The championship contest received significant promotion throughout the broadcast, with Bianca Belair announcing earlier in the show that she would be watching from ringside to scout her potential WrestleMania 41 opponent.
Both competitors delivered an intense performance that extended through a commercial break, with Ripley noticeably favoring her left arm—selling the effects of IYO’s targeted attack in previous encounters.
The champion appeared close to victory multiple times but couldn’t secure the win despite her aggressive offense. A crucial moment occurred when IYO reversed Ripley’s suplex attempt on the apron, driving the champion’s face into the ring structure.
IYO Sky executed an Insane Elbow as tribute to Kairi Sane, but Ripley kicked out. When Sky attempted an Asuka Lock, Ripley powered out of the submission hold. The champion then caught IYO during a moonsault attempt and delivered a superplex for a near fall.
Sky later hit an Over The Moonsault but couldn’t secure the pin as Ripley got her foot on the bottom rope. After nearly being counted out, IYO returned to the ring with encouragement from Belair at ringside.
The decisive moment came when Ripley confronted Belair at ringside, leading to a shoving match between the two. Referee Jessika Carr intervened to separate them, allowing the match to continue.
When Ripley attempted a Rip Tide from the top rope, the momentary distraction from Belair proved costly. IYO countered with a hurricanrana, followed by another Over The Moonsault to secure the championship victory.
