IYO SKY and Asuka had their long-awaited singles match at tonight’s (Sat., May 9, 2026) Backlash premium live event at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
This match was strangely left off the WrestleMania 42 card last month. WWE then released Kairi Sane, who was a central figure in the story. Despite that being the case, a recent rumor indicated there was a belief in WWE that Sane might return at Backlash to help close this story. The live fans certainly hoped that was the case, as the match kicked off with loud “We want Kairi!” chants.
The Empress bullied IYO around the ring with fast and furious kicks throughout the bout. They exchanged submission holds on the mat, including an Asuka lock. They also took the fight to the air, with Asuka countering a hurricanrana for a near fall.
The Empress caught IYO with a forearm on the outside during a suicide dive late in the match, and they got on top of the commentary table. Asuka tried to blow the poison mist in IYO’s face at that point, but SKY blocked it with a makeshift shield thanks to how much loose crap was on the table. IYO then took Asuka down with a middle-rope moonsault to the outside.
The Empress avoided IYO’s attempt at the over-the-moonsault back inside the ring and caught her in the Asuka lock. However, she was only delaying the inevitable. After a “This is awesome!” chant, IYO nailed Asuka with a German suplex and hit her moonsault for the pin fall win.
Although Asuka expressed disgust with IYO as her greatest disappointment during the build to this match, all of that went away after the bell rang at the end. They showed each other respect and embraced with an emotional hug as the fans cheered on.
I’d say that even without Kairi Sane in the mix, Asuka vs. IYO SKY at Backlash was better than every women’s match at WrestleMania 42. Tell me why I’m right or wrong in the comments below, Cagesiders.
Get complete Backlash coverage of every match on the card right here.