Iyo Sky: The Evolution of a Wrestling Phenomenon
Masami Odate, better known to wrestling fans as Iyo Sky, has become one of the most revered and accomplished professional wrestlers of her generation. Currently signed to WWE and performing on the Raw brand, Sky has carved out a legacy that transcends national and promotional boundaries. As of July 2024, she is a member of the dominant faction Damage CTRL, alongside Asuka, Dakota Kai, and Kairi Sane. With an impressive resume that includes being a former two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, a Women’s Money in the Bank contract holder, and a former WWE Women’s Champion, Sky’s journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and adaptability.
Early Career and Stardom Beginnings
Masami Odate was born on May 8, 1990, in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. She made her professional wrestling debut in March 2007, under the ring name Io Shirai, teaming with her older sister, Mio Shirai. Together, they formed a formidable tag team, competing across various promotions in Japan and Mexico. The Shirai sisters quickly made a name for themselves, winning the TLW World Young Women’s Tag Team Championship and showcasing their synergy and in-ring prowess.
In June 2010, Io and Mio joined forces with Kana (now known as Asuka in WWE) to form the Triple Tails stable. The trio was a force to be reckoned with, blending technical skill with high-octane offense. However, the group disbanded in September 2011, after which Io Shirai set her sights on singles competition, joining World Wonder Ring Stardom, a promotion that would become the stage for her meteoric rise.
The Ace of Stardom
Upon joining Stardom in 2011, Io Shirai quickly established herself as one of the promotion’s top stars. Her combination of speed, agility, and technical mastery set her apart, and she soon became known as the “ace” of Stardom. Over the next seven years, Shirai would go on to dominate the promotion, capturing nearly every championship available and earning accolades that solidified her status as one of the best in the business.
Shirai’s first major title win in Stardom came in April 2013, when she defeated Alpha Female to claim the World of Stardom Championship, the promotion’s top title. Her reign lasted for over a year, during which she defended the title against some of the top competitors in the world. Shirai’s ability to adapt her style to counter various opponents, combined with her innovative offense, made her a formidable champion.
In addition to her success as a singles competitor, Shirai also excelled in tag team and trios competition. She won the Artist of Stardom Championship six times, the Wonder of Stardom Championship twice, and became the inaugural SWA World Champion. Her reigns as World of Stardom Champion, which she held twice, each lasting over a year, solidified her reputation as the face of the promotion. Shirai’s dominance in Stardom was recognized with three consecutive Tokyo Sports Joshi Puroresu Grand Prizes in 2015, 2016, and 2017, an honor reserved for the top female wrestler in Japan.
Transition to WWE
After achieving nearly everything possible in Stardom, Io Shirai made the decision to pursue new challenges on the global stage. In 2018, she signed with WWE and was assigned to its developmental brand, NXT. WWE fans were eagerly anticipating her arrival, knowing her reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world. Shirai did not disappoint, quickly making an impact and establishing herself as a top contender in the NXT women’s division.
Competing under her original ring name, Io Shirai, she debuted in NXT with a babyface persona, dazzling the audience with her high-flying maneuvers and technical proficiency. However, it wasn’t until she turned heel in mid-2019 that she truly found her stride. Adopting a darker, more intense persona, Shirai became known as the “Genius of the Sky,” a moniker that perfectly captured her aerial expertise and unpredictable nature.
In June 2020, Shirai achieved one of the most significant milestones of her career when she won the NXT Women’s Championship in a triple threat match against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Shirai’s reign as NXT Women’s Champion was marked by a series of outstanding matches against top-tier opponents, including Dakota Kai, Candice LeRae, and Toni Storm. Her reign lasted 304 days, making her one of the longest-reigning NXT Women’s Champions in history.
Shirai’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, combined with her innovative in-ring style, made her a standout performer in NXT. She also captured the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Zoey Stark, further showcasing her versatility as both a singles competitor and a tag team wrestler.
Main Roster Success as Iyo Sky
In 2022, Io Shirai made her much-anticipated move to WWE’s main roster, rebranding herself as Iyo Sky and aligning with Bayley and Dakota Kai to form Damage CTRL. The faction quickly established itself as a dominant force on the Raw brand, with Sky and Kai capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship twice. Sky’s transition to the main roster was seamless, as she continued to deliver standout performances in both singles and tag team competition.
One of the defining moments of Sky’s main roster career came in July 2023, when she won the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, earning the right to challenge for a WWE Women’s Championship at a time of her choosing. Sky’s victory in this match was a testament to her resilience and willingness to take risks, as she outlasted some of the top women’s wrestlers in the company to secure the briefcase.
Sky successfully cashed in her Money in the Bank contract at SummerSlam 2023, defeating Asuka to win the WWE Women’s Championship. This victory marked the culmination of Sky’s journey from Stardom to WWE, solidifying her status as one of the top women’s wrestlers in the world. As WWE Women’s Champion, Sky defended her title against a range of formidable challengers, including Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, further enhancing her legacy in the company.
In-Ring Style and Legacy
Iyo Sky’s in-ring style is a unique blend of technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and martial arts-inspired strikes. Her background in gymnastics is evident in her fluid movement and ability to execute breathtaking aerial moves with precision. Sky’s signature moves, such as the Moonsault, the Over-the-Moon Moonsault, and the Asai DDT, have become fan favorites and are often the highlights of her matches.
Sky’s adaptability in the ring is another key aspect of her success. Whether competing in singles matches, tag team bouts, or multi-woman contests, she is able to adjust her strategy to counter her opponents’ strengths while exploiting their weaknesses. This versatility has made her a formidable opponent in any setting, and her matches are consistently praised for their creativity and intensity.
Beyond her in-ring abilities, Sky’s character work has also played a significant role in her success. Her evolution from the bright, babyface Io Shirai in NXT to the darker, more enigmatic Iyo Sky on the main roster has allowed her to connect with a broader audience. Sky’s ability to convey emotion through her facial expressions, body language, and promo work adds depth to her character and makes her storylines more compelling.
As of July 2024, Sky is a key member of Damage CTRL, a faction that has dominated the women’s division on Raw. Her partnership with Dakota Kai and Asuka has provided her with new opportunities to showcase her skills, and her alliance with these established stars has further solidified her place in WWE’s hierarchy. Sky’s role in Damage CTRL has also allowed her to explore different aspects of her character, as she balances her loyalty to the group with her desire to achieve individual success.
Impact and Future Prospects
Iyo Sky’s journey from Japan’s Stardom promotion to the heights of WWE’s main roster is a testament to her dedication and passion for professional wrestling. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the ring, inspiring a new generation of wrestlers and earning the respect of her peers and fans alike. Sky’s influence extends beyond her accomplishments; she represents the growing globalization of professional wrestling, where talent from around the world can achieve success on the biggest stages.
Looking ahead, the future for Iyo Sky is filled with possibilities. With her current momentum, there is no doubt that she will continue to be a central figure in WWE’s women’s division. Her potential for more championship reigns, high-profile feuds, and memorable matches is immense, and as a member of Damage CTRL, she will likely play a key role in shaping the direction of WWE’s women’s storylines in the coming years.
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