Rhea Ripley has teamed up with IYO SKY to form the tag team known as RHIYO, currently holding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. On the January 5 episode of Monday Night RAW, broadcast live from the Barclays Center in New York City, RHIYO defeated The Kabuki Warriors—Asuka and Kairi Sane—to claim the titles. This partnership marks a significant shift for Ripley, who has grown close to SKY despite their previous rivalry.
Cathy Kelley Voices Opposition to RHIYO Partnership
Cathy Kelley, a close friend and former partner of Ripley, has expressed clear reservations about the tag team’s chemistry and success. When a fan tagged Kelley on X (formerly Twitter) to ask if she supported the RHIYO team, Kelley responded she was not a fan and joked about protesting by wearing a “RhiNO” t-shirt.
“Today I’ve had a question in my mind that only @catherinekelley can answer. Is Cathy Kelley going to wear a Rhiyo shirt or is she going to have a customized ‘No Rhiyo’ shirt like when Jimmy is would say ‘No Yeet’”
“it would actually be ‘RhiNO’. not that i’ve thought about it or anything 🙄”
Kelley and Ripley share a close real-life friendship, often publicly joking and flirting as a couple on social media, which has added a personal dimension to Kelley’s playful protest against Ripley’s teaming with SKY.
Mixed Reactions to Ripley’s Character Transformation
Not only Kelley but others in the wrestling community have reacted to Ripley’s evolving on-screen persona, which shifted from a dark, intimidating figure to a more approachable and friendly character alongside IYO SKY. Wrestling personality Vince Russo has publicly criticized this change, preferring Ripley’s previous “bada**” image that commanded respect and intimidation in the locker room.
Russo voiced his opinion on The Brand podcast, highlighting his disappointment in how Ripley’s persona softened, moving away from the intense aura that once surrounded her.
Upcoming WWE Events and Storylines to Watch
As RHIYO continues to develop their presence in WWE’s women’s tag team division, several major events and storylines are scheduled in the coming weeks. Notably, the WWE Royal Rumble will take place on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, further setting the stage for new developments within the company.
Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre recently captured the Undisputed WWE Championship after defeating Cody Rhodes on the January 9th episode of WWE SmackDown, marking a pivotal moment in WWE’s title landscape.
Other storylines include The Rock responding publicly following a significant loss, Triple H thanking fans in Germany and preparing for future shows, and major matches confirmed for next week’s WWE RAW, such as the World Heavyweight Championship bout and an NXT North American Championship defense by Ethan Page.
Additionally, Becky Lynch is set to feature prominently in the upcoming RAW episode in Belfast, Northern Ireland, continuing the company’s key story arcs.
Insights into Wrestlers’ Relationships and Fan Reactions
Ripley’s friendship with IYO SKY has created mixed feelings among fans and colleagues. Kelley’s playful but pointed “RhiNO” protest reflects a personal and fan-driven response to how Ripley’s alliances affect her image. This dynamic shows how real-life relationships and storylines intertwine in WWE, influencing public perception and wrestler narratives.
The ongoing tension between Ripley’s past and present characters, combined with evolving tag team success, suggests that WWE will continue exploring this storyline’s impact in the coming months, both in storyline progression and fan engagement.
it would actually be “RhiNO”. not that i’ve thought about it or anything 🙄 https://t.co/Adk3qCcznL
— Cathy Kelley (@catherinekelley) January 14, 2026
