Rhea Ripley Stuns WWE Universe With Unexpected Championship Challenge—What Happens Next?

Rhea Ripley cemented her status as the most imposing figure in WWE’s women’s division on Monday Night Raw (Aug. 25, 2025) from Birmingham, England, overpowering Roxanne Perez to go 3-0 in their budding rivalry. The Eradicator’s victory kept momentum squarely on her side as she marches toward Clash in Paris, where the Women’s World Championship picture is still taking shape. Perez tried to neutralize Ripley’s power with rapid-fire strikes, but a thunderous Riptide ended the contest—and immediately triggered post-match chaos when Judgment Day members swarmed the ring. IYO SKY stunned the crowd by rushing in for the save, repaying Ripley for intervening on her behalf last week. The unlikely alliance hints at a deeper rift inside Judgment Day and raises questions about whether SKY and Ripley will coexist or collide on the road to Paris. Why this win matters • Three consecutive wins over Perez give Ripley a psychological edge heading into any future title eliminator bouts. • By fending off Judgment Day ambushes and forging momentary partnerships, Ripley positions herself as the center of every women’s storyline on Raw. • WWE officials reportedly pulled Stephanie Vaquer from Clash in Paris pending a “Women’s World Title situation,” adding intrigue to who will ultimately challenge Ripley for gold. Heading toward Clash in Paris With Contenders’ matches expected over the next two weeks, Ripley’s dominance forces the locker room to adjust game plans. Names surfacing as possible challengers include Raquel Rodriguez, SKY and even returning legend Nikki Bella, who confronted Becky Lynch later in the same broadcast. Any of them could find themselves opposite Ripley on Sept. 8 in the French capital. Fan reaction and social buzz • The Birmingham crowd erupted when SKY’s music hit, generating the night’s loudest pop and sparking “Sky-Rip-ley” chants on X within minutes. • Hashtags #RheaRipley and #Eradicator trended worldwide during Raw’s second hour as highlights of the Riptide circulated. • Merchandise spikes: WWE Shop briefly listed Ripley’s new “Nightmare Fuel” tee as the site’s No. 1 seller Tuesday morning, hinting at her surging popularity. What’s next? Expect Ripley to appear on next week’s Raw from Dublin, where WWE has teased a contract signing segment. If the Women’s World Title match becomes official, fans could witness the most anticipated championship bout since Ripley’s WrestleMania clash with Bianca Belair. One thing is certain: with every decisive win and headline-grabbing confrontation, Rhea Ripley is not just defending her spot—she’s redefining dominance in WWE’s modern era.