Cody Rhodes retained his championship against Kevin Owens in a ladder match at Royal Rumble 2025. The match reached a turning point when Rhodes struck Owens repeatedly near the announcer’s table, causing him to bleed.
With Owens incapacitated, Rhodes climbed the ladder to secure his championship. The victory came after Rhodes executed an Alabama Slam, driving Owens through a ladder at ringside.
This match marked Owens’ eighth championship opportunity at the Royal Rumble premium live event, surpassing the previous record held by Triple H and Roman Reigns. Earlier in the event, Charlotte Flair won the Women’s Royal Rumble match, while DIY retained their tag team championships against The Motor City Machine Guns. The Street Profits returned to action during this match after a one-month absence.
