Rhea Ripley cherishes her evolving relationship with IYO SKY, currently one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. As both prepare to compete in the upcoming women’s Royal Rumble match at the PLE, Ripley shared her thoughts on their dynamic and whether she is prepared to return to her intense “Serious Rhea” persona if she emerges victorious. The ongoing story between Ripley and SKY highlights their shift from rivals to close tag team partners in 2025, emphasizing the strength of their partnership.
Memories of WrestleMania 41 and Its Impact
Ripley fondly remembers her WrestleMania 41 match alongside IYO SKY and Bianca Belair, a bout that earned accolades as Match of the Year from multiple outlets despite a somewhat underwhelming buildup. The match was significant for all involved, marking a milestone where the three NXT alumni competed together for the Women’s World Championship on wrestling’s biggest stage.
“Then for us to actually pull off such a caliber of a match was just absolute insanity. I remember being in that match and I remember so much about that match, and living in the moment and feeling that excitement from not only the crowd around me, but from everyone in the match too. We just knew it was special from the get-go pretty much. And to see it held at such a high caliber for everyone is just, it’s insane. I’m very proud of that match, and honestly, it’s probably one of my favorite matches that I’ve ever done.”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
The Competitive Respect Fueling RHIYO’s Strong Bond
Describing her connection with IYO SKY, Ripley notes the blend of mutual respect and competitive edge that defines their partnership within the RHIYO tag team. Their friendly rivalry pushes both performers to bring their best in the ring, making their combined efforts exciting for fans and meaningful for their careers.
“There’s always that respect there, but it’s a competitive respect. And we both feel it, and she rubs it in my face every now and then [that I haven’t beaten her], and I can’t blame her because I’d be doing the same. And the one time that I do finally beat her, I will be rubbing it in her face as well.”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
Facing the Prospect of a Royal Rumble Victory
Ripley expressed mixed feelings about potentially winning the Royal Rumble, uncertain if she is ready to embrace the “Serious Rhea” persona again. While she acknowledges the desire to compete for the Women’s World Championship, the transformation from her current dynamic with IYO SKY to a more intense version of herself presents a challenge.
“I am literally going out there and I’m cheesing because Iyo just makes me cheese, and I’m like, I don’t know if I’m ready to be the serious Rhea again. Am I going to have to shift that drastically if I were to win the Royal Rumble? Which is something that obviously I want too, because I would love to go for the Women’s World Championship again. And I’ve never wrestled Stephanie [Vaquer], and then also we have Jade Cargill.”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
“So it would be a happy feeling and a sad feeling. Especially because my dream is to also have that big singles match with Iyo again. And even though we’re friends, I still want to beat her ass at one point.”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
Anticipation for a Match with Stephanie Vaquer
Ripley highlighted Stephanie Vaquer’s rapid rise through WWE ranks, praising her impressive progress from NXT to Women’s World Champion within a year. She is eager to face Vaquer in the ring someday, anticipating a clash that will test her abilities due to their distinct wrestling styles.
“It’s been crazy because she’s moved through WWE so quickly, so extremely quickly. And to stand there as Women’s World Champion and literally, what, like a year ago she was still in NXT? That’s nuts. That’s unheard of. So I’m proud of how far she’s got because that doesn’t happen with everyone. That’s very special talent that happens with. And I’m looking forward to the day that we do get to step in the ring together. I don’t know when that day will be, but I am looking forward to it. I think that it’s going to be a great challenge for me and our styles are different … so I’m intrigued to see if we can make magic or not.”
— Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
Significance of Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY’s Shared Journey
The partnership between Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY exemplifies resilience and evolution within WWE’s women’s division. From rivals battling for supremacy to champions standing united, their story captivates fans and adds depth to the current landscape. Ripley’s contemplation of returning to her serious in-ring persona combined with the anticipation of future high-profile matches, including potential championship bouts and singles encounters with top contenders like Stephanie Vaquer and Jade Cargill, marks a pivotal moment in her career. As the Royal Rumble approaches, the outcomes may reshape her trajectory, enhancing the WWE Women’s division’s intrigue and competition.
