In a high-stakes match on Monday Night RAW, Iyo Sky wins WWE gold alongside Rhea Ripley by defeating The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. The dynamic pairing, facing formidable opposition, delivered a relentless performance to secure victory and add new accolades to their careers.
Early Action Dominated by Athleticism and Intensity
As the opening bell sounded for the championship clash, Sky wasted no time engaging Asuka, showcasing her agility by flipping and grounding her opponent. As the action spilled outside, Kairi Sane provided backup for Asuka, but Rhea Ripley intervened with force, taking down both opponents. Following a brief break, Ripley maintained momentum by slamming Sane and delivering a series of powerful forearms, prompting Sane to tag in Asuka.
The intensity stayed high as Asuka landed a knee to Ripley’s face, forcing the powerhouse to the ring apron. Asuka and Ripley’s battle intensified outside the ropes, with Sane pulling Asuka to safety as Ripley attempted a high-risk move, resulting in Ripley landing hard on the floor. Sane capitalized by choking Ripley against the ropes, then connected with a flying forearm, but Ripley steadfastly kicked out at a near fall. The Kabuki Warriors attempted to double-team Ripley, but she continued to resist each pin attempt.
Momentum Swings Back and Forth Between Teams
The energy in the arena spiked as Sane, back in action, launched herself from the ropes only to be caught by Ripley, who executed a powerful fallaway slam. The partners traded tags, with Iyo Sky confronting Asuka. Sky unleashed a barrage of open-hand strikes, followed by a slingblade and a precision missile dropkick that landed on both Sane and Asuka. Despite a guillotine move from Asuka and a trip by Sane, Sky refused to quit, surviving a double stomp from Sane and kicking out before the count was complete. The contest’s shifting dynamics kept the crowd engaged throughout another break.
Cruel Submissions and Relentless Offense Shape the Match
Emerging from the commercial, Sane and Asuka turned up their teamwork, double-teaming Sky and executing an Alabama Slam. Sane locked in a modified Boston Crab, then transitioned to an Anchor Submission as Sky struggled to escape and retaliated with a stomp. Ripley re-entered the battle with determined effort, delivering clotheslines and a forceful dropkick, knocking Asuka off the ring apron. Sky tagged in again, and the pair collaborated relentlessly, with Ripley tossing Sane and Sky exploiting the opening for a flying dropkick, coming close to pinning Sane.
The Kabuki Warriors rallied, as Asuka delivered a codebreaker to Ripley and Sane nearly captured the win with a cover. Asuka demonstrated technical prowess by applying an ankle lock and delivering a suplex. The double team continued, but Ripley’s resilience shone through as she survived repeated pins, and Sky intervened at crucial moments to break covers.
Climactic Finish Sees New Champions Crowned
The high-octane contest built toward its climax as Sky suplexed Sane and tagged in Ripley for a strong finish. Sky endured multiple near-falls, double stomping Asuka and executing a signature Bullet Train attack. With the match reaching its apex, Ripley hit her devastating RipTide maneuver, and Sky soared with her breathtaking Over the Moonsault. Ripley then pinned Asuka, securing the win and clinching the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship for the pair. The official announcement confirmed the duo’s triumph over The Kabuki Warriors and marked a dramatic shift in the women’s tag team division.
HERE COMES MAMI!!! 🙌@RheaRipley_WWE pic.twitter.com/xyfg6csmgz— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
RHIYO WIN THE GOLD 🔥What a moment for @RheaRipley_WWE and @Iyo_SkyWWE pic.twitter.com/2XTUJZtpjT— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
Significance and Future Implications for the Tag Team Division
The victory of Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley reshapes the competitive landscape of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship scene, demonstrating the formidable abilities both bring as individuals and as a unit. Their win highlights the ever-evolving dynamics within WWE, where surprise alliances and tactical prowess can shift the balance of power. With established stars like Ripley and emerging talents like Sky capturing gold together, the division appears primed for new rivalries and continued excitement in the weeks ahead. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how Sky and Ripley handle their reign as champions, and what challengers step forward to test their resolve as titleholders.
HERE COMES MAMI!!! 🙌@RheaRipley_WWE pic.twitter.com/xyfg6csmgz
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
RHIYO WIN THE GOLD 🔥
What a moment for @RheaRipley_WWE and @Iyo_SkyWWE pic.twitter.com/2XTUJZtpjT
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
