Rhea Ripley was called upon to replace another WWE Superstar on this week’s SmackDown after unexpected absences disrupted the show’s lineup. The substitution followed a message from Cathy Kelley explaining why she herself would not be present, as well as the unexplained absence of IYO SKY who was originally scheduled to compete.
Cathy Kelley Announces Her Absence and New Interviewer for SmackDown
In a pre-show update shared on social media, Cathy Kelley informed fans that she would not be part of this week’s SmackDown broadcast due to filming a pilot for a new project. She expressed some dissatisfaction related to her perception of growing closeness between Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, which contributed to tension on the show. Kelley stated she was tagging in Byron Saxton to conduct interviews in her place during the event.
“tagging in @ByronSaxton for #Smackdown interviews today (i’m out filming a pilot!!!). but i will see you all monday (that means you @Iyo_SkyWWE 👀)”
Her message hinted at her anticipation to return, specifically addressing IYO SKY, while also confirming a temporary absence from WWE SmackDown.
Rhea Ripley Steps Up to Fill IYO SKY’s Role
IYO SKY, initially advertised for a match, was unexpectedly unable to compete without an official explanation provided. To maintain the show’s flow, Rhea Ripley stepped in as her replacement, a move warmly received by fans given Ripley’s popularity on WWE RAW. Ripley’s presence helped smooth over the abrupt changes, keeping the competition engaging despite the last-minute shuffle.
Implications of the Last-Minute Changes on WWE Events
These sudden replacements and absences reflect ongoing unpredictability within WWE’s scheduling, possibly signaling deeper scheduling conflicts or unforeseen issues affecting performers. The viral nature of Kelley’s message and the surprise appearance of Ripley could influence future WWE event planning, especially with high-profile shows like WrestleMania on the horizon. Fans will be watching closely to see if IYO SKY returns soon and how WWE manages such disruptions moving forward.
tagging in @ByronSaxton for #Smackdown interviews today (i’m out filming a pilot!!!). but i will see you all monday (that means you @Iyo_SkyWWE 👀)
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) February 20, 2026
