IYO SKY’s victory at WrestleMania 41 was a major achievement for her career. However, it also opened up a conversation about what it takes to be a champion in modern WWE
Vince Russo’s comments, while controversial, highlight the ongoing tension between wrestling purism and sports entertainment.
Whether or not SKY addresses these criticisms directly, the path forward is clear: evolve the character, elevate the presentation, and prove that skill and star power can coexist at the highest level.
The Women’s World Championship may not be on the line next week, but the pride, power, and prestige of four of WWE’s top performers certainly will be.
The fallout from this feud will likely shape the women’s division for months to come.
With IYO SKY standing her ground, Rhea Ripley returning to wreak havoc, Giulia making waves, and Roxanne Perez proving she belongs—RAW has never felt more electrifying.
The tag team match next Monday is more than a grudge match—it’s a battle for control, respect, and momentum heading into WWE’s summer season. And as SKY so ominously warned: “You’re both going to pay.”
Also Read: WWE Star Sends a Stern Message to IYO SKY After a Significant Victory
Table of Contents
IYO SKY Sends a Chilling Message
The WWE Universe was left buzzing after the latest episode of Monday Night RAW, where tensions in the women’s division reached a boiling point.1
Reigning Women’s World Champion IYO SKY faced rising star Roxanne Perez in a highly competitive singles match, only for chaos to erupt afterward with a shocking ambush from Giulia.
The post-match assault has now set the stage for a blockbuster tag team match next week, pitting IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley against Giulia and Perez.
But before the dust could settle, SKY had some fierce words for her attackers—and made it clear that retribution is coming.
Good morning!!☀️😆✨ pic.twitter.com/TJHByQNuyo
— IYO SKY (@Iyo_SkyWWE) May 7, 2025
A Hard-Fought Victory Overshadowed by Betrayal
Monday Night RAW saw a marquee matchup between IYO SKY and Roxanne Perez, two athletes at very different stages in their careers but both at the peak of their competitive drive.
Perez, the former NXT Women’s Champion, pushed the champion to her limits in what many fans are already calling a match-of-the-night contender.
SKY ultimately secured the win, reinforcing her dominance as the top female performer on the red brand. However, the celebration was short-lived.
Giulia, another top-tier talent with international accolades, stormed the ring post-match and blindsided SKY. In a shocking twist, Perez joined in, turning what should have been a proud moment for SKY into a painful double-team assault.
IYO SKY: The Unexpected Alliance
Giulia and Roxanne Perez
The partnership between Giulia and Perez came as a shock to many. While both women have carved out impressive résumés, they have never previously aligned in any meaningful storyline.2
This sudden union appears to be fueled by a mutual disdain for the champion—and possibly a strategic effort to weaken her before either makes a future championship bid.
Giulia, known for her dominant run in Japan and her intimidating presence, has been making waves since her transition to WWE.
Her involvement in this attack sends a clear message: she’s not waiting in line—she’s forcing her way into the title picture.
Fierce, Focused, and Fearless
In a post-show interview that WWE aired across its social platforms, IYO SKY did not mince words.
“A bit hurt, but Roxanne, maybe you had me cornered for a second. But, I am still the Women’s World Champion. And tonight, I pinned you. Don’t forget that. And Giulia, why did you come out again? You had no business being out there. Giulia and Roxanne, you’re both going to pay for this. Next week, I’ll see you in a tag team match. Again, I’m going to embarrass you. You’re going to pay!”
This promo was a reminder of why SKY has earned the moniker “The Genius of the Sky.” She’s not just a high-flyer; she’s a cerebral warrior who thrives under pressure.
Her calm yet biting tone made it clear that next week’s tag match won’t be just about revenge—it’ll be about dominance.
Rhea Ripley Joins the Fight
Joining SKY next week is none other than Rhea Ripley, a fellow powerhouse and former Women’s World Champion herself. Ripley and SKY may not have always seen eye to eye, but circumstances have turned them into reluctant allies with a common enemy.
Ripley, fresh off her return from injury, brings raw strength and brutality to the equation. Her inclusion not only levels the playing field but may tip the scales entirely in SKY’s favor.
If Giulia and Perez thought they were going to get another easy ambush, they’re in for a rude awakening.
Behind the Curtain: Why WWE is Building This Feud
- The women’s division on RAW has long been in need of a fresh shake-up, and WWE appears to be pulling out all the stops.
- The integration of international stars like Giulia into major storylines adds depth and intrigue, while the elevation of Roxanne Perez from NXT standout to RAW competitor signals a new era.
- By involving IYO SKY, Ripley, Giulia, and Perez in a high-profile storyline, WWE is simultaneously pushing new talent, elevating existing stars, and building a long-term narrative that could carry into SummerSlam or even Survivor Series. The stakes are getting higher, and so is the interest.
- It’s also important to consider the absence of Bianca Belair, who was a key player in the women’s title scene.
- Belair sustained a hand injury during the Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 40, where she competed against Ripley and SKY. With “The EST of WWE” sidelined for recovery, WWE needed to pivot—and they’ve done so spectacularly by heating up new rivalries.
- Belair’s temporary departure created a vacuum, but instead of feeling her absence, fans have been treated to a compelling new storyline filled with unpredictable alliances and explosive promos.
IYO SKY’s Championship Reign
Resilience and Resolve
Since capturing the Women’s World Championship, IYO SKY has defended it against some of the most elite competitors in the business.3
From veterans like Bayley and Charlotte Flair to high-profile threats like Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, SKY has shown unmatched adaptability.
Her current reign is defined by resilience—surviving triple threats, surprise challenges, and now, two-on-one ambushes.
Through it all, she hasn’t faltered. Her promo this week is just the latest chapter in a reign that’s becoming legendary.
Could This Be Giulia’s In-Ring Debut?
While Giulia has made appearances, next week could mark her official in-ring debut on WWE television. If that’s the case, all eyes will be on how she performs under the bright lights of RAW.
Fans familiar with her work in STARDOM know what she brings: stiff strikes, psychological warfare, and an aura that commands attention.
Her pairing with Perez could be the beginning of a dominant new tag team—or a temporary alliance that combusts under pressure. Either way, Giulia is poised to make a major impact.
What to Expect Next Week: Chaos or Cohesion?
Next week’s tag match will be the first time these four women share the ring together in an official capacity.
Questions loom large: Can SKY and Ripley coexist long enough to secure a win? Will Giulia and Perez be able to function as a unit beyond a sneak attack?
If history is any indication, RAW could see a dramatic turn of events—possibly even a betrayal or interference from other members of the women’s division.
And with the Women’s World Championship on the line in the near future, every action will have consequences.
Also Read: Iyo Sky: Early Years, WWE Championship, Wrestling Journey, Net Worth, Salary, Endorsement And More
Vince Russo Reacts to IYO SKY’s Victory at WrestleMania 41
WrestleMania 41 delivered on its promise of unforgettable moments, high-octane matches, and surprise victories.
One of the most talked-about outcomes from the event was IYO SKY successfully defending her Women’s World Championship. However, not everyone was thrilled with that decision—particularly former WWE writer Vince Russo.
In a candid review on Sportskeeda Wrestling, Russo voiced his disapproval of WWE’s creative choice to keep the championship on SKY, raising concerns about her charisma and marketability when compared to her opponents, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair.
The Controversial Commentary
Vince Russo, never one to hold back, delivered his thoughts with characteristic bluntness. While acknowledging IYO SKY’s in-ring skills, Russo challenged WWE’s decision-making process behind the scenes.
“I don’t care how good a wrestler IYO SKY is. You’ve got three women in this match, and the one with the least amount of personality comes out the victor. How does that work?” Russo questioned.
Russo’s main contention was that SKY lacked the charisma and character presence that her competitors, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, possess in abundance.
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Comparing the Competitors: A Clash of Styles and Personas
The triple-threat match at WrestleMania 41 featured three of WWE’s most dynamic female talents. Each brought something unique to the table.
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Rhea Ripley: Known for her gothic look, aggressive demeanor, and intense charisma, Ripley has been a standout performer and a fan favorite for her commanding presence in and out of the ring.
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Bianca Belair: With her unmatched athleticism, powerful mic skills, and “EST” branding, Belair is a cornerstone of WWE’s women’s division and a proven merchandise mover.
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IYO SKY: Revered for her technical wrestling ability and high-flying style, SKY has earned the respect of fans worldwide but often flies under the radar in terms of character development and promo work.
Russo’s criticism hinges on the belief that in a company driven by television entertainment and personality, the person with the least “on-screen presence” should not be the face of a division.
A Cultural and Language Barrier?
It’s also important to consider the cultural context. IYO SKY, originally from Japan, sometimes wrestles with language barriers that may impact how her character connects with predominantly English-speaking audiences.
This has been a common challenge for many international superstars in WWE history.
While SKY has slowly improved her English promos and continues to win fans through her in-ring artistry, it takes time and deliberate booking to fully bridge that gap and transform technical prowess into emotional engagement.
IYO SKY’s Championship Reign
Since winning the title, IYO SKY has defended it against top contenders and participated in marquee matchups, but her reign hasn’t been without criticism.
Some fans feel that her matches, while technically solid, lack the emotional stakes and promo-heavy build-ups that define legendary title runs.
In contrast, previous champions like Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks consistently headlined pay-per-views and carried dramatic feuds that elevated the prestige of the title.
SKY’s reign, though impressive in its consistency, has yet to be punctuated by a truly iconic rivalry or breakthrough moment that defines her as a top-tier champion in the eyes of the broader WWE Universe.
The Future of IYO SKY in WWE
Despite the criticism, IYO SKY remains one of WWE’s most exciting talents, and her journey is far from over.
If the company can build stronger storylines around her, amplify her presence on the mic, and align her with the right opponents, she has the potential to silence doubters and cement her place as a well-rounded main-event player.
Pairing her with a charismatic manager, for example, or placing her in a long-term feud with a top babyface like Becky Lynch or Liv Morgan, could do wonders for her character perception.
Vince Russo is no stranger to controversy. As a former head writer for WWE and WCW during the late ’90s and early 2000s, his era was defined by unpredictable swerves, edgy storylines, and a strong emphasis on character drama over technical wrestling.
While some of his creative choices are still debated, there’s no denying his deep understanding of what gets viewers invested.
His critique of IYO SKY, viewed through that lens, is less about personal bias and more about what he believes draws in casual audiences.
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