Iyo Sky vs Rhea Ripley (Evolution 2025) becomes highest-rated women’s match in WWE history

Evolution 2 was one of the best PLEs in WWE history

The Women’s World Championship clash between Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley at WWE Evolution 2025 has shattered records.

It has earned the distinction as the highest-rated women’s wrestling match in WWE history according to Cagematch.net ratings. With an unprecedented 9.39 average score, the match (22nd on the list currently) is now among the top 25 matches of all time across all promotions in WWE history.

Iyo Sky v Rhea Ripley is now the highest rated women’s match in WWE HISTORY. The match of the DECADE. pic.twitter.com/IkV7SDpiCp

— Flips フリップ (@Iy0SkyGr0upie) July 16, 2025

WWE Evolution 2

WWE Evolution 2025 took place on July 13, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the second iteration of the company’s all-women’s premium live event.

The main event featured defending Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky against challenger Rhea Ripley in what was originally scheduled as a singles championship match. The bout delivered on its massive expectations, showcasing two of WWE’s most prominent female athletes at the peak of their abilities.

The significance of this match extends beyond its exceptional rating. Evolution 2025 represented a pivotal moment for women’s wrestling, being the first Evolution event to broadcast simultaneously on Netflix and Peacock.

The seven-year gap between Evolution events made this occasion particularly special, with WWE positioning it as a celebration of how far women’s wrestling has progressed since the original 2018 event.

Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley went for it

The match itself epitomized the contrasting styles that make both competitors unique. Iyo Sky, known as “The Genius of the Sky,” brought her signature high-flying repertoire and technical precision to the encounter.

Her background in Japanese wrestling promotions and her reputation as one of the best in-ring performers globally were on full display throughout the contest. Rhea Ripley, “The Eradicator,” countered with her powerful offense and imposing physical presence that has made her a dominant force across multiple championships.

The action transcended the traditional confines of the squared circle, with both competitors utilizing the entire ringside area and even venturing into the crowd. This approach elevated the match’s intensity and provided numerous memorable moments that resonated with the live audience in Atlanta.

The technical exchanges between the two wrestlers demonstrated their chemistry and mutual respect, with each competitor answering the other’s offensive bursts with equally impressive counter-wrestling.

Critical sequences included Sky’s gravity-defying aerial maneuvers from elevated positions around the arena, showcasing why she earned her “Genius of the Sky” moniker. Ripley’s power-based offense provided the perfect counterpoint, with her signature moves creating several near-fall situations that kept the audience on edge throughout the encounter.

Naomi cashing in MITB added another flair to the match

As the match reached its climax, both competitors were visibly exhausted from their grueling encounter. It was at this moment that Naomi, who had lost a No Holds Barred match to Jade Cargill earlier in the evening, made her unexpected appearance.

The Money in the Bank contract holder capitalized on the perfect opportunity, cashing in her briefcase to transform the singles match into a triple threat encounter.

Naomi’s strategic timing proved masterful, as she attacked both competitors with her briefcase before the official restart, then executed her signature split-legged moonsault on Sky to secure the victory and capture the Women’s World Championship.

This shocking turn of events not only crowned a new champion but also protected both original competitors from a decisive loss, setting up future storylines while preserving their championship credentials.

The cash-in drew immediate comparisons to some of WWE’s most memorable Money in the Bank moments, with fans and critics praising the unpredictable nature of the finish.

The decision to have Naomi target the Raw championship rather than the expected SmackDown Women’s Championship held by Tiffany Stratton added another layer of surprise to an already dramatic conclusion.

Wrestling critics and fans have universally praised the match’s quality, with many considering it a defining moment for both competitors’ careers. The bout has been described as “an all-timer” and “the most impressive wrestling match” by numerous Reddit users, highlighting its immediate impact on the wrestling community.

What’s next for Naomi, Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley?

On the July 14, 2025 episode of Raw, the newly crowned champion Naomi was confronted by both Sky and Ripley, each demanding their rightful opportunity at the title. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced a triple threat match for the inaugural two-night SummerSlam event, scheduled for August 2-3, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The announcement of this triple-threat encounter has generated significant anticipation among fans and industry observers.

The match represents an opportunity for both Sky and Ripley to reclaim championship gold while providing Naomi with her first major title defense since capturing the Women’s World Championship. The SummerSlam setting adds additional prestige to what promises to be another high-profile encounter between these three competitors.

Also Read: All matches announced for WWE SummerSlam 2025

Opinion

The Iyo Sky vs Rhea Ripley match at Evolution 2025 stands as a testament to the current state of women’s wrestling in WWE. Its record-breaking rating of 9.39 on Cagematch.net reflects not only the technical excellence of both competitors.

It was also the successful execution of a compelling storyline that culminated in Naomi’s shocking championship victory. This match will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in women’s wrestling history, setting new standards for future encounters and demonstrating the continued evolution of female competition within WWE’s programming landscape.

The success of this match, combined with the anticipation surrounding the upcoming SummerSlam triple threat encounter, suggests that women’s wrestling in WWE continues to reach new heights of quality and audience engagement. As the industry moves forward, the Evolution 2025 main event will serve as a benchmark for excellence and a reminder of what becomes possible when exceptional talent meets optimal storytelling conditions.

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