Rhea Ripley secured a decisive victory at the recent Elimination Chamber event, earning her the opportunity to challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42. This win signals Ripley’s upcoming transition to WWE SmackDown, a move she confirmed during a segment on RAW. With this shift, Ripley handed over responsibility for RAW’s women’s division to Iyo Sky, making it clear that her attention will now be on SmackDown.
Notable Developments Across WWE RAW and SmackDown Programming
On March 2’s WWE RAW, several significant storylines unfolded, including Dominik Mysterio attempting to enlist The Judgment Day’s help against Penta, although his plan was thwarted due to Finn Balor’s refusal to condone cheating tactics. Meanwhile, Gunther faced Dragon Lee in a match fueled by escalating rivalry. As a formidable figure known as The Ring General, Gunther recently enhanced his reputation after high-profile victories over John Cena and AJ Styles. Dragon Lee answered the call to defend his former tag team partner, adding further intensity to their encounter.
Jey Uso’s recent attack on WWE SmackDown forced his withdrawal from the Elimination Chamber, with Logan Paul stepping in as his replacement. Confirmations during RAW episodes aligned with suspicions that The Vision orchestrated the assault. In a related storyline, Jimmy Uso confronted Austin Theory shortly after an earlier attack, maintaining momentum within the tag team division.
AJ Lee captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship during Elimination Chamber and immediately established herself as a determined champion on RAW. Despite Becky Lynch’s efforts to have the title stripped from her, Lee has committed to defending the championship vigorously, emphasizing her role as a fighting champion.
Returning Stars and Hall of Fame Announcements Stir Excitement
Seth Rollins made a surprise appearance at Elimination Chamber, marking his first showing in 2026, but WWE General Manager Adam Pearce revealed on RAW that Rollins is currently not medically cleared to compete. This suggests his involvement will come through sporadic run-ins, similar to previous angles involving Paul Heyman, as he continues to challenge The Vision’s faction. Rollins intensified his presence on RAW by distracting Paul Heyman with masked accomplices before targeting him with a chair, signaling an ongoing feud.
In a major announcement, the legendary tag team Demolition, consisting of Ax and Smash, has been named as the third inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Known for their dominant tag team championship reigns, Demolition’s record-setting title run is celebrated as one of the most impressive in WWE history.
Implications for WWE’s Women’s Division and Upcoming WrestleMania
Rhea Ripley’s move to WWE SmackDown will place her at the forefront of the brand’s women’s division leading into WrestleMania 42, where her match against Jade Cargill is highly anticipated. This transition also opens the door for Iyo Sky to further establish herself on RAW, revitalizing that roster’s female competition. Ripley’s Elimination Chamber victory and subsequent brand shift exemplify WWE’s ongoing efforts to freshen storylines and spotlight emerging stars ahead of their marquee event.
