WWE personality Cathy Kelley recently commented on her close friend Rhea Ripley‘s current tag team with IYO SKY, known as RHIYO, which has gained the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. Kelley, who has humorously referred to Ripley as her “ex” in the past, revealed on social media that she may oppose the duo’s partnership. This tension surfaced after a fan asked if she would wear a “No RHIYO” t-shirt similar to what Jimmy Uso did during his sibling feud; Kelley responded that her shirt would instead read “RhiNO,” signaling her intent to protest the team.
“It would actually be ‘RhiNO.’ Not that I’ve thought about it or anything,”
— Cathy Kelley, WWE RAW personality
Vince Russo Critiques Rhea Ripley’s Shift in Character
On his podcast The Brand, former WWE writer Vince Russo expressed disapproval of the recent changes in Ripley’s wrestling persona. He noted that Ripley transitioned from a feared gothic character to one centered around her affection for IYO SKY, with moments of public displays of their relationship. Russo questioned the creative reasoning behind this shift under Triple H’s leadership, suggesting it diluted Ripley’s intimidating presence.
“What is Rhea Ripley doing with her character? She went from Mami and gothic and the big foot stomp and the big bada*s to like she’s in love with her girlfriend. Like constantly hugging IYO SKY and rubbing heads and smiling. Do you think somebody literally said to Rhea Ripley, ‘You need to change your character?’ Because I don’t get it. She’s not feared anymore. There’s no goth feeling,”
— Vince Russo, former WWE writer
Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounds RHIYO’s Future in WWE
The dynamic between Ripley and IYO SKY continues to attract attention, not only from fans but also from WWE insiders and peers such as Cathy Kelley and Vince Russo. While Ripley and SKY hold the Women’s Tag Team titles as part of RHIYO, some voices express concern about creative decisions impacting Ripley’s character and the team’s long-term direction. WWE’s plans for the duo remain unclear as the storyline develops.
it would actually be “RhiNO”. not that i’ve thought about it or anything 🙄 https://t.co/Adk3qCcznL
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) January 14, 2026
