Look, the Road to WrestleMania is basically a religious holiday for wrestling fans. Every year, we all sit around trying to figure out exactly when the chaos starts so we don’t miss that buzzer going off for Entrant Number 1. If you're looking for the Royal Rumble 2025 start time, you've probably noticed something a bit different this go-around. WWE didn't stick to the usual late-January script.
The 2025 Royal Rumble is actually happening on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Yeah, you read that right. February. It’s the first time the Rumble has ever drifted out of January in its nearly 40-year history. WWE decided to shake things up by heading to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Honestly, it's a massive move. We're talking about a stadium that holds over 70,000 people, and they’re expecting a sell-out.
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What Time Does the 2025 Royal Rumble Start?
If you're in the United States, the main card is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT).
Usually, these big Premium Live Events (PLEs) start at 8:00 PM ET. But Triple H and the creative team have been leaning into earlier start times lately. It’s great for the kids, and let’s be real, it’s great for those of us who don't want to be up until 1:00 AM screaming at our TVs.
Here is the breakdown for various time zones so you don't miss the first entrant:
- Eastern Time (ET): 6:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 5:00 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 4:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 3:00 PM
- United Kingdom (GMT): 11:00 PM
- India (IST): 4:30 AM (Sunday, Feb 2)
- Australia (AEDT): 10:00 AM (Sunday, Feb 2)
Don't forget the kickoff show. WWE almost always runs a pre-show about an hour or two before the main event. If they follow the 6:00 PM start time for the main card, expect the "Countdown to Royal Rumble" to begin around 4:00 PM ET or 5:00 PM ET. That’s usually where you get the expert panels, the video packages that make you cry, and maybe a stray tag team match to get the crowd hyped.
Where Can You Actually Watch It?
This is where things get a little bit "kinda" complicated depending on where you live.
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In the United States, it is exclusively on Peacock. Don't try looking for it on the old WWE Network app; that’s been gone for a while now. If you’re an international fan, you’re likely going to be watching on Netflix.
Wait, Netflix?
Yes. Starting in 2025, WWE’s massive deal with Netflix kicks in. While Raw is the big flagship moving there, most international markets will see the PLEs like the Rumble move to the streaming giant as well. If you’re in Canada or certain other regions, check your local listings—sometimes Sportsnet or other providers still hold those rights. But for the vast majority of the world, it's Netflix time.
Why This Specific Start Time Matters
There’s a reason WWE is pushing for a 6:00 PM ET start.
First, the show is long. We have the 30-Man Royal Rumble match. We have the 30-Woman Royal Rumble match. Then you usually have a couple of massive title defenses tucked in between. In 2025, we already know the stakes are sky-high with John Cena officially confirming his participation as part of his retirement tour.
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If Cena is in the Rumble, you can bet the house that the match is going to go long. WWE wants to give these moments room to breathe without rushing the main event because the local curfew in Indy is approaching.
The Lucas Oil Stadium Factor
Indianapolis isn't just a random choice. This is the start of a huge partnership between WWE and the Indiana Sports Corp. They’re basically turning Indy into a "wrestling hub" for the next few years, with a future WrestleMania and SummerSlam already locked in for the city.
The roof at Lucas Oil will be closed, so don't worry about the February Indiana cold affecting the ring. But do worry about the crowd noise—it’s a cavernous football stadium, and the "Woos" and "Yeets" are going to be deafening.
The Match Card: What to Expect
While the 30-person over-the-top-rope matches are the bread and butter, the 2025 card is shaping up to be legendary.
- The Men’s Royal Rumble Match: 30 superstars. One winner. A ticket to the main event of WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. Names like Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins are always in the conversation, but with Cena’s retirement tour starting, the narrative weight is heavy on him.
- The Women’s Royal Rumble Match: This has become a highlight of the night. Expect some massive returns. The rumor mill is already spinning about Charlotte Flair making a huge impact after her time away.
- Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens: This has been brewing for months. They've announced a Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. They’re actually hanging two belts—the current "Undisputed" title and the classic "Winged Eagle" belt. It’s a nostalgic nod that has fans losing their minds.
- #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns: If you love pure tag team wrestling, this is it. A Two Out of Three Falls match for the Tag Team Titles. Gargano and Ciampa against Shelley and Sabin? That’s a clinic.
Pro Tips for Your Royal Rumble Party
If you’re hosting, you’ve gotta be ready for that 6:00 PM ET start. Since it’s a Saturday, it’s easier to manage, but here’s how to not mess it up:
- Check your Peacock login early. There is nothing worse than the "too many devices" or "incorrect password" error when the first buzzer hits.
- Sync your social media. If you're on X (Twitter) or Discord, the spoilers move fast. Because of the 6:00 PM start, people on the West Coast might still be finishing work or errands while the first few entrants are already out.
- The Food Timeline: Start the wings around 5:15 PM. You want them hot when the opening match (likely one of the Rumbles) begins.
Honestly, the Royal Rumble is the most fun night of the year because of the surprises. Whether it's a legend from the 90s appearing for three minutes or an NXT star getting a "call up" moment, you have to be watching live.
Make sure your schedule is clear for February 1. Set those alarms for 6:00 PM ET. The road to Vegas starts in a football stadium in Indiana, and it’s going to be wild.
To get the most out of your viewing experience, verify your Peacock or Netflix subscription status at least 24 hours before the event to avoid any technical blackouts. If you are attending in person at Lucas Oil Stadium, remember the venue is strictly cashless and follows a clear bag policy for all fans.