The Raw Women's Championship changed hands at WrestleMania 37.
After one month of teasing her arrival, Rhea Ripley debuted on the March 22 episode of Raw, confronting Asuka after a match and challenging her to a title match. The Empress accepted without hesitation.
On Night 2 of WrestleMania, the two women squared off, with Asuka dominating the early portion of the match. Ripley would eventually take control, targeting the champion's midsection. After trading near falls, Ripley would put away Asuka with Rip Tide, capturing the Raw Women's Championship for the first time in her young career.
Asuka had held the belt since SummerSlam 2020 when she took it from Sasha Banks.
--. #WrestleMania @RheaRipley_WWE @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/GE6fszgwLO
— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 12, 2021
-- DDT OFF THE APRON --
— WWE (@WWE) April 12, 2021
Can @WWEAsuka retain the #WWERaw #WomensTitle against @RheaRipley_WWE at #WrestleMania?! Presented by @OrigCupNoodles. pic.twitter.com/RXfpLAWfsu
You're not dreaming. You're having a NIGHTMARE! --
— WWE (@WWE) April 12, 2021
Congratulations to the NEW #WWERaw #WomensChampion, @RheaRipley_WWE! #AndNew #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/aH6XOGcd0C
Ripley also competed at the 2021 Royal Rumble. She was the final elimination by Bianca Belair, who also won her Championship match last night versus Sasha Banks. Rhea was a former NXT Women's Champion (even defending the title last year at WrestleMania against Charlotte Flair) and finished up her run with the black and gold brand against Raquel Gonzalez in a Last Woman Standing Match at their New Years Evil event.
Check out Fightful's coverage of WrestleMania 37 by clicking here. Plus, listen to the post-show podcast reviewing WrestleMania 37 by clicking here.
