WWE’s Road to WrestleMania hit another milestone on March 3, 2025, during the exhilarating episode of Monday Night Raw, where Iyo Sky defeated Rhea Ripley to become the new Women’s World Champion. This stunning title change not only shocked fans but also set the stage for the highly anticipated WrestleMania 41, which is just 47 days away.
Following her triumphant performance at the WWE Elimination Chamber, Bianca Belair was ringside, eager to discover her opponent for the big night. She had successfully won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, solidifying her position as the number one contender for the World Championship. The atmosphere was electric, as both fans and commentators anticipated the outcome of the Sky vs. Ripley match—an encounter rooted deeply within WWE’s expansive lore and feuds.
Ripley, known for her unyielding strength and formidable prowess, initially showcased her dominance over Sky, who has proven herself as one of WWE's rising stars. The match included rapid-fire maneuvers, including powerful kicks and quick pin attempts, displaying the skills both women have honed through years of competitive wrestling. The two have faced off several times before, but this match carried the weight of championship stakes, and both competitors were acutely aware of the repercussions.
Crucially, the match unfolded with Ripley becoming increasingly distracted due to her confrontation with Belair at ringside. This distraction proved pivotal when Ripley attempted her signature move, the Riptide. Sky managed to counter the move with precision, executing a hurricanrana followed by her devastating Over The Moonsault, securing the pinfall victory over Ripley.
Sky’s victory means she will face Belair for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 41—a matchup fans are eagerly awaiting. With such high stakes involved, the dynamics between these three women—Ripley, Sky, and Belair—are bound to create drama leading up to the event.
Post-match, Ripley addressed her feelings about the loss during an exclusive WWE Raw interview. Expressing her frustration, Ripley stated, "How am I feeling? I’m pissed off. I’m mad, I’m furious. I’m everything. Every single angry feeling, I am feeling. But the thing is, I can’t get mad at IYO. I can’t fully be mad at Bianca. I’m more disappointed and mad at myself because I should have known not to take my eye off the ball." This sense of regret echoed throughout her statements as she reflected on the series of missteps leading to her loss.
Ripley’s acknowledgment of Belair's cheering for Sky, leading to her own undoing, highlights the emotional and psychological toll these competitive rivalries take. "I felt hurt when I saw Belair cheering SKY on, when I thought we were friends... now, everything I wanted and everything I worked for is taken away, and it’s all because I’m just so stupid," Ripley lamented. Her candid remarks resonate deeply, encapsulating the harsh realities faced by those vying for greatness.
The results of the Raw episode were not solely focused on the Women’s World Championship; significant moments included Lyra Valkyria defending her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Ivy Nile and the War Raiders retaining their titles against Brutus and Julius Creed. These matches, alongside the title change, added to the excitement and unpredictability of WWE programming as WrestleMania approaches.
Going forward, the looming question remains: will Rhea Ripley manage to recapture the Women's World Championship, or will she continue to spiral away from the friendship grounds with Belair? The prospect of potential triple-threat turmoil at WrestleMania is tantalizing, with possible twists being teased. Fans of WWE are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting future episodes of Raw, where narratives will develop and excitement will surely escalate.
Sky's performance has rocketed her to the forefront of the division, and the excitement surrounding her championship reign only amplifies the anticipation for WrestleMania 41. For Sky, Belair, and Ripley, this chapter is just beginning, with many stories still left to explore as passions flare and rivalries ignite. Wrestling history may very well witness significant developments from these compelling storylines, as the talent prepares for what will undoubtedly be one of the most thrilling WrestleMania events to date.