Add as a preferred source on Google WWE’s plans for IYO SKY at SummerSlam were completely different from what ultimately happened.
According to the Turnbuckle Podcast, SKY’s Queen of the Ring win was originally meant to lead to a match with Rhea Ripley at SummerSlam, with those plans reportedly finalized back in January.
That report contradicts recent rumors that Ripley would defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Alexa Bliss or Jacy Jayne at the event.
That scenario also conflicts with what had been reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to the previous report, before Ripley’s injury on the European tour, WWE was working toward Rhea facing Alexa or Jacy, while Liv Morgan vs. IYO SKY would be the Women’s World Championship match.
As of now, however, WWE has completely changed the lineup, very possibly due to Rhea’s injury. At Night of Champions, SKY defeated Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring final and, immediately after the win, announced that she would challenge Morgan herself for the title at SummerSlam.
Ripley, meanwhile, remains injured following her title defense against Jade Cargill at Clash in Italy.