Alexa Bliss Reveals New Details on 'Last-Minute' WWE Return
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Alexa Bliss has revealed that her surprise return at the 2025 Women's Royal Rumble match was about as last-minute as it gets. The multi-time champion's comeback was not finalized until mere hours before the show went on the air.
In a recent appearance on The Bella Twins' podcast, Bliss detailed the chaotic 24 hours that led to her first match in over two years. She confirmed that WWE did not make the final decision to have her in the match until the overnight hours before the event.
The 11th Hour Alexa Bliss Call
Bliss told Nikki and Brie Bella that her return was hanging in the balance, even as fans were filing into the stadium in Indianapolis. She said the situation was uncertain until the early morning hours on the day of the show.
"I got the call at midnight the night before," Bliss said. "It wasn't fully decided until like 4 am. And then I get a call at 5. They're like, 'Alright, we need you on a plane by 10 am.'"
To keep her return a secret, Bliss and WWE took extra precautions. She flew into Cincinnati, Ohio, and then made the nearly two-hour drive to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to avoid being spotted by fans at the airport.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Alexa Bliss is introduced prior to the Raw Women's championship during the WWE Royal Rumble event at the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Alexa Bliss is introduced prior to the Raw Women's championship during the WWE Royal Rumble event at the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
Alex BierensBliss' Shock to Everyone
The secrecy was a success, as Bliss's return was a genuine surprise to nearly everyone. She stated that not even the other competitors in the match knew she was in the building until she was in the Gorilla position, waiting to make her entrance.
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"No one knew I was there, not even the girls," she added. "No one knew I was there until I was in Gorilla."
Bliss entered the match at number 21, reportedly taking a spot that was held by Shotzi during rehearsals. She received one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night.
The WWE Comeback That Almost Didn't Happen
Bliss's return came after a two-year absence from WWE, during which she gave birth to her first child. In the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, reports had circulated that her comeback was stalled due to a contract dispute with WWE. The situation was reportedly resolved just in time for her to be added to the match, explaining the last-minute nature of her return.
Since her return, Bliss has re-established herself as a top star. This weekend at the Evolution premium live event, she will team with Charlotte Flair to compete in the Fatal 4-Way match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
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