WWE Star Set For Huge Face Turn & Title Reign
WWE has BIG plans up its sleeve for this SmackDown star.
A babyface turn, blockbuster feud, and title run may all be on the cards for WWE's IYO SKY.
Sports Illustrated reports that SKY could be next in line to capture the SmackDown Women's Championship. The current title-holder, Asuka, is reportedly in place to "use her veteran presence to highlight a younger star as the next women's champion," with the signs currently pointing to SKY.
WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, has been impressed by SKY for years. IYO's position has been enhanced by the great crowd response she received at Backlash 2023, where she wrestled Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship.
SKY's creative direction could involve a babyface turn and feud with Bayley, alongside whom she has featured as a Damage CTRL member since returning to WWE at SummerSlam 2022. Bayley, SI notes, is continually "championing the roster around her", even in situations where she could make a push for herself to capture a title.
Shirai has been with WWE since May 2017, signing several months after her first contract offer from the promotion. Last week's SmackDown saw her confirmed as a participant in the titular women's match at Money In The Bank 2023 (1 July).