The number of confirmed entrants in the 2025 Men’s and Women’s Royal Rumble jumped to 31 following Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
A total of six new names were added to the field.
Men’s Royal Rumble Additions
Damian Priest, now officially part of SmackDown, declared himself for the Men’s Royal Rumble, only to be confronted and challenged by Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga.
Priest struck first, dropping Tonga with a superkick before engaging in a brawl with the Samoan Werewolf. As Fatu and Tonga gained the upper hand, LA Knight ran in to even the odds. This heated confrontation led to a tag-team match, which ultimately became SmackDown’s main event.
After an intense match, Priest and Knight emerged victorious when Priest pinned Tonga following a South of Heaven chokeslam. However, Fatu wasn’t finished. After the match, he brutalized Priest and Knight with a steel chair, making it clear this feud is far from over.
Fatu was officially confirmed for the Royal Rumble, while Knight had previously declared his entry. There was no word on Tonga’s inclusion, but it would be a surprise if he isn’t part of the field.
In a quieter but notable announcement, Santos Escobar also confirmed his entry into the Men’s Royal Rumble. Given his involvement, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the rest of Legado del Fantasma enter as well.
Women’s Royal Rumble Additions
On the women’s side, Piper Niven, Zelina Vega, and Candice LeRae were confirmed as entrants. However, only LeRae received screen time to announce her participation.
LeRae confronted Tiffany Stratton, calling her out for cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase on Nia Jax a month ago to become the WWE Women’s Champion.
The moment turned into a setup, as Nia Jax ambushed Stratton and demolished her with an AnNIAlator finisher.
WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Surprises?
With so many spots confirmed—and considering less prominent members of factions like Legado del Fantasma are likely to be included—it looks like there will be three to five spots available in each Rumble for surprise entrants.
That’s where the Royal Rumble gets really exciting. Many fans have their hopes up for appearances from the likes of Joe Hendry, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, Nic Nemeth, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, Asuka, Malakai Black, AJ Lee and others.
It’s tough to pinpoint a clear favorite, as many competitors in both the men’s and women’s matches have strong storylines that could justify a victory. That’s not even factoring in the potential for a surprise entrant stealing the win.
As it is, mark me down for CM Punk. I believe the WWE has every intention to award Punk with the main event spot at WrestleMania 41. The real drama will come in with whomever he’s facing in that match.
WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Confirmed Entrants
Here’s a look at the complete list of confirmed entrants heading into Saturday’s PLE.
Men
- John Cena
- CM Punk
- Seth Rollins
- Jey Uso
- Drew McIntyre
- Logan Paul
- Sami Zayn
- Penta
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Bron Breakker
- Chad Gable
- Rey Mysterio
- Roman Reigns
- Carmelo Hayes
- LA Knight
- Jacob Fatu
- Damian Priest
- Santos Escobar
Women
- Bayley
- Liv Morgan
- Charlotte Flair
- Nia Jax
- Bianca Belair
- Naomi
- Lyra Valkyria
- Raquel Rodriguez
- Iyo Sky
- Ivy Nile
- Piper Niven
- Zelina Vega
- Candice LeRae
Stay tuned for post-event coverage, including results, surprises, and reactions from the WWE Universe.
