Rhea Ripley Responds to WWE Fan Criticism About Her WrestleMania 41 Role
Rhea Ripley addresses criticism of WrestleMania 41 match structure, emphasizing respect for IYO SKY while maintaining focus on Bianca Belair.
Former champion Rhea Ripley has addressed fan criticism regarding her upcoming WrestleMania 41 match. The competitor spoke out about the Triple Threat format that will see her face IYO SKY and Bianca Belair for the Women’s World Championship.
During a Sports Illustrated interview, Ripley acknowledged that many fans wanted a one-on-one bout with Belair following the Elimination Chamber 2025 results. The match became a Triple Threat after SKY defeated Ripley on the March 3 episode of Raw. This development disappointed fans who had anticipated a direct confrontation between Ripley and Belair.
Ripley emphasized that SKY should not be underestimated in the championship picture.
I don’t want to say that we’re underestimating IYO, because that’s not the case. We know she’s a threat. We know what she’s capable of. I’ve never beaten her in a one-on-one fight. I know exactly what IYO can bring.
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Regarding online criticism of the match structure, Ripley was direct:
The story is getting interesting. I know a lot of people on the internet don’t want to see what’s going on because they hate me or whatever. I’m not going to argue with 16-year-olds on the internet, but that’s the story.
Despite acknowledging SKY’s legitimate place in the match, Ripley made it clear her primary focus remains on Belair. She expressed frustration that Belair has twice interfered with her championship opportunities, concluding:
She knows perfectly well what this fight meant to me.
The Women’s World Championship Triple Threat will take place as part of the WrestleMania 41 card, with all three competitors aiming to secure championship gold.
