Connect with us

Sports

Iyo Sky Prepares for Historic Supershow Japan Amid Wrestling Success

Published

on

Iyo Sky Wrestling Action Performance

Tokyo, Japan — Japanese wrestler Iyo Sky, known as the “Genius of the Sky,” is set to return home for “Supershow Japan” on Oct. 15 and 16 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. The WWE star will perform alongside wrestling icons including Asuka and Jey Uso.

Sky, 35, expressed her excitement for the event, stating, “I usually only get to meet fans through the screen, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the faces of everyone in the Japanese universe.” She hopes to create an electrifying atmosphere with the fans during her matches.

This year, veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer called Sky the best wrestler in WWE, highlighting her remarkable journey from Japan’s independent wrestling scene to international stardom. Born as Masami Odate in Kamakura, Kanagawa, she began wrestling with her sister under the names Io and Mio Shirai.

Sky reflected on her early career, saying, “There were a lot of things that didn’t go well. Back then, I sometimes fought in venues with only a few dozen people in attendance.” Her determination and resilience have led her to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans in major events.

In 2018, she joined WWE’s developmental territory NXT as Io Shirai, where she honed her skills. “It’s all thanks to the people who supported me throughout that time,” Sky stated, acknowledging her supporters during her rise in the wrestling world.

Sky is closely monitoring the growth of women’s wrestling in Japan, noting, “The number of wrestlers, popularity, and recognition have all really grown.” She is thrilled about the recent surge in interest and support for women’s divisions in both the United States and Japan.

Transitioning to WWE required her to adapt her wrestling style and understand television production. “Japanese professional wrestling is more like a ‘sports broadcast,’” Sky explained. “But WWE is a TV program, so the match and drama need to be conveyed to viewers through the camera.”

Sky’s success includes winning the WWE Women’s Championship in August 2023 and making history at WrestleMania 41 as the first Japanese woman to win and defend a title at the event. Reflecting on her achievements, she stated, “It was definitely the greatest moment of my life.”

Though she lost the title recently to Stephanie Vaquer, Sky continued to impress fans with her performances, saying, “In the WWE Women’s Division, there are several wrestlers I feel can help us improve each time we wrestle.”

Sky’s daring high-flying moves have earned her the nickname “Genius of the Sky.” Looking ahead, she intends to keep entertaining her audience, stating, “More than being scared, what motivates me is having fun.”