WWE WrestleMania 41: 20 Things That Must Happen
10. Bianca Belair Goes Back On Top
This writer was personally rather surprised when IYO SKY beat Rhea Ripley on the 3 March Raw to become new Women's World Champion. That means IYO rocks up to WrestleMania with a belt around her waist for the second year running. Like at 'Mania 40 with Bayley, she should leave without one again at 41. This fan's pick to take it from her?
Bianca Belair.
Rhea Ripley will forever be tied to the title due to her fabulous year long reign between 2023-2024, but her second 56-day sprint wasn't exactly thrilling. There's a case to be made that putting the title on her for a third time so soon after dropping the thing would be a wasted opportunity for Triple H and his writing staff. Belair is the more engaging champ-elect.
The 'EST' hasn't held a major singles title since 2023. WWE placed her in the Women's Tag-Team Title hunt for most of 2024, so she feels relatively fresh as a singles attraction. Admittedly, it has been a tad strange that creative parked her involvement in the Naomi vs. Jade Cargill situation to concentrate on things over on Raw, but they can always loop back around to that once she wins this weekend.
In a perfect world, Bianca pins SKY to protect Ripley. If everything falls into place, then she'll do so convincingly after seeing off Rhea before taking IYO out. Post-match, Belair's very first challenger can be revealed. You know where this is going, don't you? It's an obvious outcome, but a logical one that'll be stunning in-ring and on the mic.