When John Cena announced his retirement tour at Money in the Bank in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and explained that the 2025 Royal Rumble would be his last, and also the first time he would get in the ring during the tour, many fans thought that he was a shoe-in to win the match, destined to outlast 29 other men. Shockingly, that wasn't the case, despite Cena being one of the final two men in the ring to end the night. The Rumble victory would surprisingly go to Jey Uso, who had gotten massively over with the fans with his "YEET!" catchphrase following a press conference appearance alongside Cody Rhodes. Uso's swell of fan support was too much for WWE to ignore, and Cena put him over, despite Uso being the one to send him over the top.

After eliminating former United States Champion Logan Paul, Uso hit a spear to Cena, but Cena countered and dumped him over the top rope. Uso held on, and the pair exchanged right hands on the apron as the crowd held their breath. Cena got Uso up for an Attitude Adjustment, but Uso escaped from the move and sent Cena crashing to the floor, and the crowd in Indianapolis, Indiana went wild. While many fans were excited for Uso, his win was divisive, with many thinking Cena should have won the WrestleMania-match opportunity at the event.