Background

The Royal Rumble is one of WWE's premier annual events featuring 30-person battle royales for both men and women. "Surprise entrants" are typically retired wrestlers, free agents, or stars from other promotions who make unexpected appearances. The 2025 event will be particularly notable as it coincides with John Cena's announced retirement year.

Resolution Criteria

This market will resolve YES for any listed person who enters either the men's or women's Royal Rumble match as a surprise entrant. A "surprise entrant" is defined as someone who:

• Has not been officially announced for the match beforehand

• Enters during the Royal Rumble match itself

The market will resolve NO for any listed person who:

• Does not appear in either Royal Rumble match

• Is announced as a participant before the event

For each listed person:

• Joe Hendry: Current TNA star who has previously appeared on NXT and could enter through the WWE-TNA partnership

• Jordynne Grace: Made a surprise appearance in the 2024 women's Royal Rumble and could return through the TNA partnership

• Josh Alexander: Notable free agent and former TNA champion

• John Cena: While confirmed to be competing at the event, his specific role is unclear

Considerations

• WWE's working relationship with TNA could facilitate appearances from their roster

• Surprise entrants are sometimes announced in advance to boost ticket sales

• Wrestlers may sign with WWE before the event, making them ineligible as "surprise" entrants

• The definition of "surprise entrant" can sometimes be subjective, but this market uses clear criteria for resolution