There are a number of interesting angles happening in the women’s division on WWE Monday Night Raw. One involves Iyo Sky, Asuka, and Kairi Sane. But recently, Rhea Ripley was added to the angle. While Ripley is a major star and pulls eyeballs toward anything she’s involved in, this story between the three women from Japan does not need Ripley in any way.
Between the three of them, Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Iyo Sky have a combined 52 years of experience in professional wrestling. Much of that was crafted in Japan, where the three ladies were first introduced to each other. According to Cagematch.net, Sane and Sky first competed against each other back in 2013 during a Stardom card in Tokyo, Japan. Asuka and Sky first battled in 2008, and the connection between Sane and Asuka goes back nearly as far.
There’s a wealth of history to play on between these three women. So much so that an angle between the three of them has become a dream match of sorts in WWE. If given the right amount of time and build, Asuka versus Kairi Sane versus Iyo Sky has the potential to be a generational feud in the women’s division. Putting a spotlight on each of them outside the title picture, perhaps elevating the winner into a title run of their own.
Slotting Ripley into the angle makes sense from a WWE standpoint, but it is grossly unnecessary. Yes, Ripley is the biggest star in the women’s division and a force to be reckoned with. But this angle started with Sky telling Sane and Asuka that she didn’t need their help to win and get back to the championship. So, why would she be so eager to accept Ripley’s help when outnumbered by Judgment Day? In fact, wouldn’t it make more sense for her to turn to the two women she’s been friends with for decades and make the situation 2-on-3?
This isn’t the first time that WWE has told a nonsensical story with Iyo Sky just to put Rhea Ripley in her path. During her last run as WWE Women’s World Champion, Sky made a point to tell Asuka that it was her dream to face her for the title, only to give a title shot to Ripley a week later. Perhaps WWE will harken back to this as the real catalyst for the incoming split between Asuka and Iyo. Or perhaps it will be forgotten like a lot of other aspects of “stories” told in the WWE.
Asuka, Kairi Sane, and Iyo Sky are three of the best performers on the WWE roster. Their story and their matches do not need Rhea Ripley’s involvement. Here’s to hope they get an opportunity to stand across from each other without her being a part of the match.