A Wild Start and Shifting Alliances
The match opened with unexpected levity, as Carlito and R-Truth’s comedic scuffle over an apple led to their abrupt eliminations within moments. This playful exchange set the tone for a bout marked by unpredictability and shifting dynamics.
Soon after, WWE’s high-flying luchadors—including Rey Fenix, Dragon Lee, and Santos Escobar—formed an impromptu alliance, banding together to eliminate Chad Gable, whose brash confidence had made him a target. From there, the match intensified, with eliminations coming rapidly and tensions boiling over in every corner of the ring.
The Final Four and a Rivalry Renewed
The action narrowed to four standout competitors: Carmelo Hayes, Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade, and Rey Fenix. Each brought a unique style and strategy to the final moments. Andrade delivered a double elimination by taking out Nakamura, and Rey Fenix’s high-octane offense was cut short by an assist from El Grande Americano, leaving only Hayes and Andrade in the ring.
The two men, long embroiled in a simmering rivalry, traded momentum in a thrilling exchange. Ultimately, Hayes summoned a last surge of energy, launching Andrade over the top rope to secure a career-defining victory.
Full 2025 Elimination Order
The match saw a mix of veteran showdowns, tag team strategy, and underdog grit. Here's a breakdown of how eliminations unfolded:
- Carlito – by R-Truth
- R-Truth – by The Miz
- Humberto – by Rey Fenix
- Angel Garza – by Rey Fenix
- Pretty Deadly – by A-Town Down Under
- Tyler Bate – by Ludwig Kaiser
- Santos Escobar – by Rey Fenix
- Akira Tozawa – by Brutus Creed
- Creed Brothers – by Otis
- Otis – eliminated himself
- Grayson Waller – by Andrade
- Austin Theory – by Andrade
- Chad Gable – by Rey Fenix
- Cruz Del Toro – by Shinsuke Nakamura
- Joaquin Wilde – by Karrion Kross
- Karrion Kross – by Dragon Lee
- Dragon Lee – by Shinsuke Nakamura
- Ludwig Kaiser – by Pete Dunne
- The Miz – by Pete Dunne
- Pete Dunne – by Carmelo Hayes
- Shinsuke Nakamura – by Andrade
- Rey Fenix – by El Grande Americano
- Andrade – by Carmelo Hayes
Winner: Carmelo Hayes
The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal was introduced by WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan in 2014 as a tribute to Andre the Giant, a global icon and a dominant force in battle royals during his era. As the first inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1993, Andre’s towering presence and unmatched charisma made him a legend of the squared circle.
The match was created to provide a WrestleMania moment for overlooked or rising Superstars. The winner receives the imposing, five-foot-tall Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy, symbolizing strength, endurance, and triumph under pressure.
The match adheres to traditional battle royal rules: all participants begin in the ring, and elimination occurs when a competitor is thrown over the top rope with both feet touching the floor. The last man standing is declared the winner.
Originally a WrestleMania fixture from 2014 to 2019, the match was paused in 2020 due to COVID-19 health concerns. It returned in 2021 on Friday Night SmackDown—a scheduling move that has since become tradition, providing a thrilling prelude to WrestleMania weekend.
Carmelo Hayes: From Breakout Star to Trophy Holder
Carmelo Hayes' victory marks a defining moment in his burgeoning WWE career. Known for his poise, precision, and flair, Hayes has steadily risen through the ranks—and now, with the Andre the Giant Memorial Trophy in hand, he stands poised for a breakthrough on WWE’s biggest stage.
Whether this win leads to championship gold or headline status remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Melo don’t miss—and tonight, he didn’t.