Rhea Ripley was absent from this week’s Monday Night RAW as she fulfilled media and promotional obligations in her home country of Australia ahead of the upcoming Crown Jewel event. Her Rhea Ripley RAW absence coincided with rising tensions among her allies and rivals in WWE, contributing to notable drama backstage and on-screen.
Growing Rivalry Between Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, and Asuka
In recent months, Rhea Ripley has formed a closer alliance with IYO SKY, which began to create friction with fellow wrestler Asuka. Asuka felt overshadowed and sidelined as she perceived IYO SKY was favoring Ripley during matches and in backstage interactions, leading to feelings of jealousy and isolation. This simmering tension gradually escalated, turning into visible conflict during WWE RAW episodes.
Asuka voiced her frustrations publicly, accusing IYO SKY of favoritism and intentionally excluding her from opportunities. The situation reached a dramatic peak when Asuka fully turned against IYO SKY by attacking her with poison ivy spray during a recent RAW broadcast. This altercation set the stage for a high-stakes tag team showdown.
The tensions culminated in a scheduled tag team match featuring the babyface duo of Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY facing off against the heels Asuka and Kairi Sane. This match is set to take place on October 11, 2025, at WWE’s Crown Jewel event held in Perth, Australia.
Rhea Ripley’s Absence and Its Impact on IYO SKY’s Match
During the go-home episode of RAW prior to Crown Jewel, IYO SKY competed against Kairi Sane in a singles bout. Kairi Sane secured the victory with interference from Asuka, who stopped IYO SKY from performing her finishing move. After the match, Asuka continued her assault on SKY without intervention, as Rhea Ripley was notably absent from the show.
Rhea Ripley’s absence was due to her early arrival in Australia for promotional activities linked to Crown Jewel. As the event’s location is Ripley’s home country, she was engaged in ambassadorial duties and media appearances designed to enhance fan engagement and build excitement for the event locally. This strategic involvement prevented her from being at RAW in Dallas on October 6, 2025, to support IYO SKY against Asuka’s attacks.
WWE capitalized on Ripley’s hometown connection to drum up enthusiasm for Crown Jewel, with her presence at pre-event functions reinforcing WWE’s fan base in Australia. Her commitments included press conferences and promotional tours, which explained her absence from the live show during such a critical moment for her ally.
Adam Pearce confirmed that @RheaRipley_WWE is back home in Australia 🇦🇺, we all love Rhea 🥲 🖤 ! #WWERaw #RheaRipleypic.twitter.com/DhaEqvqGBx
— Edith 💯 ( Met Rhea 4/2/23) 💯 (@edxth42) October 7, 2025
Upcoming Crown Jewel Showdown in Perth
The heightened rivalry intensifies as WWE builds toward the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event in Perth, Australia. The tag team match between Ripley and SKY versus Asuka and Kairi Sane promises to be a pivotal moment for all involved, particularly as Ripley represents her home country on a global stage. This clash not only advances existing storylines but also offers WWE an opportunity to showcase top talent in front of an enthusiastic local audience.
Ripley’s dual role as a performer and promoter highlights the multifaceted nature of WWE’s approach to global events, blending in-ring storytelling with live fan engagement. Her efforts to promote Crown Jewel are expected to boost attendance and viewership, creating a memorable occasion both for fans and wrestlers alike.
Additional WWE Industry Developments
While attention focuses on Ripley’s Rhea Ripley RAW absence and the ongoing rivalries, the WWE landscape is also abuzz with other significant stories. A wrestling journalist recently identified a former WWE star as a strong candidate to replace Triple H in his executive role, stirring speculation about leadership changes.
In the tag team division, one WWE Hall of Famer has suggested that The Usos should carry the WWE Tag Team Championships for an extended period, possibly an 18-month reign, emphasizing their dominance and drawing power. Meanwhile, a former WWE star has made a headline-grabbing announcement about stepping away from his “King Of Bros” persona, signaling shifts among prominent personalities.
Other behind-the-scenes news includes Tiffany Stratton’s revelation about her initial career plans before pursuing WWE and TNA President Carlos Silva’s promise that his company will maintain momentum despite potential new television deals. Furthermore, a fan movement is calling for the WWE leadership to reconsider Triple H’s position as Chief Content Officer, reflecting mixed reactions to recent creative directions.
Rhea Ripley’s Role Moving Forward
Rhea Ripley’s focus on promotional activities in Australia demonstrates WWE’s strategic use of star power to enhance fan engagement for major international events. Her absence from RAW, while disappointing for some fans, aligns with broader marketing objectives surrounding Crown Jewel. The ongoing personal and professional dynamics between Ripley, IYO SKY, and Asuka promise continued intrigue as WWE progresses toward the high-profile event in October.
As WWE expands its global footprint, Ripley’s presence in Australia symbolizes the company’s commitment to nurturing local support while driving compelling storylines on television. Her role as both a competitor and ambassador will likely shape future narratives and promotions, reinforcing her status as a key figure in WWE’s evolving landscape.
Adam Pearce confirmed that @RheaRipley_WWE is back home in Australia 🇦🇺, we all love Rhea 🥲 🖤 ! #WWERaw #RheaRipley pic.twitter.com/DhaEqvqGBx
— Edith 💯 ( Met Rhea 4/2/23) 💯 (@edxth42) October 7, 2025
