WWE competitors IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley have shared a remarkable journey from rivals to partners, currently holding the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Their close relationship and teamwork have been crucial to their success, reflecting years of mutual respect and support within WWE.
The Evolution of a Powerful Partnership
IYO SKY recently opened up about her friendship with Rhea Ripley, which dates back to their shared time in NXT starting in 2018. Despite initially competing against each other, the two wrestlers developed a strong bond that paved the way for their current success as a tag team.
“We’ve been friends since I joined NXT, which is 2018. Now it’s 2026, and it’s been eight years. She’s always been next to me, even in front of me, like against also as a tag team. We had so much history in NXT, and that’s why we are here, why not? We’re friends, we could be friends in the ring too.”
Throughout 2025, IYO and Rhea supported one another leading up to their title victory against The Kabuki Warriors on the January 5 episode of RAW. This partnership was born out of respect for each other’s skills and resilience inside the ring.
“I respect her. Also, she’s strong, and she’s always in good condition. She’s an amazing wrestler. I trust her. And maybe she trusted me, my wrestling ability, or something like that. As a wrestler, I hit her strong, I know, she’ll get up. And she knows I’ll get up even if she hits me strong. That’s why we make great chemistry in the ring.”
Recent Matches Highlight Their Teamwork and Determination
On the latest episode of RAW, the Women’s Tag Team Champions joined forces with Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer in a six-woman tag match against Judgment Day. The match was intensely competitive, featuring multiple near-falls and momentum shifts.
Rhea Ripley ultimately secured the win by delivering a Riptide to Liv Morgan, showcasing the duo’s coordination and strength as a team. Following this victory, the champions are preparing to defend their titles against the number one contenders, Giulia and Kiana James, who earned their spot by winning a Triple Threat Match on SmackDown.
Significance of Their Collaboration and Future Prospects
The bond between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley represents more than just a tag team; it highlights how growth, trust, and shared experiences from their developmental years have shaped their wrestling careers. Their chemistry and determination are expected to keep them at the forefront of the women’s division, especially with upcoming title defenses against strong challengers.
As the Women’s Tag Team Champions, their continued success will likely inspire further storylines centered on teamwork and resilience within WWE’s women’s roster.
