Following weeks of mounting tension on WWE RAW involving Asuka, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Rhea Ripley, the Kabuki Warriors stunned fans by turning against their long-time ally, Iyo Sky, after the latest main event. Kairi Sane participated reluctantly in the attack on both Sky and Ripley, but only under Asuka’s directive. This sudden character shift marks the end of one of the few remaining alliances formed after the breakup of Damage CTRL, creating shockwaves throughout the WWE landscape. The Asuka Kairi Heel Turn Sky leaves fans questioning what motivated the abrupt betrayal.
Rhea Ripley’s Popularity Prevented Her from Turning Heel
One key reason Asuka and Kairi made the heel turn on Iyo Sky is that WWE officials preferred not to turn Rhea Ripley into a villain. Ripley, often known as “The Empress of Tomorrow,” remains one of WWE’s most beloved and commercially valuable stars, easily admired by fans whether playing a face or anti-hero. Due to her immense popularity, WWE decided to keep Ripley’s character heroic, instead choosing Asuka for the heel role. This decision strategically maintained Ripley’s star power while altering the dynamics within the Kabuki Warriors, who had been allied with Sky.
Creating Villainous Challengers for Stephanie Vaquer on RAW
With both Sky and Stephanie Vaquer highly favored by fans, WWE’s creative team needed credible antagonists for whoever emerged victorious at Wrestlepalooza. Originally, Naomi’s cash-in at Evolution 2 reshaped the women’s division, but her pregnancy announcement forced a sudden need to adjust storylines. RAW’s roster features several fan favorites, including Lyra Valkyria, Ripley, Sky, and Vaquer herself. To maintain balance and intrigue, bookers saw value in turning a prominent name like Asuka to villain status. Earlier that night, Asuka confronted Vaquer backstage, hinting at a looming rivalry that would energize future programming. As observed with Becky Lynch’s heel turn on Valkyria, antagonists help build momentum and intensify audience investment in rivalries.
Setting Up a High-Stakes Tag Team Match at Crown Jewel
The heel turn also serves as a setup for a major tag team bout at WWE’s Crown Jewel event, scheduled to take place in Perth, Australia. Since Rhea Ripley is WWE’s most prominent Australian star but is not in the running for the Women’s World Championship at this event, officials sought alternative ways to include her on the card. Given Ripley’s extensive history of both cooperating and clashing with Iyo Sky dating back to their time in NXT, this rivalry lends itself naturally to a tag team confrontation featuring the Kabuki Warriors against Ripley and Sky. The match offers fresh competition and stakes, as the winning team could position themselves for a future WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship opportunity.
Building Toward a Dream Singles Match for a Major Pay-Per-View Event
Beyond the immediate storylines, WWE aims to craft a significant one-on-one showdown between Asuka and Iyo Sky, both highly decorated former champions. Despite being Japanese superstars who shared a strong alliance in Damage CTRL, fans have yet to see a genuine competitive series of matches between these two talents. The heel turn crystallizes their roles, defining clear protagonists and antagonists for this potential feud. This dynamic not only enriches character development but also fuels fan enthusiasm, as the contrast between former allies facing off can generate compelling narratives ahead of a major pay-per-view event.
The Broader Impact of the Heel Turn
Asuka and Kairi’s heel turn against Iyo Sky reshapes the women’s division on RAW, introducing fresh story possibilities and revitalizing existing character arcs. It balances the roster’s fan favorites and villains, sets up high-profile matches such as the anticipated tag team contest at Crown Jewel, and lays the groundwork for a dream singles rivalry that promises to captivate viewers. WWE’s booking choices, influenced by the popularity of stars like Rhea Ripley and the need for credible antagonists, indicate a strategic approach to maintaining audience interest amid a crowded women’s division. Fans can now expect heightened drama and new alliances as storylines unfold.
