In a new interview, Jey Uso revealed when he was told he would win the 2025 Royal Rumble. And it makes it seem like he may have not been the original choice to win the event’s top match.
WWE’s Men’s Royal Rumble has had many surprising winners during its history. Rey Mysterio and Shinsuke Nakamura are two examples. However, at this year’s edition, fans got maybe the biggest shock win ever when Jey Uso reigned supreme at the end of the 30-man battle royale.
Related: Jacob Fatu Breaks Character To Congratulate Jey Uso Following 2025 Royal Rumble Win
It took every WWE fan by surprise. Heading into the event, legends like CM Punk and John Cena were heavy favorites to punch their ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 41. Furthermore, Uso had recently lost his World Heavyweight Title match to Gunther at last month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
It has led to speculation that landing on the tag legend as the winner was not the original plan. And comments he made in a new interview with avid wrestling fan and UFC legend Daniel Cormier only add to the doubt he was always the choice to win the Royal Rumble.
Jey Uso found out about Royal Rumble plans the day of the show?
“They told me like halfway during the day Saturday, man,” Uso revealed (h/t Wrestle Purists). “‘Hey, we need the last four to come in here.’ I’m last four, I see who’s with me. I’m like [looks around]… They told them what it was, and I knew I liked it because I knew not one person in that arena [would] think it’s gonna be me.
“That’s the swerve I like, just like on Monday Night Raw on Bron Breakker, one of the hottest up-and-coming superstars. He’s not gonna beat him on a Monday Night Raw, and they go crazy [when I won]. So that’s the emotion that I like to pump to the fans, man. We gotta swerve because everyone’s smart today,” he added. “Everyone thinks they know. Y’all ain’t got no damn clue, man.”
For such a big storyline, the winner knowing well before the event would be expected. However, with Jey Uso finding out on the day of the Royal Rumble it sure does feel like they had different plans and changed directions late in the creative process.
It is also very possible that management wanted to do all they could for the news not to leak. And decided informing the key participants hours before the show would maintain the surprise.
