At WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, Rhea Ripley won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match by defeating Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Kiana James, and Alexa Bliss. This victory earned her a title shot at WrestleMania 42 against Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship. As Ripley shifts to Friday Night SmackDown to focus on her championship match buildup, her departure opens the door for a new leader in the Raw women’s division.
IYO Sky Emerges as a Leading Candidate for Raw’s Top Spot
IYO Sky recently lost the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships to The Irresistible Forces on the February 27 edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Despite the setback, her close relationship with Ripley, who referred to Sky as her best friend in a recent promo, positions IYO as a logical successor to Ripley on Monday Night Raw.
Ripley’s announcement of her Raw departure during this promo underscored the shifting dynamics within WWE’s women’s roster. With Ripley advancing to SmackDown to build momentum for her championship match, IYO Sky is expected to step up and take on a larger role within the Raw women’s division moving forward.
Significance of This Transition for WWE Raw
Rhea Ripley’s move to SmackDown signifies a major change in WWE’s brand storytelling heading into WrestleMania 42. As Ripley prepares for her high-profile fight against Jade Cargill, Raw will need a new figurehead to lead its women’s division. IYO Sky’s elevation could refresh the Raw women’s roster and offer fresh rivalries and storylines.
This shift may also influence WWE’s creative direction, balancing the focus across brands ahead of one of wrestling’s biggest annual events. Fans can expect to see IYO Sky grow into a more prominent role, while Ripley’s championship pursuit takes center stage on SmackDown.
