IYO SKY is still your WWE Women’s World Champion, defeating Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 41. Sunday’s show saw SKY defeat her rivals in the opening match to hold onto her championship. SKY came into the match feeling overlooked by Ripley and Belair, who were focused on each other, and took advantage as she hit her moonsault to break up a pin attempt by Belair after a KOD. She pinned Ripley to win the match. SKY’s title reign stands at 48 days, having won the title from Ripley on the March 3rd episode of Raw.
In the lead-up to WrestleMania 41, the dynamics between these three top competitors shifted dramatically. Just a few months prior, they were allies at Survivor Series. However, tensions escalated, particularly after Ripley inadvertently interfered in a match between SKY and Liv Morgan, leading to SKY's disqualification and a missed opportunity to compete in the Elimination Chamber. The fallout from this incident marked the beginning of a personal rivalry that would culminate in this championship showdown.
According to Ripley, emotions ran high during that fateful match. "Obviously, my emotions seem to get the best of me at times. I couldn’t help myself,” she explained. “I was pissed. I ran out there and I got in her face. I didn’t mean to hit Liv. But when someone pulls your hair, you’re going to strike back. All I wanted to accomplish was to help Iyo, but she didn’t understand that. Iyo didn’t give me the time of day to even explain myself, she made up her mind and stormed out.”
To make amends for the misstep that cost her friend a shot at WrestleMania, Ripley extended an olive branch by offering SKY a match for her Women’s World Championship. Ripley noted, “Iyo’s been with me since NXT days. We’ve always been in everything together. Me going and giving her a Women’s World Championship match, that’s a massive deal. She’s someone I’ve never beaten before; that is a massive risk for such little reward for me.”
SKY, on the other hand, viewed the opportunity as a chance to prove herself. “I love Rhea Ripley. Maybe she loves me too,” she said. “We’ve trusted each other and been rivals for a long time. She gave me an opportunity to challenge for her title, which was good sportsmanship. She had confidence that she could defend against me, but I’m always ready. I am a champion, so I took my chance.”
With the championship match set, the stakes were high for all three competitors. SKY, who had previously made history by becoming a WWE Triple Crown Champion, was determined to defend her title against Ripley and Belair. In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, Belair secured her spot in the championship match by winning a chaotic Elimination Chamber match, adding another layer of tension to the rivalry.
As the match began, it was evident that all three women were ready to give it their all. The opening moments were intense, with Ripley and Belair initially focusing their efforts on each other, allowing SKY to capitalize on their distraction. The match showcased high-flying maneuvers and powerful strikes, with each competitor looking to gain the upper hand.
The turning point came when Belair executed a KOD on Ripley, seemingly setting herself up for victory. However, in a stunning display of agility, SKY soared from the top rope with her signature Over The Moonsault, breaking up the pin attempt just in time. The crowd erupted as SKY landed perfectly, showcasing her athleticism and determination to retain her championship.
In the final moments, SKY seized the opportunity and pinned Belair, securing her victory and retaining the Women’s World Championship. The match ended with SKY standing tall, her championship reign now extended to 48 days. “I’m so happy,” she exclaimed after the match, reflecting on her journey and the significance of her victory.
SKY’s title reign has been marked by her incredible performances and resilience, having first captured the championship from Ripley on March 3, 2025. This latest victory at WrestleMania solidifies her status as one of the top competitors in WWE’s women’s division.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for SKY, who expressed her eagerness to face new challengers, including NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. “I know Stephanie Vaquer said her dream opponent is me. She’s amazing, I would love to wrestle with her,” SKY stated, hinting at exciting matchups on the horizon.
As for Ripley and Belair, both competitors will undoubtedly be reevaluating their strategies and relationships following the intense rivalry that unfolded at WrestleMania. For Ripley, the loss may serve as motivation to reclaim her championship, while Belair will need to regroup after falling short in her quest for the title.
With WrestleMania 41 now in the books, WWE fans are left buzzing about the incredible performances and the evolving storylines within the women’s division. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on IYO SKY as she continues to navigate the challenges of being a champion in one of the most competitive environments in sports entertainment.
The energy and excitement surrounding WWE’s women’s division are palpable, and with each passing event, the stakes continue to rise. WrestleMania 41 has set the stage for even more thrilling matchups and rivalries in the future, ensuring that fans will remain engaged and entertained as the storylines evolve. The journey of IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, and Bianca Belair is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
