4 Superstars who could declare entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble on WWE SmackDown tonight
The 2025 WWE Royal Rumble is fast approaching, and it is set to be one for the history books. Not only will it see John Cena compete in his last Rumble, but it will also be the first PLE of the Netflix era. As always, stars will be made and memories created in the two eponymous battle royals, and the rest of the card already looks juicy with Cody Rhodes facing Kevin Owens.
Other than Cena, three more superstars have thus far declared for the Royal Rumble match. LA Knight, Jey Uso, and CM Punk will join the Cenation leader in the iconic 30-man melee, while we are yet to learn any names in the women's bout. That could all change tonight on SmackDown, with the company's focus shifted from launching RAW on Netflix to the Indianapolis event.
Here are four superstars who could declare for the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble on SmackDown tonight
#4: Nia Jax could enter herself into the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble after losing the WWE Women's Championship
Nia Jax began 2025 on a sour note, losing the WWE Women's Championship to Tiffany Stratton. The Center of the Universe executed her long-anticipated Money in the Bank cash-in, finally paying off months of tension with an epic flourish. While Stratton is now entering the next level of her career, one wonders what's next for The Irresistible Force and, by extension, Candice LeRae.
One avenue Jax could pursue is seeking an immediate rematch against her former protege, potentially at the Royal Rumble PLE or Saturday Night's Main Event. Alternatively, she could declare her entry into the Rumble match itself, vowing to win it and exact revenge on The Buff Barbie on The Grandest Stage of Them All. With Lerae in her corner, Jax would immediately become an odds-on favorite.
#3: Andrade could move on from the United States Title scene by entering the 2025 Royal Rumble on WWE SmackDown
Since returning to WWE in the 2024 Royal Rumble, Andrade has established himself as one of the pillars of SmackDown's midcard. El Idolo first interacted with the LWO and Legado del Fantasma before striking unexpected gold opposite Carmelo Hayes. The duo's chemistry propelled them into the United States Title scene, where they have tangled with LA Knight and Shinsuke Nakamura.
The 35-year-old failed to capture the iconic midcard title from Nakamura last week, and it was clear from Knight's post-match return that the latter isn't done with the champion. The former AEW star could thus seek to move on from the US Title scene by declaring for the 2025 Rumble.
With The Megastar having already entered the 30-man match, a potential interaction between them in Indianapolis could even kickstart a WrestleMania feud. This could end in Andrade becoming United States Champion on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
#2 & #1: Solo Sikoa and new WWE SmackDown signee Drew McIntyre could enter the 2025 Royal Rumble following their big losses on RAW's Netflix debut
WWE RAW's debut on Netflix was a smashing success not just for the company but also for stars like Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Rhea Ripley, and CM Punk. This quartet, in particular, were big winners on the night, all defeating longtime rivals in decisive fashion to win world titles, Ula Falas, and personal bragging rights. One wonders where that leaves the stars on the losing side going forward.
While Liv Morgan and Seth Rollins will most likely address their losses on the red brand, Drew McIntyre and Solo Sikoa could do so tonight on SmackDown. The Scottish Warrior and Street Champ could enter the 2025 Royal Rumble in a bid to get their respective momentum levels back on track. They could even declare for the 30-man match together, considering their recent loose alliance.
McIntyre and Sikoa entering the Rumble with Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga in their corner would definitely put the entire roster on notice.
