Iyo Sky’s age and early career as Io Shirai
As of late 2025, Iyo Sky, whose real name is Masami Odate, is 35 years old, having been born on May 8, 1990. Her journey into professional wrestling began in 2007, marking the start of a decade-long career on the independent circuit. Before gracing the WWE Universe, she was a celebrated figure in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom (Stardom), where she carved out a legendary reputation under the ring name Io Shirai. This period was instrumental in shaping her into the formidable competitor she is today, honing her skills and developing the high-flying, technical prowess that would eventually captivate audiences worldwide.
The ‘ace’ of Stardom: A decade on the independent circuit
During her ten years in promotions like Stardom, Io Shirai wasn’t just a participant; she was the undeniable ‘ace’. This title signifies a wrestler who is the face of the promotion and consistently delivers top-tier performances. In Stardom, she achieved immense success, reigning as a two-time World of Stardom Champion and holding numerous other prestigious titles. Her matches were often described as dream matches, showcasing a blend of breathtaking aerial maneuvers and intricate technical wrestling. This era solidified her status as one of the most exciting talents outside of major American promotions, building a devoted fanbase eager to see her make the leap to the global stage.
Iyo Sky’s WWE debut delay due to health conditions
The anticipation for Iyo Sky’s arrival in WWE was palpable, but her official debut was unfortunately met with a significant delay. This postponement was attributed to reported health conditions, specifically concerns regarding neck and heart issues. These challenges required her to undergo treatment and recuperate, highlighting the physical demands and inherent risks associated with professional wrestling. Despite these setbacks, her determination to compete in WWE remained unwavering, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her craft.
Professional wrestling style and persona
Iyo Sky’s evolution as a professional wrestler is a testament to her adaptability and dedication. Initially renowned for her spectacular high-flying offense, she has masterfully transitioned into a dominant champion persona. This shift showcases a more aggressive and strategic approach to her matches, proving that she is not only a thrilling performer but also a calculating competitor capable of outsmarting her opponents. Her in-ring style is a captivating blend of agility, precision, and power, making her a unique and formidable presence in any division she competes in.
From high-flying to dominant champion: Evolution of her wrestling
The transformation from the agile ‘Genius of the Sky’ to the commanding presence of Iyo Sky in WWE has been remarkable. While her signature aerial maneuvers, like the Moonsault, remain a highlight, her current persona exudes a greater sense of authority and control. This evolution reflects her growth as a performer, embracing a more dominant character that complements her championship aspirations. She has demonstrated an ability to adapt her style to suit different opponents and storylines, ensuring her performances remain fresh and engaging for the WWE Universe.
Iyo Sky’s signature moves and legacy
Iyo Sky’s arsenal of moves is as impressive as her career achievements. While her Moonsault is arguably her most iconic finisher, she also incorporates a variety of devastating strikes, submission holds, and high-risk aerial maneuvers into her repertoire. Her legacy is being written with every match, solidifying her place as one of the most influential Japanese professional wrestlers to compete on the global stage. She is celebrated for her technical expertise, her breathtaking athleticism, and her ability to connect with fans through her captivating performances.
Championships and accomplishments
Iyo Sky’s journey through WWE has been decorated with a remarkable collection of championships and accolades, cementing her status as a true superstar. Her success spans across multiple brands and divisions, showcasing her versatility and consistent excellence within the company. She has proven herself to be a dominant force, capable of capturing singles and tag team gold.
NXT Women’s Champion and tag team success
During her tenure in WWE NXT, Iyo Sky made a significant impact, capturing the NXT Women’s Championship. This reign marked her first major singles title in WWE and was a crucial step in her development. Furthermore, she experienced considerable success in the tag team division, notably holding the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside Zoey Stark. This period demonstrated her ability to excel both as a solo competitor and as a cohesive unit with a partner, further broadening her championship portfolio.
WWE Women’s Grand Slam and Triple Crown holder
Iyo Sky has achieved the prestigious status of being a WWE Women’s Grand Slam Champion and a WWE Women’s Triple Crown Champion. These are rare and highly coveted accomplishments, signifying that a wrestler has held multiple key championships within WWE. She is notably the first Japanese wrestler to achieve Grand Slam status in both Japan and the United States, a testament to her groundbreaking career. Her list of WWE championships includes the WWE Women’s Championship, Women’s World Championship, NXT Women’s Championship, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (twice).
Family life and personal details
While Iyo Sky’s public persona is that of a fierce competitor, her personal life is generally kept private. She is a Japanese professional wrestler whose real name is Masami Odate. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall and weighing approximately 119 lbs (54 kg), she is one of WWE’s shorter wrestlers, a fact that further highlights her incredible strength and skill. She has no visible permanent tattoos. Although her romantic life is not extensively publicized, she was previously engaged to wrestler Takaaki Watanabe, also known as EVIL, and has also been linked to Kazushige Nosawa.
Iyo Sky’s sister in the wrestling business
Adding another layer to her connection with professional wrestling, Iyo Sky’s older sister, Mio Shirai, is also a former professional wrestler. Mio Shirai has also contributed to the wrestling industry by working as a referee. This familial connection to the sport likely played a role in Iyo Sky’s early exposure and passion for wrestling, creating a unique bond within their family centered around the world of combat sports entertainment.
The rise of Iyo Sky in WWE: Damage CTRL and beyond
Iyo Sky’s arrival on WWE’s main roster in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in her career, as she joined the formidable faction Damage CTRL. Under the ring name IYO SKY, she quickly became a central figure within the group, aligning herself with Bayley and Dakota Kai. This alliance propelled her into prominent storylines and championship opportunities. Her incredible journey continued when she won the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match in 2023, a victory that guaranteed her a championship match at a time of her choosing and further solidified her status as a top contender. Her continued success on Raw and SmackDown showcases her enduring impact on the WWE landscape.
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