Rhea Ripley Replaces IYO SKY vs Giulia on SmackDown + Full Card Preview

Sunrise, Florida – A late change to the card for tonight’s Friday, February 20th episode of WWE SmackDown has seen Rhea Ripley step in to face Giulia in a non-title match. The alteration comes just hours before the show is set to air live from the Amerant Bank Arena, replacing the originally scheduled bout between IYO SKY and the Women’s United States Champion.

WWE has yet to publicly disclose the reason for IYO SKY’s removal from the match. The unexpected switch adds an intriguing dynamic to SmackDown, particularly with the Elimination Chamber premium live event looming on February 28th in Chicago.

The matchup between Ripley and Giulia marks the first time the two competitors will face each other in singles competition. Both athletes currently hold championship gold; Ripley, alongside IYO SKY, are the reigning WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, while Giulia holds the Women’s United States title. The two champions previously faced off as part of a tag team match two weeks ago on SmackDown, where Ripley and SKY successfully defended their titles against Giulia and Kiana James.

The change injects a new level of anticipation into a SmackDown card already featuring crucial qualifying matches for the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. The Elimination Chamber, known for its brutal and unpredictable structure, is one of WWE’s most physically demanding and strategically complex PLEs. Qualifying for a spot within the Chamber is a significant achievement, and tonight’s matches will be pivotal for several Superstars.

On the men’s side, a Triple Threat match will determine one of the participants in the Men’s Elimination Chamber. Carmelo Hayes, currently the United States Champion, will face off against Trick Williams and Damian Priest. Hayes’s inclusion in the match represents an opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger stage, while Williams and Priest will be looking to capitalize on the chance to challenge for a spot in the Chamber.

The women’s division will also see a Triple Threat qualifier, with Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Kiana James vying for a place in the Women’s Elimination Chamber. Flair, a multi-time champion and one of the most decorated female performers in WWE history, will be the clear favorite, but Jax and James will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement and upset the established order.

Beyond the Elimination Chamber qualifiers, SmackDown will also feature the main roster singles debut of Oba Femi, who will go head-to-head with Kit Wilson. Femi’s arrival represents a fresh face in the SmackDown roster, and his match against Wilson will be a crucial opportunity to introduce him to a wider audience.

Ilja Dragunov will also be in action, taking on WWE Tag Team Champion Tama Tonga in a singles contest. Dragunov has been steadily building momentum on the SmackDown brand, and a victory over Tonga would further solidify his position as a rising star.

Adding further intrigue to the evening, Cody Rhodes is scheduled to kick off the show. While the specifics of his appearance remain undisclosed, Rhodes’s presence is likely to generate significant buzz and set the tone for the night. Rhodes has been a central figure in WWE storytelling over the past several years, and his opening segment is expected to address current storylines and potentially set up future feuds.

Tonight’s broadcast will be unique in that it is airing on Syfy, rather than its usual home on USA Network. This change is due to USA Network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics, forcing WWE to temporarily shift its programming to Syfy. Despite the change in network, the show is expected to maintain its usual high production value and deliver a compelling viewing experience for fans.

The card represents a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with the Elimination Chamber qualifiers serving as a focal point for the evening. The late change involving Rhea Ripley and Giulia adds an element of unpredictability, and fans will be eager to see how the match unfolds. With a mix of competitive action, storyline development, and the presence of key figures like Cody Rhodes, SmackDown promises to be a compelling show as WWE continues to build towards the Elimination Chamber event.