By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Royal Rumble
Stream live February 1, 2025 on Peacock (and Netflix internationally)
Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium
WWE Royal Rumble Countdown Show Notables
-The countdown show was hosted by Michael Cole. Shots aired of Cody Rhodes (he had the WWE Championship belt with him), Kevin Owens, and CM Punk.
-Cole was joined by Big E, Pat McAfee, and Wade Barrett at a desk that was set up in the stadium’s concourse area. There were fans around the countdown show set.
-There were additional backstage shots of Seth Rollins, Rey Mysterio, Bayley, and Nia Jax.
-Byron Saxton and Cathy Kelley checked in as the backstage interviewers. Saxton spoke about the men’s Rumble match. Kelley spoke about the women’s Rumble and said that “one to two names from NXT” would be in the match.
-Peter Rosenberg checked in for his “Gorilla Walk.” He crossed paths with Carmelo Hayes, who said he was locked in because it’s not every day that you get to win the Royal Rumble. Hayes took verbal jabs at Indiana Pacers’ star Tyrese Haliburton. After wrapping up the interview, Rosenberg walked through the Gorilla Position and entrance area and onto the stage. He said it’s one of the longest entrance aisles that he’s seen. McAfee congratulated Rosenberg on becoming a new father.
-Joe Tessitore took Big E’s spot at the desk. Cole once again credited McAfee for being the reason that the Rumble is being held in Indianapolis. McAfee, who shrugged it off, previously noted that he was born in the Pittsburgh area, but Indianapolis became his adopted home when he was drafted by the Colts.
-Backstage shots aired of the “Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, as well as WWE Tag Team Champions “DIY” Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
-Jackie Redmond’s sit-down interview with CM Punk aired. She said the 2014 Royal Rumble at one time appeared to mark the end of his WWE run. He said that there was a time that his name wasn’t allowed to be mentioned in WWE, and that Rumble was probably a big part of that. They spoke about the injury he suffered during last year’s Rumble match. Punk said he gave it a good eight-minute cry before he called home to let his wife know that he was injured. He said she told him to come home and she would take care of him.
Redmond asked him about the favor that Paul Heyman now owes him. Punk declined to say what the favor is or when he’ll need to cash it in. He said the sneaking suspicion is that it’s related to someone Heyman is close with (footage aired of Punk and Roman Reigns shaking hands after the WarGames match). Punk said we’d find out. Punk said he and Heyman spoke intermittently during his time away from the company. Punk said it was a rough time for relationships back then and Heyman was no exception. Punk said that their first interaction after his WWE return was a long hug that was probably uncomfortable for other people.
Redmond asked Punk if he thought about winning his first Rumble match and pointing at the WrestleMania sign. Punk said he had not until just then, but it scared him. He said he maybe what makes him great is the constant hunger. He questioned what it would be like if it was gone.
-Jackie Redmond took over as host with Big E, Wade Barrett, and Peter Rosenberg after Cole, McAfee, and Tessitore exited.
-World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley, who asked if there was anyone he was hoping would win and challenge him at WrestleMania. Gunther predicted that the Rumble winner will challenge Cody Rhodes rather than him because Cody is the easier opponent.
-Redmond said the women’s Royal Rumble match would open the show.
-Kelley stood backstage and said she was going to interview The Miz once he drew his number. The Miz showed up and declined to say what number he drew. Miz spoke about how no one expected him to win, but he’s at his most dangerous when he’s underestimated.
-Bubba Ray Dudley joined the panel in place of Wade Barrett. Bubba said The Dudley Boyz were the most decorated team. He shook hands with Big E and said that while he wasn’t happy with the other New Day members, he was happy that Big E broke their records.
-A “sneak peak” video aired for the WWE LFG show, which premieres February 16 on A&E. Bubba, who is a coach on the show, got the crowd to chant LFG. Rosenberg asked Bubba’s coaching style. Bubba said he’s not there to make friends and doesn’t even want to know the names of the entrants. Bubba said there’s no coddling when he’s involved. Big E said he heard that Bubba had issues with “Sexy” BJ Ray, who E dealt with during the WWE Next Gen show. Bubba indicated that was true, although he did say that Ray has talent and just needs to keep his mouth shut.
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