The Netflix docuseries WWE: Unreal offers an inside look at WWE’s key creative decisions, including deliberations over the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble winner. During a recorded roundtable, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Triple H Levesque directly asked the creative team who should claim victory in the Rumble match. The most discussed names were CM Punk and John Cena, with team members weighing the merits of each competitor as the ideal choice.
One writer spoke in favor of Cena, noting the significance of crowning him the final year he competes:
If the two options are Cena and Punk, I’d say Cena because this is his final year. I feel like he should play the hits. I think it’s more of a classic moment in time. ‘Hey, I remember John Cena’s last year, he won the Royal Rumble.’ That feels like to me, whereas I feel Punk could do [Elimination] Chamber.
—Anonymous WWE Writer
Jey Uso Emerges as the Unexpected Winner
Despite the initial focus on CM Punk and John Cena, WWE eventually decided to name Jey Uso as the 2025 Royal Rumble winner. This choice surprised many but was justified internally based on Uso’s rising momentum within the roster. Veteran producer Michael Hayes explained why they shifted course:
I think in the case of Jey Uso, when somebody catches fire, they just catch fire. And sometimes you have to alternate all your plans. Who do we have on our roster that’s hot, that hopefully is maybe new and fresh? All of a sudden, Jey Uso is checking all those boxes. Then you have to start wondering, is that individual up to the task?
—Michael Hayes, WWE Producer
Jey Uso’s win led to a career milestone as he headlined WrestleMania 41, a breakthrough moment after years of tag team success alongside The Usos.
Insights from WWE: Unreal on Creative Processes
The WWE: Unreal series continues to reveal behind-the-scenes revelations about WWE’s planning for WrestleMania 41, the Royal Rumble, and other major events. It provides unprecedented access into the decision-making process, including scrapped ideas such as John Cena’s final year strategies and a discarded referee role proposed for Stone Cold Steve Austin. These insights illustrate how WWE balances established stars and emerging talent in their booking philosophy.
The early preferences for CM Punk and John Cena as winners show the emphasis on legacy moments, while Jey Uso’s eventual victory highlights WWE’s flexibility to capitalize on rising stars who resonate with audiences.
