Iyo Sky defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026, amidst fan chants for Kairi. The match, originally scheduled for WrestleMania 42, was moved to Backlash, sparking discontent among fans.
Key points
Iyo Sky defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026
Fans chanted 'We Want Kairi' during the match
The match was originally scheduled for WrestleMania 42
Fans expressed frustration over the match's relocation
WWE Backlash 2026 was not as significant as WrestleMania 42
WWEIyo SkyAsuka
WWE Crown Jewel
Iyo Sky continues to rank among the most popular stars in WWE. (Credit: Craig Ambrosio/WWE via Getty Images)
WWE via Getty Images
WWE Backlash 2026 might not be WrestleMania 42, but for Asuka and Iyo Sky, it was indeed their WrestleMania.
Originally set for WWEâs flagship PLE, Asuka vs. Sky was ultimately moved to Backlash instead. That, of course, didnât set well with WWEâs passionate fan base, especially given that WWE found enough time to put on a ridiculous amount of commercials but somehow not enough to spotlight one of its longest-running rivalry featuring two of the top stars in the womenâs division.
The lengthy feud between Asuka and Sky hit yet another snag when Sane, a key figure in the storyline, was suddenly and shockingly released by WWE after WrestleMania 42. With Asuka and Sky getting shafted at WrestleMania and then losing Sane to her future endeavors, the two beloved stars got a chance at redemption at WWE Backlash 2026.
WWE ignited a firestorm of criticism when Sky vs. Asuka did not take place at WrestleMania, but the two former world champions more than made up for it at Backlash.
Capping off an incredible, action-packed match, Sky defeated Asuka via the Over the Moonsault to pick up the marquee victory. The finish came after a stellar back-and-forth battle that had the crowd firmly behind Sky, arguably WWEâs biggest fan favorite.
Here are the biggest moments and top highlights from Skyâs win over Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026:
The crowd quickly started with âWe want Kairiâ chants, a reference to the recently released Kairi Sane, who had been at the center of this storyline before her shocking firing. After an exchange of strikes, Sky took down Asuka with a basement dropkick.
Q&A
What were the results of WWE Backlash 2026?
Iyo Sky defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026.
Why were fans chanting 'We Want Kairi' during the match?
Fans were chanting 'We Want Kairi' due to their desire to see Kairi Sane featured in the event.
Why was the Asuka vs. Iyo Sky match moved from WrestleMania 42 to Backlash?
The match was moved to Backlash due to scheduling decisions by WWE, which frustrated many fans.
How did WWE Backlash 2026 compare to WrestleMania 42?
While WWE Backlash 2026 featured significant matches, it was not considered as high-profile as WrestleMania 42.
Related Articles
NFL
Patriots were missing two key rookies at Saturday's minicamp practice
Patriots rookie minicamp sees absence of key players Jacas and Raridon.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Recap
Maryland baseball neutralized in 8-inning, 10-0 defeat to Rutgers
Maryland baseball suffers a tough 10-0 loss to Rutgers in 8 innings.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Wales progress stalls in sluggish Ireland showing
Wales struggles in 33-12 loss to Ireland in Women's Six Nations.
BBC Sport··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Lakers drop Game 3 to Thunder; now one loss from elimination
Lakers drop Game 3 to Thunder; one loss from elimination in playoffs
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Thunder vs. Lakers final score, results: Oklahoma City on the verge of sweeping Los Angeles
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
On the outside, Sky attempted a move off the ropes, but Asuka swiped her feet out from underneath her and slammed her face-first into the steel ring post. Asuka then crushed Sky with a kick to chest to fend off a comeback attempt. Asuka pummeled Sky with more kicks, but Sky was able to hit a stomp to the chest to take down Asuka.
Sky hit a spinning back elbow and back fist, then nailed a missile drop kick off the rop rope to a big ovation from the crowd. Sky hit the running knee attack in the corner for a close two-count. Asuka responded with a series of kicks and strikes followed by a running knee for a two-count of her own.
Sky rolled up Asuka for another nearfall and then hit a kick for yet another two-count. Sky hit a German suplex into a bridge, but Asuka reversed into an Asuka Lock. Sky escaped and kicked Asuka, but Asuka hit a knee to the face. Sky responded with a spinning heel kick, and both women collapsed to the mat.
As Sky charged Asuka, she reversed it and locked in the Asuka Lock briefly until Sky escaped and hit a modified stunner. Asuka caught Sky in the arm bar, but Sky reversed and locked in Asuka in a modified Asuka Lock until Asuka got the rope break.
Asuka pulled Skyâs hair to smash her face into the top turnbuckle. Then, Sky hit a hurricanrana off the rop rope, but Asuka reversed it into a pin for a very close two-count that nearly won her the match. Asuka missed a splash and landed in the middle of the ropes. Sky kicked her to the outside and then went for a dive. Asuka caught her with a stiff forearm to the face.
Stop the announce table, Asuka attempted to split the blue mist into Skyâs face, but she cleverly blocked it with a notebook. Then, Sky slammed Asuka and jumped off the table, taking out Asuka with a crossbody block. Sky hit a moonsault onto Asuka on the outside.
Back in the ring, Sky missed a moonsault, and Asuka locked in the arm bar yet again. Sky nearly turned it into a pin, and then Asuka locked in the Asuka Lock once again. As it looked like Sky was going to pass out, she nearly countered with a pin. The crowd chanted âThis is awesome!â
Asuka hit another release German suplex and then missed a kick, so Sky hit a German suplex of her own. Sky hit the bullet train knees in the corner and went up top for the moonsault. Sky nailed the Over the Moonsault and pinned Asuka for the 1-2-3.
After the match after the match, Asuka embraced and hugged Sky much to the crowdâs delight.
WWE Backlash 2026 Results: Whatâs Next For Iyo Sky And Asuka?
Asuka vs. Sky was perhaps WWEâs longest-running consecutive rivalry heading into WWE Backlash, and the circumstances surrounding the bout led to a raucous atmosphere in Tampa.
There has long been a sense that, even despite all the advancements in the way WWE books womenâs wrestling, itâs the womenâs division that is often shortchanged in terms of the way its booked. Everything surrounding Asuka vs. Sky, ranging from Saneâs sudden release to the long wait for this match to happen, showed that good storytelling is what really matters.
But is this story over? Well, after what transpired after the match, it appears it will.
With the way Rawâs roster is currently constructed, neither Sky nor Asuka figures into the womenâs world title picture at the moment.What had been a highly anticipated and intriguing rivalry between the two stars seemed to take a 180-degree turn with Saneâs surprising release and Asukaâs apparent babyface turn.
During the post-WrestleMania period each year, WWE often revamps its roster (as evidenced by recent NXT call-ups) or reignites the pushes of previously forgotten stars. Thatâs precisely what should happen with Sky, who is still one of WWEâs most beloved stars despite her prolonged absence from the world title picture.
After Sky beat Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026, this rivalry appears to be over. Now, Sky, arguably WWEâs best wrestler, can move back into the title scene with Liv Morgan, which is exactly where she belongs.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
