Backstage Update On Iyo Sky Staying With WWE

Latest on the former Io Shirai, who returned to WWE at SummerSlam 2022.

by Andy H Murray
Iyo Sky
WWE

Io Shirai returned to WWE for the first time in over three months at SummerSlam 2022 (30 July). Now rebranded Iyo Sky, the Japanese star aligned herself with fellow comeback queens Bayley and Dakota Kai, confronting Raw Women's Champion Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch.

It was the first time Sky had been on WWE television since April's NXT Stand & Deliver event. That absence was due to injury, though it was reported during this period that Iyo was considering stepping away from WWE in favour of returning to her native Japan.

Dave Meltzer now reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there was a belief that Sky wouldn't stay with WWE unless she was offered a main roster deal. The former NXT Women's Champion, who had previously turned down several offers to extend her expiring contract, eventually got what she was looking for.

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Sky, Kai, and Bayley appeared on Raw two nights after SummerSlam 2022, suggesting they will be assigned to that brand going forward. Alexa Bliss and Asuka entered their crosshairs on this week's show.

Iyo has been with WWE since May 2017, when she accepted a contract offer after months of speculation.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.