Alexa Bliss secured a new five-year contract with WWE mere hours before her surprise return at Royal Rumble 2025, according to Fightful Select. The deal, negotiated by Paragon Talent Agency, was finalized on Saturday before the premium live event began.
According to PWInsider.com, Bliss arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium around 3:00 PM Eastern Time following the last-minute agreement. Female Rumble match participants remained unaware of her involvement until rumors began circulating backstage.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com reported that Bliss’s return came together very late in the planning process, with her spot originally intended for Shotzi.
Those we spoke to were both happy to see Alexa back, and felt bad that Shotzi didn’t get in
WWE Wanted to Keep Original Contract in Place
Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer noted WWE had previously planned for Bliss to return on January 13, with merchandise already designed for that date. The return was postponed until contractual matters were resolved, though WWE maintained confidence in retaining Bliss due to time remaining on her original contract, which had been extended during her absence.
The negotiations centered around Bliss seeking a reworked contract, while WWE preferred to maintain the original agreement. WWE’s position was influenced by having continued to pay Bliss throughout her two-year hiatus, which included maternity leave.