Unbelievably, on March 3, 2025, episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, IYO SKY defeated Rhea Ripley to claim the WWE Women's World Championship in the main event. The victory is not only a milestone in the life of SKY, but it creates huge ripples in the situation of the women's division of WWE.
History-Rooted Rivalry
The rivalry IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley had been spiraling for a while, to even the most heated of their battles in NXT. A unique factor added to this title bout is that although Ripley has proved herself on the main roster, this was the first time she had been able to beat SKY in a singles match. Their previous matches had been a mix of styles, Ripley's sheer power against SKY's high-flying agility, which caused each bout to be a spectacle in itself.
The Journey to the Championship Match
The lead-up to this match was just as exciting as the match itself. At the Elimination Chamber event, held in Houston on March 1, 2025, Bianca Belair had the last word and stomped away, earning a shot at the Women's World Championship title at WrestleMania. Thus, it was all set that the winner between SKY and Ripley would go on to face Belair, perhaps the most important contest in all wrestling. The fact that Belair had chosen to "watch from ringside" during the high-stakes showdown added another twist.
The Main Event with High Stakes
High drama unfolded as the championship match was a test of endurance and talent on the part of both competitors. However, it was only at the beginning of the pricey joint venture that the bells went off for the audience as SKY and Ripley engaged in a series of exchanges of moves. For example, one of them on her Damage CONTROL teammates she executed worked its way into a KAIKICK, and the next was an ELBOW from Kairi Sane, before near-pinning an opponent, in addition to finishing Ripley off in her Asuka Lock only to lose that edge as she grabbed a rope.
A big moment happened when Sky flipped over all the moonlights and landed right on her partner Ripley, just barely avoiding a big fall because Ripley stepped on the rope. The situation heated up when Ripley confronted Belair on the outside, angered by her supportive gestures and words toward SKY. This distraction proved to be her undoing. Ripley was caught off-guard and set up for the Moonsault when she threw a surprise hurricanrana to her opponent while trying to lock in her winning move, a top rope version of her special rip move to slam the opponent down against the mat.
implications for WrestleMania
IYO SKY now has the Women's World Championship, but at the same time, he has made the big match in WrestleMania possible against Bianca Belair. The post-match staredown between the two women implies that we are about to begin an intense rivalry between them, as they both glance at the WrestleMania sign. Expect a real clash of styles and vibes as these two elite stars headline the biggest event of the year so electric. Season is about fans. And fans will see back and forth just like they always want.
WWE Universe's Views
WWE world seems to buzz after that sensational victory, Sky has in fact availed for itself. The message boards of the social media platforms have inundated with cords of congratulations and shocked remarks over the impact the sport has had. It sure gets a lot of wrestling fans excited over some show they think might take WrestleMania by storm. The buzz is around its action during the championship brawl. Their guess is that performances that would surpass any expectations would come from the best wrestlers in the field. Giddy does seem to be everyone's mood.
Rhea Ripley's Reaction
Rhea Ripley is the embodiment of resilience, yet perhaps at that moment, she made it clear that she could be quite frustrated due to the loss. I think she hasn't come out with a public statement yet, but word has it that she intends to make a comeback, probably by slamming into the WrestleMania script. Indeed, WWE fans will be watching very closely.
The Meteoric Rise of IYO SKY
IYO SKY has risen to the highest point in the women's division based on her efforts and her in-ring ability. After moving from NXT to the main roster, SKY has given consistent outstanding performances, and her colleagues as well as the audience have rewarded her with respect. This time around, her victory seems to be that of giant accomplishments through years of hard struggle and persistence; she is indeed cemented as one of the top stars in WWE.
The Road to WrestleMania
All changes when WrestleMania floats in the air as far as girls in the wrestling story are concerned. Fresh matches and storylines are introduced with the reign of IYO SKY that throw new positive energy into the product. Definitely, her reunion with Bianca will be one of those big moments this year and both ladies want to have their names enshrined in the pages of history at WrestleMania.
Beyond mere title exchange, it is, in fact, a landmark moment in the future of the WWE women's world. WrestleMania is fast approaching and promises more suspense than most county fairs would see on a hot summer day. People cannot wait to see how the story unfolds. But of all, most excited is SKY who is to defend her newly-acquired belt against a fierce champion challenger called Bianca Belair. The ring's looking all shiny for that fight.
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