In 2026, Rhea Ripley remains a dominant figure in WWE, continuing to build momentum in her career. On last week’s episode of Raw, Ripley competed in a three-way match against Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile to claim the second spot in the women’s Elimination Chamber match, with Tiffany Stratton having already secured a place via SmackDown.
Ripley emerged victorious by pinning Valkyria after delivering her signature Riptide finisher, solidifying her position in the upcoming high-stakes event. Meanwhile, her tag team partner Iyo Sky is set to compete in a triple threat match next week on Raw against Raquel Rodriguez and Kairi Sane, where the winner will become the fifth entrant in the Elimination Chamber, joining Alexa Bliss, who qualified on SmackDown.
Together, Ripley and Sky are defending the WWE Women’s World Championship amid challenges from multiple female tag teams eager to claim the titles. Their partnership, blending Australian and Japanese wrestling talents, continues to be a focal point in the division.
Strain in the Relationship Between Rhea Ripley and Cathy Kelley
Beyond the ring, Rhea Ripley has been involved in non-wrestling segments with both Iyo Sky and backstage interviewer Cathy Kelley. Kelley often refers to Ripley as her “work wife,” highlighting their close professional relationship. However, since Ripley teamed up with Sky, the dynamic between Ripley and Kelley has shifted, with Kelley expressing feelings of distance and loss.
The playful rivalry between Kelley and Ripley is frequently displayed through social media interactions, where joking references to Ripley becoming detached from Kelley are common. Recently, Kelley posted a video on X featuring Ripley and Sky, in which Iyo wears a RHIYO t-shirt symbolizing their teamwork. The clip ends with Kelley visibly emotional, underscoring her sense of a broken bond.
NOBODY TALK TO ME 😩 pic.twitter.com/meLQt61M8U
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) February 17, 2026
Implications of the Changing Relationships Within WWE
The evolving interactions among Ripley, Sky, and Kelley reflect the complexity of WWE’s backstage and storyline relationships, where personal connections often intertwine with professional alliances. Ripley’s growing partnership with Sky not only strengthens their pursuit of the Women’s World Championship but also highlights the emotional costs tied to shifting loyalties and friendships.
As Ripley advances toward the Elimination Chamber and continues to face stiff competition, these interpersonal developments add a somber, reflective element to her journey. Fans may watch closely to see how these relationships evolve alongside the fiercely competitive landscape of the WWE women’s division in the coming months.
NOBODY TALK TO ME 😩 pic.twitter.com/meLQt61M8U
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) February 17, 2026
