IYO Sky has made history by defeating Rhea Ripley to capture the WWE Women's World Championship on March 3, 2025, during the Monday Night Raw episode held in Buffalo. This unexpected turn of events has set the stage for a highly anticipated match at WrestleMania 41, where she will face Bianca Belair.
The match lasted over twenty minutes, showcasing the incredible talents of both competitors. Ripley, known as 'Mami,' was initially expected to defend her title against Belair at WrestleMania, but as the saying goes, anything can happen in wrestling. The bout was intense, highlighting the storied rivalry between Ripley and Sky, which dates back to their battles for the NXT Women's Championship. Fans witnessed the two women going back and forth, showing their skills and determination.
Bianca Belair played a pivotal role during the match. Sitting ringside, she provided encouragement to Sky, helping her beat the referee's ten-count at one point. This external distraction eventually backfired on Ripley, as she retaliated by confronting Belair. The tension at the ringside inspired Ripley to focus on Belair instead of the match. She even declared, “See you at WrestleMania” to Belair before attempting to execute her finisher, the Riptide.
Sky seized the moment, countering Ripley's move with a stunning hurricanrana off the second rope, followed by her signature Over the Moonsault to secure the victory and earn her second Women's World Championship. This result has left fans buzzing as the women's division looks to gain momentum heading toward WrestleMania 41.
Ripley’s defeat raises many questions about her future, especially with WrestleMania on the horizon. There is speculation surrounding her next steps following the title loss, but she remains one of the division's top stars. Meanwhile, Iyo Sky is poised to face Belair with the title on the line at the highly anticipated WrestleMania event scheduled for April 19-20, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Sky has had significant success since her WWE debut, clinching six championships across various brands since 2018. Her dynamic high-flying style has elevated her popularity among fans, making her a formidable opponent for any challenger.
The WrestleMania 41 card is starting to take shape, featuring notable matches like Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship and Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship. Among the matches, the clash between Sky and Belair stands out as one of the most exciting bouts to watch.
WWE has been facing scrutiny over how it has booked its women’s division. Recent reports highlighted frustrations within the division, urging the promotion to put more emphasis on the women’s talent and stories. IYO Sky winning the championship has shifted the attention back to the title and reignited interest among fans, signifying a potential turning point for women's wrestling.
Despite the changes, the speculation surrounding Belair's involvement with Jade Cargill, who had previously been injured by Naomi, adds another layer of complexity. Belair's comments and interactions with Cargill and Naomi suggest there may be unresolved tensions. Fans are eager to see how this subplot plays out alongside the championship rivalry.
With WrestleMania rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on the women's division as it promises to deliver some thrilling action. The anticipation for Sky's first title defense against Belair only heightens the stakes for both women, who are determined to leave their mark on wrestling history.
WWE has set the stage for what could be one of the most significant matches of the year, igniting excitement not only for the championship but for the future of the entire women's division. Fans and commentators alike are eager to see how both women will prepare for this monumental showdown.
Sky's victory and the buildup to WrestleMania highlight how unpredictable and thrilling pro wrestling can be, where surprises can change the narrative at any moment. The build-up to this year's WrestleMania is bursting with potential, and fans cannot wait to see the outcome of this much-anticipated championship encounter.