One of the marquee matchups for this weekend’s WWE Evolution features IYO SKY challenging Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship. However, a significant creative twist could prevent the high-profile bout from taking place as planned.
A potential scenario involves SKY being taken out in a mysterious backstage attack moments before her championship match. The eventual reveal of the assailant could point to Bianca Belair, whose image has been featured in promotional materials for the event, fueling speculation about her involvement.
This possibility must be weighed against Belair’s real-world status. The EST has been out of action since WrestleMania 41, where she suffered broken fingers. Her recovery timeline keeps her away from Evolution, with current WWE plans targeting a return for SummerSlam in August, where she is expected to resume a storyline with Naomi and Jade Cargill. Belair recently made a non-competing appearance on the May 30 episode of SmackDown in her hometown of Knoxville.
Should WWE proceed with such an angle, the motivation for Belair would stem from her position in the Women’s World Championship picture prior to her injury. Animosity with Ripley over the title, coupled with the unresolved resentment of not winning the championship at WrestleMania, provides a ready-made narrative for her to spoil the match.
Ultimately, a storyline involving a mysterious attack on SKY would allow WWE to postpone the championship clash. The magnitude of a match between IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley could be seen as fitting for a larger stage, and this creative path would preserve it for a future premium live event.