WWE Backlash 2026: 10 Things That NEED To Happen
7. Then IYO SKY Ends The Asuka Plotline
And it should be a blow off.
There's really no need to continue Asuka's feud with IYO SKY after Backlash. This is almost certainly their blow off, and WWE will put a tick next to their story if Kairi Sane is in the house for closure after all. Let's be honest: Where on earth would the pair go after Saturday's PLE anyway? SKY is needed elsewhere, and it isn't like Triple H has to build Asuka up any in 2026.
IYO vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's Title has either SummerSlam or WrestleMania 43 (or both) written all over it. That wholly depends on how patient 'The Game' and his army of writers can be, but they shouldn't try to labour the point with the ex-Damage CTRL stuff. Let SKY score the win, hug Kairi, then celebrate moving onto other things.
If they're feeling really fruity, then creative could have 'Mami' come out to congratulate SKY then eat some poison mist for her troubles. Actually, nah. Nah, it's far too soon for IYO to be turning heel, and the more logical solution is that WWE go babyface vs. babyface with them for a while in some sort of friendly rivalry situation.
Any back and forth between SKY and Ripley can motor along until a bumper grudge outing at 'Mania next year. That'd be their own blow off. For now, and in the short erm, IYO vanquishing Asuka and proving that she's ready for the Japanese women's wrestling matriarch after all shall suffice.
Book this as the opener and watch Tampa lose their minds.