to a knee injury. Entering the match at number 27, Flair went on to defeat Roxanne Perez in the final moments, securing her second Royal Rumble victory. Flair’s victory makes her the first woman in WWE history to win two Rumble matches, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest to ever step into the ring.
Flair’s return was met with thunderous applause, marking a major comeback for ‘The Queen’ after a long period of recovery. Along with Flair’s victory, the match saw the return of other iconic figures, including Alexa Bliss, Trish Stratus, and Nikki Bella, as well as debut appearances from NXT stars like Lash Legend and Jaida Parker.
Flair now faces an intriguing decision heading into WrestleMania 41: will she challenge Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship, or will she set her sights on Tiffany Stratton and the WWE Women's Championship?
The WWE Tag Team Championship bout saw DIY defend their titles successfully against the Motor City Machine Guns in a brutal two-out-of-three falls match. With the score tied at 1-1, the Street Profits interfered, helping DIY secure the final fall. After the match, the Street Profits turned their attention to the champions, launching an attack that left DIY reeling.
Cody Rhodes successfully retained his Undisputed WWE Championship in a brutal ladder match against former ally Kevin Owens. The match reached a brutal climax when Owens, bloodied and battered, attempted a package piledriver through the announce table. Rhodes, however, reversed the move and slammed Owens onto a ladder, giving him enough time to climb the ladder and retain his titles.
While 2025’s Royal Rumble may have marked the end of one era with Cena’s likely final Rumble appearance, it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter for Jey Uso, who now stands as a top contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. As WWE heads into the road to WrestleMania, all eyes are now on the upcoming championship battles, where every superstar will look to leave their mark on history.
