Predicting five surprises for the WWE Royal Rumble 2025

During the December 2 episode of Monday Night Raw, CM Punk pointed at an imaginary WrestleMania sign hanging from the rafters. Yes, it’s just about that time of year. But before we get to the show of shows, one of the best annual matches must occur. That is the WWE Royal Rumble. This is a night full of surprises. Looking at where things are in WWE right now, here are five surprise entrants we can expect for the 2025 Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumbles.

Meiko Satomura

Meiko Satomura is winding down her iconic wrestling career. She’s set to retire, with a planned final match set for April 29. That will mark more than 30 years in the industry. She’s taken part in matches all around the world and been a part of some of the most important companies in the business.

Even though she’s signed to WWE since 2021, she hasn’t been seen in the company often. She wrestled three times for WWE during the company’s Japan tour back in July but hasn’t appeared on the main roster at all. Giving Satomura a Royal Rumble appearance before her career is over would make a lot of sense. She will not win the big match, but it would be fun to see her interact with the young roster – many of which look up to her – on that big stage.

Naomichi Marufuji

Without Vince McMahon in power, WWE has slowly opened its doors to working with other promotions. This has led to Naomichi Marufuji being involved with WWE in several ways. He and AJ Styles had a spectacular match back in July, where Styles came out on top. He’s also appeared on WWE programming in cameo roles as well. Adding him to the Royal Rumble as a surprise appearance would be a nice gesture as WWE continues to partner with NOAH, and an opportunity for him to showcase his abilities to a new set of potential fans.

Josh Alexander

Josh Alexander is one of the biggest free agents available in pro wrestling. His time with TNA is over and he’s looking at opportunities in other companies. It would be an amazing sight to see him make a surprise entrance in the 2025 Royal Rumble. Jordynne Grace was a big name that popped up in the women’s rumble in 2024 and has appeared in WWE NXT since. Alexander has main roster talent and would be better suited going right to either Raw or SmackDown. Welcoming him into the company as an entrant into the Rumble would be a big moment.

Alexa Bliss

Alexa Bliss is a fan favorite that many are waiting to see return. The last time she was seen on WWE television was at the 2023 Royal Rumble where she was defeated by Bianca Belair in less than 8 minutes. She’s out on maternity leave and WWE does not rush any of the women back quickly, yet rumors and speculation still swirl about her potential return. Monday Night Raw needs another big name in its women’s division and a returning Alexa Bliss would be an immediate spark.

Big E

The wrestling community is reeling after The New Day segment from Monday Night Raw. Many are wondering what this truly means for Big E’s in-ring future. Is he really finished? Or is this story setting him up for a huge return? Well, that are return happening at The Royal Rumble would be epic, akin to Edge’s return after a long layoff years ago. Seeing him standing in the ring, perhaps across from Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston would bet the fans to their feet and immediately invested in everything to come after.