On the first WWE RAW episode of 2026, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY captured the Women’s Tag Team Titles by defeating The Kabuki Warriors at the event in Stamford. This development marks a significant shift for the division and places new momentum behind Ripley and SKY as champions. The Rhea Ripley tag team champions storyline also sets up potential new rivalries and creative directions as the Royal Rumble 2026 approaches.
No Current Singles Storylines for Ripley and SKY
WWE is gearing up for the Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event, taking place later this month. The decision to crown Ripley and SKY as champions seems influenced by the lack of singles programs for both stars at this stage in the year. Rather than featuring Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY in separate storylines, WWE has paired them as defending champions, creating a straightforward path for creative teams to book competitive tag team matches in the lead-up to WrestleMania 42. This shift allows Triple H’s team to shape future storylines without disrupting single competitor arcs, while Ripley and SKY hold onto the tag team gold.
Paving the Way for a Future Rivalry
Fans have been anticipating a change in Rhea Ripley’s character, possibly hinting at her turning heel in the coming weeks. The pairing of The Eradicator and the Genius of the Sky as champions may be designed to lay the groundwork for a significant split. If Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY eventually lose their titles, it could offer the stage for Ripley—formerly of Judgment Day—to make a dramatic turn and attack her partner out of frustration.
This potential storyline would lead naturally to a high-profile match at WrestleMania 42, with Ripley as the antagonistic force, while IYO SKY steps up as a crowd favorite. The creativity of this plan lies in building anticipation and tension, giving the audience a reason to follow their journey as champions and eventual rivals on the grand stage.
A Shocking Start to 2026 Monday Night RAW
The latest Monday Night RAW marked the first televised event of the year, making it an ideal occasion for memorable moments and surprises. WWE has a history of using these special episodes to deliver unexpected title changes and excite the fan base. Crowning Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY as women’s tag team champions provided just such a moment, infusing the start of 2026 RAW with energy and unpredictability.
This bold move helped to set a strong tone for the year and ensured that viewers remained engaged from the very opening match. As Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY begin their reign as tag team champions, the coming weeks promise further developments, with fans keen to see how new rivalries and storylines develop for both stars on the red brand.
With the tag team championship now belonging to Ripley and SKY, attention shifts to how their partnership will evolve and what challenges await, especially with major events like the Royal Rumble 2026 and WrestleMania 42 on the horizon. The division stands poised for fresh storylines as these new champions begin their journey.
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY have defeated The Kabuki Warriors to become the new Tag Team Champions.#WWERAW pic.twitter.com/H1Zj81AGnQ
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 6, 2026
