During WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night Two, the Triple Threat Women’s World Championship match featured champion Naomi defending her title against challengers IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley. The match was a contested, fast-paced struggle that ended in controversy, with Ripley taking the pin despite coming close to victory. This article explores three key reasons why Rhea Ripley was pinned in this high-stakes bout.
Match Dynamics and Controversial Finish
The championship bout was a dynamic back-and-forth encounter where Naomi strategically stayed on the sidelines, allowing IYO SKY and Ripley to engage heavily. Ripley executed a super Riptide from the middle rope, catching SKY off guard and nearly securing the championship. However, Naomi capitalized on this moment through underhanded heel tactics by rushing in to roll Ripley up for a surprise pin, retaining her title.
Building the Rivalry Between Ripley and SKY
The ongoing storyline revolves around the complex relationship and competition between Ripley and IYO SKY, who share a close bond yet compete fiercely against each other. Ripley nearly defeated SKY once again but was denied a clean win at the last second, setting the stage for a definitive singles match to settle their rivalry. This narrative tension builds anticipation for a future match to finally establish who holds the upper hand.
Strategic Reasons Behind Ripley’s Pinfall
Rhea Ripley remains one of WWE’s most prominent babyfaces, with her popularity growing steadily. Naomi’s roll-up pin not only preserved the heel champion’s ruthless image but also protected Ripley’s status by avoiding a decisive loss. Moreover, letting Ripley take the pin allowed WWE to maintain IYO SKY’s credibility as a top contender, as she continues to rise within the title picture. The outcome keeps options open for Ripley to challenge Naomi or SKY in upcoming rematches, sustaining her main-event momentum.
The conclusion of this match highlights WWE’s intricate storytelling by blending character development with competitive stakes. Rhea Ripley’s pinfall served multiple purposes: intensifying Naomi’s villainous persona, advancing Ripley and SKY’s rivalry, and maintaining Ripley’s role as a strong contender. Fans can expect further developments involving these rivalries in the upcoming WWE events, with potential singles showdowns that will clarify the hierarchy among these top women in the division.
