Royal Rumble Build-Up: Rivalries Heat Up As WrestleMania Season Begins

The Royal Rumble is by far one of the most coveted WWE events whenever the calendar arrives at the time to host the spectacle, since for many fans, it automatically means the kicking off of another WrestleMania season. What is expected in the highly anticipated 1st of February bout is shaping into one of the most exciting installments in very recent memory. With rivalries heating up, surprise entrants rumored, and major implications for WrestleMania 41, the build-up to the Royal Rumble has fans on the edge of their seats. Below is a look at some of the key storylines, potential surprises, and what to expect as WWE heads into one of its biggest nights of the year.

The Significance of the Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is more than just a pay-per-view; it’s an institution in the WWE calendar. The event features a pair of 30-person over-the-top-rope matches—one for men and one for women—where the winners gain a championship match at WrestleMania. Beyond the in-ring action inside the matches, the Royal Rumble is synonymous with surprise returns, shocking debuts, and unforgettable moments that set the stage for WrestleMania.

The stakes are higher than ever in 2025. With WrestleMania 41 on the cards, the Royal Rumble will set the tone in terms of determining the main event scene and shaping storylines for the biggest show of the year.

Key Storylines Going into the Royal Rumble

Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens: Ladder Match for Supremacy

The feud between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens is probably one of the most personal, deep, and hot in memory. This ladder match at Royal Rumble would finally put to rest their fight but also the advantage that headed into WrestleMania. Both of these men just want to prove they are that top star here in WWE, and the added stipulation of the ladder match ups the ante a bit.

What’s at Stake: The winner will have massive momentum going into WrestleMania with a possibility of earning a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.

Dominance of Rhea Ripley in the Women’s Division

Rhea Ripley has been dominant since she became the Women’s World Champion, but that is getting tested by Liv Morgan. Their feud has been very personal and escalating as Morgan has promised to take down Ripley at the Royal Rumble.

What’s at Stake: Ripley’s championship is on the line, and a loss could derail her path to WrestleMania. For Morgan, a victory would solidify her as one of the top stars in the women’s division.

Gunther’s Historic Intercontinental Title Run

Gunther has been one of the most dominant champions in WWE, with an Intercontinental Championship reign of over 600 days. His next challenger is the fierce competitor Ilja Dragunov, who on many occasions had Gunther at full stretch.

What’s at Stake: Dragunov has an exceptional opportunity to dethrone Gunther and conclude his historic reign. A loss would be considered an upset, whereas a win would continue to cement Gunther’s legacy.

The Saga Continues on the Bloodline

But one of the most interesting storylines going on in WWE right now has got to be the Bloodline storyline, and with Roman Reigns and The Usos right in the middle of it all, this could get a few more twists at the Royal Rumble. Rumor has it that Jacob Fatu could make his main roster debut, adding another layer to the saga.

What’s at stake: the dominance of the bloodline, perhaps to see some change, or some betrayals down the line, or even an alliance to form in the Royal Rumble.

Rising Stars Look to Make an Impact

The Royal Rumble is the place for rising stars to make their name known, the perfect platform for wrestlers like Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Zoey Stark. A strong performance during the Rumble match could catapult them into main event status.

What’s at Stake: A standout performance could lead to a WrestleMania moment and a future championship opportunity.

Potential Surprise Entrants

One of the more exciting aspects that happens around every Royal Rumble is the possibility for surprise entrants. Below are some of the rumored names:

The Rock: Rumblings have surfaced suggesting that the people’s champion would make his comeback for a WrestleMania match versus Roman Reigns. An appearance at the Royal Rumble by surprise can serve as the spark needed for such a blockbuster feud to work.

CM Punk: Maybe as an event after his shocking return in 2024, it could be a payoff in his storyline with Seth Rollins.

Sasha Banks: The former WWE star, now going by Mercedes Moné, has been subject to some recent speculation on whether or not she will be coming back. She’d shake things up in the women’s division.

Brock Lesnar: The Beast Incarnate always proves to be all manner of a threat at the Royal Rumble, and his return would fit right into an already wild match.

Predictions for the Royal Rumble Matches

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Favorite: Cody Rhodes

Coming up short at WrestleMania 40 has only soured Cody Rhodes on trying to finish his story once and for all. A Royal Rumble victory would place him in line for a title match at WrestleMania 41.

Dark Horse: Bron Breakker

The young star has been well on the rise, and the victory in the Royal Rumble would really cement his place as a future main eventer.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Favorite: Bayley

Since returning and becoming the leader of Damage CTRL, Bayley has been one of the most consistent performers in WWE. The win at the Royal Rumble would set up a WrestleMania matchup versus either Rhea Ripley or Liv Morgan.

Dark Horse: Jade Cargill The former AEW star has been flying since her arrival in WWE, and a strong showing in the Royal Rumble would place her as one of the top contenders.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The Royal Rumble has been hyped on social media, with fans speculating about possible winners, surprise entrants, and major storyline developments. Hashtags like #RoyalRumble, #CodyRhodes, and #RheaRipley have been trending, reflecting the excitement surrounding the event. The Road to WrestleMania begins. The Royal Rumble is more than a pay-per-view; it’s the beginning of WrestleMania season. The results of the matches will give way to the storylines for the next two months, heading into the biggest event of the year. Whether it be a returning superstar, a huge upset, or a plot twist, the Royal Rumble is guaranteed to provide moments that will be remembered forever.

Conclusion

Setting up to be one of the more exciting Royal Rumble matches in recent memory, the 2025 event features unforgiving rivalries, possible surprise entrants, and huge ramifications regarding WrestleMania 41—one that promises high-octane action and moments the fans will never forget. WWE’s build towards WrestleMania season gets just the perfect takeaway with the Royal Rumble.