Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY quickly became one of the most exciting tag teams in WWE. Known together as RHIYO, the duo mixed power and speed perfectly. Over the past eight months, they proved they could dominate the women’s tag team division. But now, things are changing.
After losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and with WrestleMania 42 coming close, fans are wondering what’s next for both superstars.
The Rise and Fall of RHIYO
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships from Asuka and Kairi Sane on the special Raw on Netflix anniversary show on January 5. Their victory felt like the beginning of a new era in the tag division.
However, their title reign ended when Lash Legend and Nia Jax defeated them on SmackDown.
While the loss was disappointing, it does not mean the partnership is over. Instead, it looks like both women are heading in different directions for WrestleMania season.
Rhea Ripley’s Big WrestleMania Opportunity
At WWE Elimination Chamber in Chicago, Ripley bounced back in a huge way. She won the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, earning a shot at Jade Cargill and the Undisputed WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.
This is a massive opportunity for Ripley. She last held the Women’s World Heavyweight Championship in March 2025 before losing it to IYO. Since then, she has been chasing another big singles moment.
By winning the Chamber match, Ripley is officially back at the top of the singles division. WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium could mark another defining moment in her career.
Ripley and IYO: Still United, Just on Pause
After Elimination Chamber, Ripley spoke about her partnership with IYO. She admitted that tag team plans may need to be put on hold for now. But she also made it clear that their bond remains strong.
Over the past year and a half, Ripley and IYO have shared many moments — as rivals and as partners. They faced each other in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 41 alongside Bianca Belair. They also met again in the main event of Evolution, where Naomi cashed in her Money in the Bank contract to win the title.
Even though they are going separate ways for now, there is no sign of a breakup or betrayal. Instead, it feels like two close friends chasing individual goals.
What’s Next for IYO SKY?
While Ripley’s WrestleMania opponent is confirmed, IYO’s future is less clear.
She failed to qualify for the Elimination Chamber after losing to Raquel Rodriguez on Raw. That result removed her from the main title picture.
However, there is an interesting possibility on the horizon.
IYO was originally scheduled to face Giulia for the Women’s United States Championship on SmackDown before WWE changed plans and replaced her with Ripley.
Reports suggest that the match may have been saved for a bigger stage. If that is true, a one-on-one clash between IYO and Giulia at WrestleMania 42 would be a dream match for many fans.
Possible WrestleMania 42 Scenarios
Here is a quick look at what could happen:
| Superstar | Possible WrestleMania 42 Match |
|---|---|
| Rhea Ripley | vs Jade Cargill – Undisputed WWE Women’s Championship |
| IYO SKY | vs Giulia – Women’s United States Championship |
If this happens, both members of RHIYO will compete in major singles matches on the biggest stage of the year.
Could RHIYO Reunite After WrestleMania?
The tag division may be on pause for them, but that does not mean it is finished. After WrestleMania 42, both women could easily reunite and chase the tag titles again.
In fact, their time apart could make the reunion even stronger. Sometimes, stepping away from a team allows each superstar to grow individually before coming back together.
