Transforming Friendships into Rivalries: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Iyo Sky Face Off at WrestleMania 41

Just a few months ago, WWE superstars Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Iyo Sky entered the Survivor Series as teammates, but this weekend, they will step into the WrestleMania 41 arena as fierce competitors. As three of the most celebrated athletes in WWE’s Women’s Division, Belair, Sky, and Ripley are well-acquainted with the fierce competition for the spotlight. However, the road to this year’s WrestleMania has proven to be more tumultuous and deeply personal than ever before, filled with unexpected twists and intense emotions.

In anticipation of their highly anticipated triple threat match for the WWE Women’s World Championship scheduled for night two of WrestleMania 41, the trio shared insights with Variety about how their long-standing camaraderie has soured into rivalry.

Ripley revealed that tensions began to escalate after she inadvertently disrupted a match between Sky and Liv Morgan, resulting in Sky’s disqualification and the loss of her chance to compete in the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event. She expressed her frustration, stating, “Clearly, my emotions sometimes get the best of me. I couldn’t hold back my feelings.” Rhea continued, “I was angry and confronted her. I didn’t intend to hit Liv, but when someone pulls your hair, you naturally retaliate. My only intention was to support Iyo, but she didn’t understand that. Iyo dismissed my attempt to explain and left in a huff.”

To make amends for costing her long-time friend and rival a potential spot at WrestleMania, Ripley, who was the champion at that time, extended an offer to Sky for a match for her Women’s World Championship. This gesture was aimed at mending their relationship, showcasing Ripley’s commitment to their friendship despite the challenges they were facing.

“Io’s been with me since the NXT days. We’ve always been together in everything,” Ripley added. “Even when I was part of The Judgment Day, I supported Damage CTRL during WarGames. We were always aligned. Offering her a match for the Women’s World Championship was a significant gesture, as I’ve never defeated her before, making it a big risk for minimal reward on my part. However, as soon as I announced that the match was official, her attitude shifted dramatically.”

While Ripley believes she was manipulated by a friend, Sky insists it’s all part of the business dynamics. “I truly care for Rhea Ripley. Perhaps she has feelings for me too,” Sky shared. “We’ve trusted each other and have been rivals for a long time. She provided me an opportunity to challenge for her title, which demonstrates good sportsmanship. Her confidence was evident, knowing she could defend against me, but I’m always ready. I’m a champion, and I seized my chance.”

By capturing the Women’s World Championship from Ripley, Sky officially becomes a WWE Triple Crown Champion. She joins the ranks of a select few women in the company’s history to have held three different singles titles. Sky is no stranger to winning championships; she previously held numerous titles during her impressive tenure in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion.

“During my time in Japan, I was honored to be at the pinnacle of Joshi wrestling. I held every title available,” Sky reflected. “That was my first dream. My next aspiration is to become the number one in the world. I cashed in to become the WWE Women’s Champion, and that was a dream realized. However, I want to challenge for a title, not just cash in. Cashing in was a great moment for me; I got to strategize and wait for the perfect timing. ‘Oh, now Bianca is exhausted.’ This championship win was a fair contest against Rhea Ripley, a significant star in the women’s division. I received congratulations from many people, and I’m genuinely thrilled.”

In contrast, Ripley is far from happy, having spent recent months trying to regain her position in the world title picture. “It felt like she played me,” Ripley lamented. “She manipulated my emotions, which, kudos to her, worked. She’s now the Women’s World Champion, and I’m the one struggling to get back into the WrestleMania match.”

While Ripley fights to reclaim her place at WrestleMania, Belair secured her spot by winning a grueling Elimination Chamber match in March. Although Belair is excited to return to WrestleMania, she shared with Variety that her victory feels overshadowed by the ongoing conflict between her allies, Naomi and Jade Cargill.

“I feel like in past years, my focus was primarily on winning titles or maintaining my undefeated streak,” Belair reflected. “This year, with Jade and Naomi having their fallout, it’s the first time I’m entering WrestleMania completely alone. I’ve lost all my friends. Even my close friend, Rhea Ripley, is emotionally scattered right now, and this has pulled me out of my comfort zone. My journey to WrestleMania was supposed to be straightforward, but it has been filled with challenges, blood, sweat, and tears.”

Ripley admits that she finds it unsettling how much insight Belair has into her mentality, considering their long history together. After all, Sky, Belair, and Ripley all participated in the inaugural NXT Women’s WarGames match in 2019.

“She’s another individual I’ve gone through everything with since our NXT days,” Ripley recalls. “We were truly the core three, and I’ve known her for a very long time. I’ve always been vying for a position with Bianca. We’ve consistently been on different brands but in similar standings within the women’s division.”

“She also knows too much about me,” Ripley continues. “She understands the mental struggles I go through. I try not to show my vulnerabilities, but she knows what is happening in my mind most of the time.”

For Ripley, witnessing Belair support Sky during their championship match signified the end of any prior friendship. “To see Bianca go out there and cheer for Iyo when all Bianca and I have discussed over the years is facing each other at WrestleMania made me take a step back. I felt like Bianca was deceiving me. That’s where my issues with Bianca began.”

Before escalating their feud to WrestleMania, Sky and Ripley attempted to settle their differences in a singles match with Belair serving as the special guest referee. However, the chaotic bout concluded with Belair calling a disqualification. Ripley was less than impressed with Belair’s officiating.

“I’ve encountered numerous poor referees in various sports, but I believe Bianca Belair takes the cake,” Ripley asserted. “If you can’t perform the role, then kindly decline. However, Bianca wanted the spotlight. She aimed to be the EST, but she certainly isn’t the best referee.”

As unresolved tensions continued to escalate, Ripley successfully persuaded Raw General Manager Adam Pearce to add her to the WrestleMania title match involving Belair and Sky, officially making it a triple threat.

“With Iyo, I offered her the opportunity for a championship match, and she wasn’t willing to give me a match back until Adam Pearce made it official,” Ripley explained. “I need to adopt a killer mentality and go out there to reclaim what I want: my Women’s Championship. Honestly, I believe Bianca is a bit wary of facing me one-on-one at WrestleMania because she’s concerned her streak might be in jeopardy.”

Currently, Belair boasts a four-year winning streak at WrestleMania but acknowledges that Ripley has historically had the upper hand in their direct confrontations. “We share a long history. She’s defeated me twice in singles matches. Rhea is one of the most skilled women in WWE. As a competitor, there’s nothing I desire more than to take Rhea Ripley down. I’m going to have to utilize all my EST qualities: fastest, roughest, toughest, everything,” she emphasized.

Belair continues, “Then you throw Iyo into the mix, who is among the best in the division. Competing against Iyo Sky requires a strategic approach. She possesses the most experience among us. When she’s in the ring, her agility, high-flying skills, and aggressive style make her unpredictable. Rhea has never defeated Iyo, while Iyo has previously bested me, creating a complicated dynamic.”

It’s true — despite being one of WWE’s most formidable competitors, Ripley has consistently struggled against Sky.

“Every strategy I’ve attempted has failed against Iyo,” Ripley confesses. “Entering WrestleMania, the stakes are different; it’s a triple threat match. Mistakes can happen, and any slip-up can cost the other two competitors the match. I need to stay vigilant. Bianca and Iyo have both demonstrated that friendship takes a back seat in this business. My mindset going into this match is that these two women don’t care about my feelings or my mental state. They are focused on winning, so I must adopt a similar winning mentality.”

As for Sky’s strategy heading into WrestleMania, she stated, “Strategy is a challenging question. They are both strong and powerful, but I can fly. Last year, I entered WrestleMania as a champion, albeit as a heel. This year, I’m a babyface, and many people are excited to see me defend my title, not just fans from Japan. I’m honored to be a hero to those who admire my journey from a different country, despite my smaller stature.”

Looking ahead beyond WrestleMania, Sky expressed her enthusiasm for a potential clash with NXT Women’s Champion (and fellow Stardom alum) Stephanie Vaquer.

“I know Stephanie Vaquer has mentioned that her dream opponent is me. She’s amazing, and I would love to wrestle her,” Sky stated enthusiastically.

Belair also mentioned Vaquer as a dream opponent if she emerges victorious at WrestleMania. “Stephanie Vaquer, of course. Giulia is also on my list. I think Sol Ruca is fantastic. Lash Legend and Jakara have caught my attention as well, as I’ve had several encounters with them in the tag division. Lash possesses strength and size, while Jakara has all the tools necessary. I’m excited to see some of these NXT call-ups.”

Ripley also has her eyes on Lash Legend, expressing her desire for a lineup of powerful challengers after WrestleMania.

“I appreciate strong women like Lash Legend, who I think is really cool,” Ripley remarked. “I have a lot of respect for Jordynne Grace, who is definitely a juggernaut. And of course, I’d love to face my fellow Australian, Zaria. It would be fantastic to see two Australians representing in the ring. She started where I did, at Riot City Wrestling. I’d love to step into the ring with her, not only to represent our school but also to represent South Australia and Australia as a whole.”

This interview has been edited and condensed.