6 new superstar participants confirmed

The number of confirmed participants in 2025 men’s and women’s royal rumble jumped to 31 after Friday night’s episode of WWE Smackdown.

In total, six new names were added to the field.

Men’s royal rumble additions

Damian Priest, now officially part of Smackdown, declared himself the Lord’s Royal Rumble, only to be confronted and challenged by Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga.

Priest hit Tonga first with a superkick before participating in a fight with Samoan Varwolf. When Fatu and Tonga got the upper hand, La Knight ran in to even the odds. This heated confrontation led to a tag-team match, which eventually became Smackdown’s main event.

After an intense battle, priest and knight emerged victorious as the priest attached Tonga to a south of the sky chokeslam. However, Fatu was not done. After the match, he brutalized the priest and knight with a steel chair, which made it clear that this coward is far from over.

Fatu was officially confirmed to Royal Rumble, while Knight had previously declared his entry. There was no word about Tonga’s inclusion, but it would be a surprise if he is not part of the field.

In a quieter but remarkable message, Santos Escobar also confirmed his entry into the gentlemen’s royal rumble. Given his commitment, it would not be shocking to see the rest of the Legado del Fantasma come in.

Women’s royal rumble additions

On the women’s side, Piper Niven, Zelina Vega and Candice Lerae were confirmed as participants. However, only Lerae received screen time to advertise her participation.

Lerae confronted Tiffany Stratton and called her out to deposit her money into the bank folder on Nia Jax a month ago to become WWE WOMEN’s champion.

The moment turned into a setup when Nia Jax complied with Stratton and torn her with an Annialator -Sacrifice.

WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2025 Surprises?

With so many spots confirmed – and given less prominent members of factions such as Legado del Fantasma, it will probably be included – it seems that there will be three to five spots available in each rumble to surprise participants.

This is where Royal Rumble is really exciting. Many fans hope for Joe Hendry, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, Nic Nemeth, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, Asuka, Malakai Black, AJ Lee and others.

It’s hard to find out a clear favorite, as many competitors in both men’s and women’s matches have strong history lines that can justify a win. It’s not even taking into account the potential of a surprising participant who steals the victory.

As it is, mark me down for cm punk. I think WWE has every intention of awarding punk with the main event site on Wrestlemania 41. The real drama will come in with whom he is facing in that fight.

WWE ROYAL RUMBLE 2025 confirmed participants

Here is a look at the complete list of confirmed participants who enter Saturday’s PLE.

Men

• John Cena
• Cm punk
• Seth Rollins
• Jey Uso
• Drew McIntyre
• Logan Paul
• Sami Zayn
• Penta
• Shinsuke Nakamura
• Bron breaks
• Chad Gable
• Rey Mysterio
• Roman Reigns
• Carmelo Hayes
• La Knight
• Jacob Fatu
• Damian Priest
• Santos Escobar

Women

• Bayley
• Life Morgan
• Charlotte Flair
• Nia Jax
• Bianca Belair
• Naomi
• Lyra Valkyria
• Raquel Rodriguez
• IYO SKY
• Ivy Nile
• Piper Nive
• Zelina Vega
• Candice Lerae

Keep an eye on coverage after events, including results, surprises and reactions from the WWE universe.