On the first WWE SmackDown of 2026, Rhea Ripley left a mark with her impactful performance. Ripley, known as The Eradicator, made waves during the main event, making her presence felt and delivering a strong message after the show, continuing her pattern of dominance and confrontation, which are the hallmark of Rhea Ripley SmackDown highlights.
The night’s headliner featured an Ambulance Match between Aleister Black and Damian Priest, both locked in a heated rivalry for months. Damian Priest emerged victorious, helped by Ripley’s ally, the Terror Twin, who used the Riptide to subdue Zelina Vega. This interference shifted momentum and set the tone for what followed after the match.
Eight-Woman Tag Team Action and Ripley’s Social Media Message
Earlier in the event, Ripley teamed up with IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss in an Eight-Woman Tag Team showdown. Their cohesive effort led to a win over Nia Jax, Lash Legend, and The Kabuki Warriors. Afterward, Ripley took to Instagram to send a bold message to a former Women’s United States Champion, signaling new tensions within the division.
“Hi smackdown… and Hi @zelinavegawwe 😈,”
wrote Ripley.
– Rhea Ripley, WWE Superstar
This direct mention on social media came after Ripley played a pivotal part in taking out Vega during the Ambulance Match. Her post suggests further confrontation could be ahead for the two competitors, keeping fans on edge about future developments.
Zelina Vega Reflects on Her Dynamic with Ripley
Zelina Vega and Ripley have faced each other repeatedly in the WWE ring, building a rapport that is acknowledged by both. On a recent episode of Our Daily Show, Vega spoke about her unique chemistry with Ripley and highlighted why their matches resonate with fans and wrestlers alike.
“Rhea Ripley [is someone I match up great within the ring]. Because that girl, oh my God. The thing is when we got to do Backlash — and I’ve heard her do this interview and it was funny to me because even she knows, she was like, the way she said it and I was like, man, if you even know that, I wonder how the fans think of something that happened that way, you know, how it happened at Backlash but, for her and I to get in there and just — I can read her like no other person. I can feel her movements and she doesn’t even have to do or say anything. I know what she’s doing right away.”
– Zelina Vega, WWE Superstar
This insight offers a glimpse into why Vega and Ripley’s encounters are notable highlights in women’s wrestling. Their in-ring chemistry allows them to anticipate each other’s moves, making their matches particularly engaging for live audiences and viewers.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges for Ripley and Her Allies
The momentum Ripley generated on SmackDown is expected to carry into next week’s events. Ripley and IYO SKY are set to challenge The Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship during Monday Night RAW. This title match promises to further elevate Ripley’s standing and could shift the balance of power within WWE’s competitive women’s division.
With her assertive actions and pointed messages, Rhea Ripley continues to be a central figure in WWE storylines. As rivalries intensify and alliances shift, fans can expect more compelling Rhea Ripley SmackDown highlights and high-stakes confrontations on the horizon.
