WWE Royal Rumble Preview: Date, Start Time, Match Card, How To Watch & Live Stream

Will Cody Rhodes be able to overcome Kevin Owens in their Ladder Match at the WWE Royal Rumble or will The American Nightmare be run off the road to WrestleMania 41?

Cody Rhodes defends his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens / WWE.com

WWE's first major stop along the road to WrestleMania 41 will be in Indianapolis, Indiana as over 50,000 people are expected to pack Lucas Oil Stadium for the 38th annual Royal Rumble.

Cody Rhodes has was won the last two Men's Royal Rumble Matches, but he will not have the opportunity to go for what would be a historic three-peat. He has more pressing matters to address and that's defending his WWE Championship in a Ladder Match against Kevin Owens.

RIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE!

These two couldn't wait for #RoyalRumble 😤#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/aRmzTDruTM

— WWE (@WWE) January 11, 2025

Will the American Nightmare finally be able to shut Kevin Owens up and get even for what KO did to Randy Orton? Or will the man who once called himself the 'Prize Fighter' win his first, official, World Championship in nearly a decade?

With Cody Rhodes not in play for the Men's Royal Rumble Match this year, the focus shifts toward his potential opponent (should he retain over Owens). Who will step up and punch their ticket the main event of WrestleMania?

MORE: WWE Royal Rumble 2025: Confirmed Entrants List & When They Declared

Roman Reigns has declared himself for the match for the first time in five years. The Undisputed Tribal Chief has his sights set on once again becoming Undisputed WWE Champion, but to get that opportunity, he'll have to go through 29 other men. Including CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and John Cena.

“I’m not just going to the #RoyalRumble, I’m going to WIN THE ROYAL RUMBLE!”#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/zIuGV22kgm

— WWE (@WWE) January 7, 2025

Both Rhea Ripley and Tiffany Stratton will be watching the annual Women's Royal Rumble Match with great anticipation. Former winners Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Bianca Belair headline an All-Star field of ladies who have now declared themselves for the annual over the top rope challenge. Could we see the first ever two-time winner on the women's side? Or could someone unexpected come back around to secure their spot at the 'Showcase of the Immortals'?

---

When is the Royal Rumble?

Date: February 1, 2025

---

WWE Royal Rumble start time

Time: 6 p.m. EST (5p.m. CST)

---

Where is the Royal Rumble?

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana

---

How To Watch the Royal Rumble

Streaming: Exclusively in the United States on Peacock and internationally on Netflix.

---

Match Card (Announced)

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match for the WWE Championship

#DIY (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns in a 2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships

2025 Men's Royal Rumble Match

• Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, John Cena, CM Punk, LA Knight, Rey Mysterio, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso and Shinsuke Nakamura have declared for the match thus far.

2025 Women's Royal Rumble Match

• Nia Jax, Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, Naomi, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez have declared for the match thus far.