Most likely Colts players to play a role in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble
The city of Indianapolis continues to prove that it is one of the best cities in the country for hosting large sporting events. And they have struck a deal with the WWE to host three of their most significant events throughout the year, the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Wrestlemania. The first officially being on the calendar, with […]
The city of Indianapolis continues to prove that it is one of the best cities in the country for hosting large sporting events.
And they have struck a deal with the WWE to host three of their most significant events throughout the year, the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Wrestlemania.
The first officially being on the calendar, with the Royal Rumble scheduled for February 1, 2025.
Whenever a major sports city hosts one of the WWE's top PPV events, we typically see athletes from the area's top professional sports teams play a role during the event. When Indianapolis hosted WWE's Fastlane in 2023, Indiana Pacers star point guard and WWE superfan Tyrese Haliburton played a role. On a larger scale, we saw Philadelphia Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson get in the ring during the 2024 Wrestlemania in Philadelphia.
This got me thinking about current and former members of the Indianapolis Colts and who is the most likely to make a special cameo for the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble.
Most Likely, Colts players to play a part in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble
1. Pat McAfee
The first one I think is safe to call an absolute lock to happen is former Colts punter Pat McAfee. McAfee has worked directly with the WWE a lot over the last few years. Whether that's his job as a commentator with Michael Cole or him now having and winning two matches at two separate Wrestlemania's.
In terms of his role, I think McAfee could find a way into the ring for the Royal Rumble. He was a surprise entry in the 2024 Royal Rumble, though his time in the ring was short, to say the least. I think his more likely role would be ringside as a commentator. And when Wrestlemania comes to Indianapolis, I'd expect McAfee to be the official MC for the event.
2. Quenton Nelson
After McAfee, the next player that comes to mind is Colts superstar offensive lineman Quenton Nelson. I think nationwide, Nelson is easily one of the most well-known Colts players. He is also a scary human being who would look the part if he had to get physical with a WWE superstar.
Just close your eyes and imagine a heel like Logan Paul or Dominick Mysterio being on the side of the ring talking trash to the city of Indianapolis, and then boom, Nelson jumps out from the crowd to clothesline them and throw them back in the ring where they would be eliminated from the Royal Rumble.
3. Jonathan Taylor
If there is a current player on the Colts who I think could be a part of a fire promo on the microphone, it's RB Jonathan Taylor. I've always thought Taylor was one of the best people in terms of speaking into a microphone during his time in the NFL. And like I said with Nelson above, I think Taylor is easily one of the most recognizable players on the Colts roster to fans of the NFL nationwide. I'm sure him being one of the top RBs for those who play fantasy football is a significant reason.
Bonus: Colts Owner Jim Irsay
One last person I think could help create a memorable and fun moment at the 2025 Royal Rumble is Colts owner Jim Irsay. Irsay is easily one of the most known NFL owners around the world. And he and McAfee's strong relationship could lead to him getting some screentime at the 2025 Royal Rumble. I wouldn't expect him to be tasked with a full promo or any major ring action; the guy is 65 years old, after all. But suppose the WWE wanted a smaller and quicker version of what I drew up with Nelson in terms of an Indianapolis icon coming to the defense of the Indianapolis crowd against a WWE heel. In that case, I think letting Irsay smack a WWE superstar could make for fun TV.
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