On the latest episode of WWE RAW, Asuka officially turned heel against IYO SKY following a heated main event featuring Asuka and Rhea Ripley. The match took place on September 23, 2025, where Ripley earned the victory after a small package pinfall, which came after Asuka accidentally hit Kairi Sane at ringside. This event marked a shocking shift in alliances and intensified ongoing storylines.
Following the loss, Asuka unleashed her signature poison mist on Ripley and, with Kairi Sane by her side, attacked Ripley in a coordinated two-on-one assault. SKY emerged from backstage to try and defuse the situation, briefly calming Asuka, but was unexpectedly struck by a spinning backfist from Asuka. Encouraging a reluctant Sane to join her, Asuka persuaded Kairi to turn on their former ally, solidifying her heel turn and fracturing their partnership.
The Rising Tensions Between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes
The episode opened with Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, whose opening segment was abruptly interrupted by Seth Rollins and his faction, The Vision. Rollins commanded his allies to step aside, opting to confront Rhodes one-on-one. Despite the public perception of their impending Crown Jewel Champion vs. Champion match as a straightforward clash, Rollins emphasized deeper tensions running beneath the surface.
Rollins challenged Rhodes directly, expressing a desire to hear Rhodes’ true intentions rather than the opinions shared online. Rhodes responded by acknowledging the complexity of their relationship, alluding to Rollins’ alliances, particularly with Paul Heyman. Though Rhodes avoided insulting Rollins, he questioned Rollins’ motivations and integrity while referencing their tumultuous history since Rhodes’ WWE comeback.
The confrontation ended without resolution, with Rollins pressing Rhodes over past actions, and Rhodes reminding Rollins of the three previous matches they fought. The rivalry clearly remains charged and unresolved, promising escalating conflict as Crown Jewel approaches.
Former WWE Star Torrie Wilson Reflects on Current WWE Landscape
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, former WWE superstar Torrie Wilson shared her perspective on the modern wrestling environment. While enjoying her continued association with WWE and appreciating the camaraderie among current female wrestlers, Wilson made it clear she has no desire to return to an in-ring role.
She explained,
“I love going now. I love all the women I love just — it just feels more relaxing. Everyone’s more welcoming. So I do love being around all those girls, they’re all so sweet and great.”
Wilson elaborated,
“Now, just the thought of trying to claw my way onto into a position on TV? Like, no thank you. There’s so many amazing women that are so gifted and talented that, no, not for me. No, no, I could never compete with that.”
Her remarks highlight the evolving talent and competitiveness in WWE’s female roster, which has seen numerous returns from stars like AJ Lee, Nikki Bella, and Trish Stratus.
Fan Reactions Highlight the Dramatic Developments
WWE’s social media channels captured and amplified the charged emotions of the night. The intense match between Asuka and Ripley was described as “INSANE,” with fans witnessing relentless exchanges and hard-hitting moments.
This match is INSANE! 👏
THEY ARE THROWING EVERYTHING THEY HAVE AT EACH OTHER!
Who will get the win? Rhea or Asuka? pic.twitter.com/ExXZcKc7XI
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
Asuka’s use of the poison mist garnered particular disdain among fans, being labeled as “sore loser behavior.”
POISON MIST IN THE EYES!!! 🤮
That’s some sore loser behavior, Asuka… pic.twitter.com/VGi4LN7tIg
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
Fans also expressed shock and disappointment at the betrayal involving Kairi Sane, emphasizing that Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY “did NOT deserve this.”
Asuka and Kairi, what have you done? 🫢
Rhea and IYO did NOT deserve this. pic.twitter.com/mIjgPIYZO6
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
Similarly, the opening segment featuring Cody Rhodes generated considerable buzz, with fans praising his intensity and professionalism during the heated exchange with Rollins.
WOAH! 🔥
Cody Rhodes is kicking off Raw RIGHT NOW! pic.twitter.com/iAlfZwWfyY
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
Ongoing Rivalry and What It Means for WWE’s Future
The escalating feud between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes is fueling significant anticipation ahead of the Crown Jewel event. Rollins positions himself as the key figure in WWE’s future, while Rhodes continues to challenge his credibility and intentions. This layered conflict, underscored by personal history and competing ambitions, promises compelling storytelling in the weeks to come.
“In the three matches that we’ve had, Seth Rollins, how many of those have YOU won?”
Cody Rhodes is standing on business tonight! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NR8tvhfRvY
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
Meanwhile, Asuka’s sudden heel turn adds new complexity to the women’s division, disrupting established alliances and igniting fresh rivalries. This turn is likely to impact backstage dynamics and set the stage for further confrontations, as WWE audiences process the surprising twist in the ongoing saga involving Asuka, IYO SKY, Kairi Sane, and Rhea Ripley.
This match is INSANE! 👏
THEY ARE THROWING EVERYTHING THEY HAVE AT EACH OTHER!
Who will get the win? Rhea or Asuka? pic.twitter.com/ExXZcKc7XI
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
POISON MIST IN THE EYES!!! 🤮
That's some sore loser behavior, Asuka… pic.twitter.com/VGi4LN7tIg
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
Asuka and Kairi, what have you done? 🫢
Rhea and IYO did NOT deserve this. pic.twitter.com/mIjgPIYZO6
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
WOAH! 🔥
Cody Rhodes is kicking off Raw RIGHT NOW! pic.twitter.com/iAlfZwWfyY
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
What does Cody Rhodes think of Seth Rollins? 👀 pic.twitter.com/Rn9X9qN5r4
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
The future of WWE runs through Seth Rollins… 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IsJ2M1Kwox
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
"In the three matches that we've had, Seth Rollins, how many of those have YOU won?"
Cody Rhodes is standing on business tonight! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NR8tvhfRvY
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2025
