On March 3rd, 2025, WWE witnessed a stunning upset as Iyo Sky defeated Rhea Ripley to become the new WWE Women’s World Champion during the electrifying episode of WWE Raw at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Sky’s victory was marked by her remarkable resilience and tactical precision, countering Ripley’s powerful maneuvers and utilizing her agility and speed to snatch the title from the reigning champion.
The night was charged with anticipation as Bianca Belair, the winner of the recently concluded Women’s Elimination Chamber match, occupied ringside to scout her potential opponent for WrestleMania 41. Belair’s presence, initially intended as mere observation, dramatically influenced the outcome of the championship match between Sky and Ripley.
The match kicked off energetically, showcasing both competitors' talents. Ripley, known for her brute strength, sought to physically dominate Sky, who is celebrated for her high-flying offense. Ripley executed powerful moves, including suplexing Sky onto the floor and attempting to overpower her with her signature Riptide. Yet, Ripley’s focus on Belair, who was cheering from the commentary booth, blurred her concentration and led to her downfall.
The turning point came during one of Ripley’s attempts to assert her dominance. Preparing to deliver her finishing Riptide move from the top rope, she momentarily diverted her attention to Belair, proclaiming, “See you at ‘Mania!” This lapse allowed Sky to counter with a hurricanrana, shifting the momentum abruptly. Seizing her opportunity, Sky climbed back up and executed her finishing maneuver, the Over the Moonsault, pinning Ripley decisively to secure the win.
“WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!” exclaimed the WWE’s official social media accounts, echoing the excitement of the result. With this victory, Iyo Sky is not only the new champion but also gears up to defend her title against Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 41, set to take place on April 19 or 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The post-match scene featured Ripley, visibly furious at her unexpected loss. Meanwhile, the interaction between Belair and Sky intensified as both ladies stared each other down, with the WrestleMania sign serving as backdrop—a dramatic precursor to what fans can expect at the monumental event.
This title change has added another layer of intrigue to WrestleMania 41, which already promises to be a showcase of phenomenal athletic talent. WWE has repeatedly demonstrated its flair for shocking twists, and this championship bout has certainly added to the hype surrounding its flagship event.
The episode of Raw also included other electrifying moments, including CM Punk challenging Seth Rollins, leading to their upcoming steel cage match; Gunther defeating Otis; and Lyra Valkyria retaining her Women's Intercontinental Championship. These matches contributed to the overall excitement of the night, making it not just about one championship but the myriad storylines heading toward WrestleMania.
Looking back at the match, it’s clear the strategy employed by Iyo Sky was not only effective but emblematic of a new era for women’s wrestling within WWE. Combining skill, agility, and, unexpectedly, the psychological edge provided by Belair's presence, Sky managed to craft her path to glory.
The upcoming clash between Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair at WrestleMania will not only be about the championship purse but will also serve as the culmination of the rivalry rooted from this match at Raw. WWE fans are already buzzing with anticipation as they await what promises to be another historic showdown.