WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley entered a heated situation on this week’s RAW when she rushed to protect her friend IYO SKY from an attack by Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. This incident not only interrupted the match environment but also appeared to set off serious backstage conflict, particularly between IYO SKY and the Kabuki Warriors. The ongoing drama threatens to widen the rift within former teammates and alliances.
Behind the scenes: Asuka’s anger over Ripley’s involvement
Before her singles match against Raquel Rodriguez, IYO SKY requested that the Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—remain backstage so she could handle the confrontation alone. Respecting her wishes, they stayed out of sight. Despite this, after SKY’s victory, she was unexpectedly double-teamed by Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez, prompting Ripley to sprint down the ramp to save her.
Afterward, backstage footage showed SKY and Ripley having a quiet exchange in which Ripley apologized for interfering despite SKY’s desire to manage matters solo. SKY responded with gratitude toward Ripley. Unfortunately, the Kabuki Warriors overheard the conversation, and Asuka’s frustration became visible.
Asuka confronted Ripley and SKY, questioning why Ripley was allowed to intervene when she and Kairi had been instructed not to help. The confrontation escalated into a heated argument between Ripley and Asuka, with IYO SKY stepping away in frustration, urging them to stop fighting. However, Asuka left with evident resentment, warning Ripley to keep away from their affairs.
This escalating conflict could foreshadow a potential betrayal by Asuka against SKY, especially in light of recent episodes and their fraught history.
Background on previous clashes between Asuka and IYO SKY
The tension seen this week has roots in last week’s RAW episode, where IYO SKY’s singles match against Roxanne Perez ended abruptly due to interference by Asuka and Kairi Sane, who defied SKY’s request and came out to ringside. Their arrival allowed Roxanne to sneak an unexpected roll-up pinfall, ruining the momentum SKY had built during her match.
Backstage, SKY challenged Asuka and Sane about why they ignored her wishes to stay backstage, triggering Anger from Asuka. She shoved SKY and stormed off, later following Asuka instead of addressing SKY directly, signaling that her loyalties lay with the veteran wrestler. This prior incident revealed a fragile relationship and existing animosity between Asuka and IYO SKY well before Ripley’s interference escalated the conflict.
Asuka’s cool reception of IYO SKY after returning from injury
Asuka’s icy behavior toward SKY began following her return from a year-long injury hiatus during the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament. After reaching the finals, SKY approached Asuka enthusiastically backstage, suggesting that if Asuka won the tournament, they could compete for the Women’s World Championship—a dream match they once discussed as members of Damage CTRL.
Instead of warmth, Asuka responded coldly, reminding SKY that they were no longer part of the same faction. After Asuka’s loss at Night of Champions in the tournament final, she joined Kairi Sane to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championship at Evolution 2025. While she appeared cordial with Kairi, Asuka never addressed her dismissive attitude toward SKY, indicating unresolved tensions persist.
Ripley’s actions this week could be another striking point in this deteriorating dynamic between former Damage CTRL members, potentially reshaping alliances and rivalries in WWE’s women’s division.
Implications of the fractured relationships for WWE’s women’s division
The altercation involving Rhea Ripley on RAW has brought simmering backstage loyalties and hostilities to the forefront, especially highlighting the fragile state of IYO SKY’s relationships with her former allies, the Kabuki Warriors. Asuka’s visible fury and cold demeanor suggest a growing divide that may soon lead to split alliances or betrayals within the women’s roster.
This discord could impact forthcoming storylines around the Women’s Royal Rumble and tag team title pursuits, as faction loyalty and personal rivalries increasingly dominate the narrative. Fans and WWE creative alike will be watching closely to see if these tensions culminate in more public confrontations or shifts in the competitive landscape.
