The Royal Rumble is one of the most unpredictable nights of the WWE calendar, with Alexa Bliss, iShowSpeed, AJ Styles and Joe Hendry appearing. Whether it’s surprise entrants, huge debuts or shock returns, fans are always excited in the build-up wondering who might show up in the 30-man and 30-woman matches. Last year, the likes of Grace, Andrade, Jade Cargill and Naomi all left fans stunned, but it remains to be seen who will be part of the first ever Royal Rumble on Netflix.

Between reports and pure speculation from hopeful fans, a few names are being thrown around for the premium live event, from legends and Hall of Famers to viral stars and returning favourites. We had a run-down of the top rumoured names before tonight’s show, and now we’re bringing you all the big surprise entrances. Here’s who turned up, and who could take part later in the night. Say his name and his appears – we believed, and Joe Hendry made it to the Rumble.

The partnership between NXT and TNA Wrestling means anything is possible, including the latter’s viral world champion making his debut on WWE’s main roster. AJ Styles hadn’t been seen on WWE TV since being put on the injury shelf in October 2024. Fans were clamouring for a comeback ever since, and they roared his name as the Phenomenal One made his longawaited comeback. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.

Up Next. Beyond WrestleMania, WWE is returning to France for Clash In Paris in August 2025, and you better believe Styles will want to hear that crowd chanting his name,. After poor Akira Tozawa was taken out by Carmelo Hayes before he could even make it to the ring, WWE boss Triple H had a decision to make. He quickly turned to social media star iShowSpeed (who had been backstage livestreaming throughout the show) and sent him out, but despite eliminating Otis, the YouTuber was quickly decimated by Bron Breakker.

Hall of Famer Trish Stratus made her return towards the end of the 2025 Royal Rumble. A living legend, the decorated champion is always a welcome face on screen, and has kept herself in the mix over the past decade. Alexa Bliss got the reaction of the night thus far as she made her first WWE appearance in two years. There was no guarantee fans would ever see the former champ back on screen, but she appears to have signed a new deal, and has put herself right back in the mix for WrestleMania season.

She was eliminated by Liv Morgan, which could point to her match at the Show of Shows. Jordynne Grace made her WWE debut in last year’s Royal Rumble, and she did exactly the same a year on. Her TNA Wrestling deal expired and Nick Khan has reportedly confirmed she is now signed to WWE, so it was more than fitting that she reappeared this weekend. WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella made her name in wrestling alongside twin sister Brie, but it was her name on everyone’s lips going into the Rumble.

After she appeared at the Raw Netflix premiere, she made it clear she’s open to a comeback, and that looks to be the case after she came out at number 30. Like Joe Hendry, the TNA deal could open the door for WWE icons Matt and Jeff Hardy to make their returns. The Hardy Boyz are among the most popular tag teams of all time, and fans would relish the chance to see either star back, while they’ve made no secret of their desires to do more with WWE.

Towering superstar Omos hasn’t wrestled on WWE television since April 2024, but he was most recently seen in Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH, wherehe held the tag titles with Jack Morris. The Nigerian Giant impressed during his excursion in January, before announcing his was leaving to return to WWE. The timing suggests a Rumble return may be on the cards. Mick Foley recently joked about getting a call from Triple H, hinting at this year’s Royal Rumble.

The Hardcore Legend has got himself in fantastic shape after losing around 100lbs, and this weekend would be a great opportunity for a farewell match without having to do anything too punishing. Matt Cardona – better know to WWE fans as Zack Ryder – lives by the motto of ‘Always Ready’, and that could come in useful this weekend. There are rumblings of a special appearance by the former Intercontinental Champion, who was released in 2021 along with wife Chelsea Green, who made her own comeback at the 2023 Rumble.

Nic Nemeth (AKA Dolph Ziggler) is another former WWE superstar fans would like to see at the Rumble. He’s not ruled out the idea, and his appearances for TNA Wrestling mean it’s certainly possible the Show-Off will be entering the iconic match yet again. AJ Lee will be top of most people’s wishlists for this weekend, with fans hoping she will return in the Royal Rumble for her first WWE appearance in a decade.