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IYO SKY Beats Asuka at Backlash; Emotional Retirement Hint

5/10/2026

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Summary

IYO SKY Triumphs

IYO SKY defeated Asuka in an 18-minute-6-second match at WWE Backlash on May 9, 2026.
After the pin, Asuka broke down, raised SKY’s hand and hugged her in the ring.
IYO SKY posted on X thanking Asuka and calling the bout their final chapter.
Big E observed Asuka’s rare emotion, citing Meltzer’s backstage sources that she is semi-retired and prompting retirement speculation.

Summary

IYO SKY Wins

IYO SKY won by delivering a Bullet Train Attack and a moonsault.
The match, the first encounter of two Japanese wrestlers on a WWE Premium Live Event in the promotion’s 46-year history, saw action spill onto the announce table when Asuka’s green mist was blocked with Wade Barrett’s notebook.
Live commentator The Chadster called the Tampa crowd unusually disrespectful, prompting tighter audience management.

History

Historical Context

After Bull Nakano broke ground in 1995 when WWF signed the Japanese star and she helped draw a record 150,000-person crowd at the Korea Collision event, WWE began regularly featuring Japanese women. The 2026 Backlash main event, pitting IYO SKY against Asuka, marks the first WWE Premium Live Event headlined by two Japanese women, extending Nakano’s legacy.

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IYO SKY Triumphs

IYO SKY defeated Asuka in an 18-minute-6-second match at WWE Backlash on May 9, 2026.
After the pin, Asuka broke down, raised SKY’s hand and hugged her in the ring.
IYO SKY posted on X thanking Asuka and calling the bout their final chapter.
Big E observed Asuka’s rare emotion, citing Meltzer’s backstage sources that she is semi-retired and prompting retirement speculation.

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