The evening kicked off with an electrifying performance by Penta and Rey Mysterio, who set the bar high with their dynamic luchador skills. Their intense early encounter on the apron had fans on the edge of their seats, expecting an early elimination that almost materialized. Penta’s near elimination was so controversial that it sparked debates across social media platforms, highlighted by Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez, who pointed out that both of Penta’s feet touched the ground, a critical moment that WWE chose not to replay, much to the dismay of the audience.
Drew McIntyre’s Frustrating Exit
The atmosphere thickened with tension when Drew McIntyre, entering at number 17, aimed straight for Roman Reigns but found his night cut short by Damien Priest. The elimination led to a backstage outburst from McIntyre, who was reported by PWInsider via Wrestle Ops to be visibly upset, storming out and swearing over the match’s direction. This moment underscored a brewing discontent among seasoned wrestlers who felt overshadowed by newer talents getting their moment in the spotlight.
The Unexpected Thrill of IShowSpeed
In a twist that mixed viral fame with wrestling, YouTube star IShowSpeed brought an unexpected energy to the Royal Rumble. Replacing Akira Tozawa who was assaulted en route to the ring, Speed’s debut was marked by a mix of flair and folly. His celebration was short-lived as Bron Breakker’s powerful Spear ended his run. Despite the painful exit, Speed’s vow to return for Roman Reigns next year was a high point for his fans and added a fresh layer to the event’s narrative.
A Series of Botches and Missed Opportunities
The night was not without its technical flaws and missed opportunities, which were glaringly apparent to the live audience and viewers at home. Braun Strowman’s missed catch on Finn Balor was just one of many moments that felt off-script and poorly executed, contributing to the growing critique of the event’s management. Moreover, Joe Hendry’s surprisingly brief appearance disappointed fans, who felt the legacy contender was undeservedly sidelined.
An Anticlimactic Conclusion
As the Rumble wound down, the final moments fell flat, culminating in an anticlimactic showdown between John Cena and Jey Uso. With a roster rich in talent, the choice of Uso as the last man standing was met with mixed reactions, especially given the potential for a dream rematch between Cena and CM Punk. This decision, while surprising, left many questioning the direction of WWE’s storytelling, particularly in how it manages its array of star power.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Royal Rumble was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with moments of pure wrestling joy overshadowed by decisions that could have been better handled. As WWE continues to evolve under new leadership, it remains to be seen how these critiques will shape future events, with fans hoping for a return to form in the wrestling spectacle that is WrestleMania. As we look forward to what’s next, the wrestling community remains eager to see how WWE will balance the legacy of its stars with the undeniable appeal of its newer talents.