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Rhea Ripley Publicly Addresses Ex-Partner After Tearful Breakup

By Neda Ali • Published Apr 21, 2026 07:45 EDT
Rhea Ripley WWE
Rhea Ripley on RAW - Image via YouTube/@WWE

The post WrestleMania 42 edition of WWE RAW saw Rhea Ripley saying goodbye to her on-screen partner once again.

After Rhea Ripley won the Elimination Chamber match, she moved to SmackDown to challenge WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 and parted ways with her partner, IYO SKY.

However, The Genius of the Sky played an important role in Ripley’s recent run. During the ‘Mania buildup, she backed up Mami when Jade Cargill, along with B-Fab and Michin, attacked her. At The Show of Shows, IYO again got involved, taking out B-Fab and Michin at ringside to stop interference. That moment helped Ripley stay in control and eventually defeat Cargill for the Women’s Title on Night Two of ‘Mania.

RHIYO’s on-screen partnership had been consistent in recent weeks, making the breakup stand out. With Ripley heading to Friday Night SmackDown as champion, the partnership could not continue, leading to a split on RAW.

WWE has not presented it as a feud but as both stars moving forward separately after WrestleMania.

Rhea Ripley issues an emotional statement following split with IYO SKY

On the April 20 edition of RAW after WrestleMania, WWE gave RHIYO a proper send-off as they teamed up one final time for a match against Asuka and Kairi Sane. RHIYO won when IYO SKY hit the Over the Moonsault on Kairi Sane for the pin. With Ripley holding the WWE Women’s Championship and heading to SmackDown, the formal parting was made official on tonight’s Monday Night Show.

In a backstage segment, The Eradicator was seen with The Genius of the Sky, who was emotional, and the two said goodbye with a hug.

Ripley then reposted WWE’s announcement on X, adding her own message directed at SKY. She wrote:

For now, but not forever ❤️ Thank you @Iyo_SkyWWE for making some of my greatest memories!
I know what you want and where your heart is… I believe in you!

The phrasing “for now, but not forever” deliberately leaves the door open, suggesting that RHIYO is a chapter on pause rather than one that is permanently closed.

With the move to SmackDown, Ripley will now shift focus to new challengers. Names like Tiffany Stratton, Giulia, and Nia Jax could challenge her for the title. With Backlash coming up, WWE is expected to confirm Mami’s first title defense soon.

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