WWE confirmed on social media that Rhea Ripley will step in for IYO SKY to face The Beautiful Madness in a non-title match during Friday’s WWE SmackDown. Initially, IYO SKY was scheduled to compete against Giulia, the Women’s United States Champion, but WWE did not specify the reasons behind SKY’s absence or why Ripley, her partner in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, will replace her. Reactions from fans were mixed, with some expressing disappointment while others hoped the SKY versus Giulia matchup will be reserved for a future event with greater stakes.
Background of RHIYO’s Current Rivalries
RHIYO, consisting of IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley, has been involved in ongoing feuds with multiple tag teams across both WWE SmackDown and WWE Raw, including confrontations with Giulia and Kiana James. The rivalry has intensified as WrestleMania 42 approaches, creating anticipation for further clashes. On last week’s SmackDown episode, the women’s tag champions encountered Lash Legend and Nia Jax, but the match concluded without a clear winner after the referee stopped the bout due to Legend’s assault on the competitors outside the ring.
Recent Encounters and Upcoming Opportunities
On February 6’s SmackDown, SKY and Ripley defeated Giulia and Kiana James in a title match, a victory they replicated at a Valentine’s Day house show. Meanwhile, Ripley is preparing to enter the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. At the same time, IYO SKY has a chance to secure her place in the Elimination Chamber by competing against Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez and Kairi Sane on Monday’s WWE Raw episode. These developments highlight shifting dynamics within the women’s division as key matches draw near.
BREAKING NEWS: @RheaRipley_WWE will replace @Iyo_SkyWWE and face @giulia0221g on #SmackDown tonight, 8/7c on @SYFY!
— WWE (@WWE) February 20, 2026
