Rhea Ripley may be forming a new alliance with former WWE Women’s Champion Asuka, following the latest developments on WWE RAW. The potential Rhea Ripley tag team with former Women’s Champion comes after shifting alliances and ongoing injuries have upended the landscape of the women’s division.
Unexpected Interference Changes the Course of the Tournament
During the June 9 WWE RAW episode, Rhea Ripley competed in the opening round of the Queen of the Ring tournament, facing Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan, and Kairi Sane. In a pivotal moment, Raquel Rodriguez interfered in the match, which enabled Perez to clinch victory. This interference sowed the seeds for an ongoing rivalry between Ripley and Rodriguez and set in motion further twists for future shows.
The subsequent week saw Asuka, a celebrated former champion, return to in-ring competition for the first time since May 2024, having recovered from an injury. She advanced to the tournament semifinals, thanks in part to Ripley’s actions. Asuka overcame Ivy Nile, Stephanie Vaquer, and Rodriguez, who was denied a win when Ripley pulled her from the ring and delivered a riptide at ringside, allowing Asuka to take the win.
Growing Rivalries and Possibilities for New Partnerships
The tension between Ripley and Rodriguez appears to be building as a result of their recent on-screen clashes. With Liv Morgan presently sidelined by an injury, Ripley finds herself at a disadvantage, as Rodriguez maintains backing from Roxanne Perez. The current situation has increased speculation that Ripley might team up with Asuka, especially since Asuka’s former teammates, Kairi Sane and IYO SKY of Damage CTRL, are feuding with The Judgment Day. This alliance could see Ripley and Asuka collaborating against shared adversaries in the women’s division.
Ahead of the upcoming Evolution 2 event, Ripley and Asuka could emerge as potential challengers for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. If Liv Morgan’s injury prevents her from competing, Roxanne Perez is a possible substitute to partner with Raquel Rodriguez in defending the tag titles. Despite the intrigue, these developments are not confirmed, and fans will have to wait to see the direction WWE decides to take in the coming weeks.
Liv Morgan’s Injury Leaves Tag Title Picture in Doubt
The latest episode of WWE RAW saw Liv Morgan exit her match with Kairi Sane prematurely due to a shoulder injury, resulting in Sane’s victory. This setback threw the future of the Women’s Tag Team Championship into question, particularly since rumors had suggested Morgan and her team might defend against The Bella Twins at Evolution 2.
Michael Cole reported on air that Liv Morgan had suffered a dislocated shoulder, increasing the likelihood that she may have to surrender the championship. WWE may be forced to appoint a replacement to partner with Raquel Rodriguez for an upcoming title defense, but as of now, such decisions remain speculative.
The Road Ahead: Potential Alliances and Uncertainties
As the women’s division awaits updates on injuries and possible new partnerships, the idea of a Rhea Ripley tag team with former Women’s Champion Asuka generates intrigue and offers a fresh angle ahead of their next challenges. The involvement of key figures like Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, and established factions continues to fuel speculation about how the next chapter will unfold. For now, both supporters and competitors watch as WWE RAW shapes the path to Evolution 2 and beyond.
