Rhea Ripley Defeats Asuka To Win WWE Raw Women's Title At WrestleMania 37
Her first championship in a year
Following a live performance of her entrance theme by Ash Costello, Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka to capture the Raw Women's championship at WrestleMania 37 inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
For the finish, Asuka pelted Ripley with a series of kicks, but when Ripley dared her to try another, Asuka obliged. She missed, and was then pulled into the Riptide for the pinfall.
The win marks Ripley's first championship win on WWE's main roster. She previously held the NXT and NXT UK Women's championships, losing the former to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36 one year ago.
Asuka's reign as Raw Women's champion comes to an end after 231 days. She'd won the championship from Sasha Banks at last year's SummerSlam.
The loss drops Asuka to 0-3 overall at WrestleMania, having previously lost to Flair at WrestleMania 34, and (alongside Kairi Sane) to Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross last year.
The title change marks the fourth time that the Raw Women's title has changed hands at WrestleMania. Flair became the inaugural champion at WrestleMania 32, while Nia Jax won it at 34, and then Becky Lynch at 35.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.