Japanese wrestler Iyo Sky is renowned for her breathtaking aerial moves, earning her the title “Genius of the Sky.” She is set to captivate fans during the “Supershow Japan” on October 15-16, 2023, at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. This event features notable wrestlers such as Asuka, Kairi, Rhea Ripley, and Jey Uso.
Sky, 35, expresses her enthusiasm about returning to Japan, stating, “I usually only get to meet fans through the screen.” She looks forward to interacting with her followers and competing live. “Let’s sing, scream, and have fun until our voices are hoarse,” she adds.
Career Journey
Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Masami Odate began her wrestling career alongside her sister, Mio Shirai. They started in Japan’s independent wrestling scene before gaining recognition with All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Zero1 in 2008-2009. Reflecting on her early struggles, Sky recalls, “When I was just starting out, I sometimes fought in venues with only a few dozen people.”
Her path to success included joining WWE NXT in 2018 as Io Shirai. Over time, she honed her skills, evolving into a formidable performer. Sky states, “I’ve been able to get to where I am today by gradually building up my time.” She credits her growth to the support she received throughout her career.
Impact on Women’s Wrestling
Sky remains vigilant about the evolution of women’s wrestling, recognizing its emerging popularity. “Japan in particular had a long period of decline, but the number of wrestlers and recognition have all really grown,” she notes.
Achievements in WWE
Sky’s move to the U.S. represented a significant risk. She needed to adapt her wrestling style for a television audience, a shift from Japan’s sports-focused matches to WWE’s entertainment-driven format. This transformation has made her one of the central figures in WWE’s women’s division.
- First won the WWE Women’s Championship: August 2023
- Held the Raw Women’s Title for 245 days
- Defeated Rhea Ripley to become Women’s World Champion in March 2024
- Made history at WrestleMania 41, being the first Japanese woman to win a championship match
Sky describes her victory at WrestleMania as a life-changing moment, emphasizing the significance of competing alongside top wrestlers like Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley.
Recent Performances
She recently showcased her skills at WWE’s Wrestlepalooza in September, facing Chilean wrestler Stephanie Vaquer. Although Sky lost the match, her performance was well-received, further solidifying her legacy in the wrestling world. “Stephanie is an incredible wrestler,” Sky acknowledged, hinting at the potential for future collaborations.
Iyo Sky’s high-flying wrestling style is characterized by daring stunts, including her memorable leaps from steel cages. “Everyone calls me crazy, and I’m happy about it,” she said, emphasizing her joy in entertaining fans. As she continues her wrestling journey, Sky remains committed to thrilling audiences worldwide while advising fans not to imitate her stunts.
