Rhea Ripley is poised to make a significant mark at WWE Evolution by potentially capturing the WWE Women’s World Championship once again, amid speculation about a dramatic heel turn in her character. The Australian Superstar’s journey throughout the summer has kept fans and critics alike closely watching her trajectory within WWE’s women’s division.
Rhea Ripley’s Recent WWE Performance and Upcoming Title Rematch
Ripley, known as The Eradicator, lost the Women’s World Championship to IYO SKY roughly six weeks prior to WrestleMania 41, an event she nearly missed due to injury. At WrestleMania, both Ripley and Bianca Belair were unable to unseat SKY, yet Ripley was notably not pinned. Later, she qualified for the Money In the Bank ladder match but failed to secure the briefcase, adding to a challenging stretch.
In the Queen of the Ring tournament, Ripley was eliminated by Raquel Rodriguez, but she avenged that loss by defeating Rodriguez in a hard-fought Riyadh Boulevard Street Fight at Night of Champions, despite competing with an injury. WWE announced on RAW that Evolution II will feature SKY defending the Women’s World Championship against Ripley once more, setting the stage for their next confrontation.
Rivalry History and Title Odds Favor Ripley
Since their first clash in the 2018 Mae Young Classic semi-finals, Ripley and IYO SKY have faced each other seven times in singles competition, with their matches ranging from decisive wins to no contest outcomes. Ripley trails slightly in match wins but remains a strong contender.
Bookmakers at BetOnline list Ripley as the clear favorite (-700) against SKY (+400) for the Women’s World Championship at WWE Evolution, scheduled for July 13 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. A victory would crown Ripley as a seven-time WWE champion and her third reign as Women’s World Champion, pushing her above several notable competitors.
Currently tied with Bayley, Liv Morgan, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Ronda Rousey at two Women’s World Championship reigns each, Ripley’s win at Evolution would place her third on the list of most reigns, trailing only Becky Lynch’s five and Charlotte Flair’s seven. This milestone would reinforce Ripley’s position as one of WWE’s top female talents.
Other Key Matches and Event Details at WWE Evolution II
In addition to the women’s world title bout, Jacy Jayne is favored (-150) to retain the NXT Women’s Championship against Jordynne Grace (+110). Becky Lynch, holding the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, is heavily favored (-2000) to keep her title in the upcoming triple threat match featuring Lyra Valkyria (+600) and Bayley (+375).
WWE Evolution II is set to broadcast live on Peacock from the State Farm Arena, following closely on the heels of NXT’s The Great American Bash at Center Stage and Saturday Night’s Main Event XL, both also taking place in Atlanta. This concentration of high-profile women’s wrestling events marks a significant moment for the WWE women’s division.
Speculation Surrounding Ripley’s Heel Turn
The possibility of Ripley’s heel turn has become a central topic among fans and insiders, fueled by ongoing critiques of her strong booking by WWE’s creative team. If WWE chooses to shift Ripley’s character at Evolution, it would be her first major heel turn since she attacked her then-partner Liv Morgan in April 2022. This development could add a compelling narrative layer to the Women’s World Championship saga.
“Rhea Ripley continues to dominate the WWE women’s division.” —WWE Insider
“The likely finish for Evolution could be the perfect backdrop for Rhea’s first real heel turn since attacking then-partner Liv Morgan in April 2022.” —Wrestling Analyst
As WWE Evolution II approaches, the outcome of Ripley’s title match and the direction of her character will significantly influence the landscape of WWE’s women’s division, with the potential to shift fan dynamics and future storylines heading into the latter half of the year.
