WWE kicks off its first premium live event of 2025 on Saturday night as it hosts the annual Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Traditionally, the event marks the official beginning of the road to WrestleMania, as 30 men and 30 women compete in two over-the-top-rope battle royals where the winner gets a championship match on WWE's grandest stage this April.
The field is stacked this year, with John Cena and Charlotte Flair the current favourites to win their respective matches. Cody Rhodes is also defending his WWE Undisputed Championship against Kevin Owens in a ladder match.
Here's DAZN News's take on what could happen in Indianapolis this weekend.
DIY vs Motor City Machine Guns in a two out of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
Neither one of WWE's tag team belts has been defended on a PLE since last year's WrestleMania, so it's for the championship to get a showcase on this show in what should be quite a spectacle of a match.
The Motor City Machine Guns are enjoying an Indian summer in their first WWE run, and although we've seen flashes of what they can do since their debut, this could be the match they really shine in - especially given the talent opposite them in Tomasso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
They have some big tag team two-out-of-three-match boots to fill (see SummerSlam 1990 and Hart Foundation vs Demolition), but they are more than capable of putting on a banger. As for a winner, it's been DIY, who have gotten away with a lot in the build and could see the Guns regain their gold.
Winner: Motor City Machine Guns
Cody Rhodes vs Kevin Owens in a ladder match for the WWE Undisputed Championship
It's been a long and entertaining build between former friends Cody and Kevin, and it finally boils down to this championship match at the Rumble.
Owens has been doing some of the best work of his career in the build-up to this bout, as he trolled Cody with a string of comical t-shirts and holding the classic WWE 'Winged Eagle' across his shoulder.
Both that belt and Cody's official WWE title will be held above the ring in this ladder match, and the stipulation just adds another level of excitement and intrigue to this match.
WrestleMania's main events might still be unclear, but it's hard to see Rhodes not going into Las Vegas as champion. Therefore, it points towards the American Nightmare winning this war.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Women's Royal Rumble
Until this week's WWE TV, there had been a lack of urgency in building this year's women's Royal Rumble, but there are a number of stories that are starting to become clear as we head to Indianapolis.
One of which is the return from injury of Charlotte Flair, who should have a big say in the match. There will be big showings for Liv Morgan, Iyo Sky and Nia Jax as the company look to keep them hot as we head into WrestleMania. There's also the possibility of Bayley's story with Roxanne Perez continuing if the NXT star makes an appearance.
With only ten names officially announced, expect some further NXT Superstars to appear, as well as some surprise names from the past. However, it could be one of the familiar faces that leaves the Lucas Oil Stadium with a Rumble win.
Surprise entrant: Becky Lynch
The fingers crossed entrant: AJ Lee
Final four: Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair
Winner: Charlotte Flair
Men's Royal Rumble
Looking at the fifteen names that have been officially announced for this year's match, it's hard to argue that it's one of the most star-studded Rumble's WWE has put on in years - without an obvious winner.
There are storylines aplenty, too, what with John Cena competing in his last-ever Royal Rumble, the ongoing saga between CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre as well as the looming figure of Roman Reigns looking to play his way back into championship contention.
Will Sami Zayn have a say in the proceedings? What will Penta do? And could Logan Paul upset everyone in Indianapolis? Add in some surprise entrants and even an appearance from The Rock, and it has all the markings of an all-timer.
Surprise entrant: Joe Hendry
The fingers crossed entrant: The Rock
Final four: John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns
Winner: CM Punk
Getty Images
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