Former TNA champion could return at 2025 Royal Rumble
Former X-Division Champion discusses WWE return prospects while another TNA star expresses interest in Royal Rumble appearance.
Recent comments fuel speculation about potential WWE comeback for the former X-Division Champion as the premium live event approaches
The 2025 Royal Rumble event takes place on February 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, airing on Peacock and Netflix. The event traditionally features surprise entrants, and former TNA X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali has emerged as a potential returnee.
Ali, who departed WWE in September 2023, addressed the possibility of a comeback during an appearance on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet. The former 205 Live competitor indicated maintaining positive relationships with WWE personnel and acknowledged potential pathways for a return.
Since his WWE departure, Ali has competed on the independent circuit and captured championship gold in TNA Wrestling. A Royal Rumble appearance would mark his first WWE appearance in nearly two years.
Nic Nemeth expresses interest in Royal Rumble appearance
Speaking of potential Royal Rumble surprises, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Nic Nemeth discussed the possibility of participating in the 2025 event. During a conversation with Daily Star, Nemeth shared his perspective on a potential one-night return.
Nemeth expressed enthusiasm about creating a memorable moment:
A Rumble spot? Dude, that’s so cool. WWE’s killing it right now. To do something fun and wear my old trunks, get the old music to play, come out there and kick somebody in the face, that would be awesome. But the most important thing, it would just be creating a viral moment, so I could talk about TNA. That’s the only reason I’d want to do it. It’d be cool to see some old friends.
Nemeth’s 19-year WWE career began in Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2004. His accomplishments include two World Heavyweight Championship reigns, along with NXT, Intercontinental, and United States Championship victories.
After departing WWE following the TKO Group formation, Nemeth has competed in TNA Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and AAA. A Royal Rumble appearance remains possible given TNA’s existing partnership with NXT, following the precedent set by TNA champions Mickie James and Jordynne Grace in previous years.