Rhea Ripley Captures WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 42

Ripley defeats Jade Cargill after Iyo Sky neutralizes outside interference

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:07am

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An abstract, neon-hued expressionist painting depicting the intense action and emotion of a championship wrestling match, with the figures of the competitors blending into vibrant, dynamic brushstrokes.The dramatic clash between two of WWE's top female stars at the sport's biggest event captures the raw energy and high stakes of championship competition.Today in Tampa

Rhea Ripley reclaimed the WWE Women's Championship at WrestleMania 42, defeating Jade Cargill in a hard-fought match that saw interference from Cargill's allies Michin and B-Fab. However, Iyo Sky arrived to neutralize the outside interference, allowing Ripley to hit her finisher and capture the title.

Why it matters

Ripley's victory marks a major milestone in her career, as she becomes a two-time WWE Women's Champion and four-time women's champion overall. The match also continues the ongoing rivalry between Ripley and Cargill, two of the top female superstars in WWE.

The details

Ripley earned the title match by winning the Women's Elimination Chamber match in February. The match at WrestleMania was supposed to be one-on-one, but Cargill's allies Michin and B-Fab got involved. Just as the referee was about to eject them, Iyo Sky arrived and took out Michin and B-Fab with a springboard moonsault. Ripley then hit Cargill with a headbutt and her finisher, the Riptide, to capture the championship.

  • Ripley won the Women's Elimination Chamber match in February 2026 to earn the title shot.
  • The WrestleMania 42 match took place on April 20, 2026.

The players

Rhea Ripley

A rising star in WWE's women's division, Ripley is now a two-time WWE Women's Champion and four-time women's champion overall.

Jade Cargill

The reigning WWE Women's Champion heading into WrestleMania 42, Cargill was seeking to defend her title against Ripley.

Iyo Sky

A member of the Damage CTRL faction, Iyo Sky arrived at WrestleMania 42 to neutralize the outside interference against Ripley.

Michin

An ally of Jade Cargill, Michin got involved in the WrestleMania 42 match to try and help Cargill retain the title.

B-Fab

Another ally of Jade Cargill, B-Fab also interfered in the WrestleMania 42 match to assist Cargill.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I had to dig deep and leave everything in the ring to capture this title. Jade put up one hell of a fight, but I was determined to reclaim what's mine.”

— Rhea Ripley

What’s next

Ripley's title reign will likely be challenged by Jade Cargill in a rematch in the coming months, as the two continue their rivalry for the WWE Women's Championship.

The takeaway

Rhea Ripley's victory at WrestleMania 42 solidifies her status as one of the top female superstars in WWE, as she regains the championship she previously held. The match also showcases the ongoing power struggles within the women's division, with outside interference and faction rivalries playing a key role.