On WWE RAW’s latest episode, broadcast on Netflix with a Stranger Things theme, The Kabuki Warriors’ reign as WWE RAW Women’s Tag Team Champions came to an unexpected end. In a high-stakes match, RHIYO, made up of Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, secured a decisive victory to capture the tag team titles for the first time, shocking fans and altering the division’s landscape.
A Night Full of Surprise Moments
Asuka and Kairi Sane, known collectively as The Kabuki Warriors, walked into RAW as reigning champions and defended their titles against the formidable pairing of Ripley and SKY. Early in the match, the commentary team acknowledged wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, with Corey Graves mentioning that IYO SKY borrowed her Sling Blade maneuver from the NJPW President. This nod to Tanahashi came as IYO SKY delivered the move, sparking loud reactions from the crowd.
The pivotal moment arrived when Rhea Ripley executed her powerful Riptide finisher on Asuka, setting up IYO SKY to soar from the top rope with a moonsault. After these back-to-back moves, Ripley pinned Asuka—also known as the Empress of Tomorrow—securing the win and delivering a clean finish that surprised even the most seasoned WWE fans.
Expectations Upended After Recent SmackDown Clash
Many viewers anticipated a different outcome after last week’s SmackDown, where Ripley and SKY teamed up for a pinfall victory over Kairi Sane using consecutive signature moves. This had some predicting a longer run for The Kabuki Warriors as champions or a replay of that scenario. Instead, WWE’s creative direction veered off expectations, with RHIYO decisively capturing the Women’s Tag Team gold on RAW.
Reactions and Next Steps in the Women’s Tag Division
The WWE Universe reacted strongly to the new champions’ win.
“RHIYO WIN THE GOLD ?What a moment for @RheaRipley_WWE and @Iyo_SkyWWE pic.twitter.com/2XTUJZtpjT”— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
As the dust settles, attention now shifts to which team will emerge to challenge Ripley and SKY for the championship. With the division thrown wide open, the chase for the WWE RAW Women’s Tag Team Champions title promises new rivalries and fresh storylines ahead.
RHIYO WIN THE GOLD 🔥
What a moment for @RheaRipley_WWE and @Iyo_SkyWWE pic.twitter.com/2XTUJZtpjT
— WWE (@WWE) January 6, 2026
