IYO SKY Triumphs in Japan Return: Defeats Former Stablemate at Marigold’s Summer Destiny

One big thing: IYO SKY returns to Japan with a win

WWE’s IYO SKY made a triumphant return to Japan, defeating former STARDOM stablemate Utami Hayashishita at Marigold’s Summer Destiny event.

Key details:

• The match took place at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Sumo Hall
• It was billed as the “Queen of Queen” match, as both women previously led STARDOM’s Queen’s Quest stable
• SKY wore her old Queen’s Quest mask, mirroring Hayashishita’s entrance
• The bout lasted nearly 25 minutes
• SKY won with a tombstone piledriver followed by her signature moonsault

Why it matters:

This match marks SKY’s first performance in Japan since joining WWE in 2018, showcasing the growing relationship between WWE and the Japanese wrestling scene. It also highlights Marigold’s commitment to featuring top international talent in their events.

The bigger picture:

Former STARDOM booker Rossy Ogawa’s new promotion, Marigold, aims to become a hotbed for women’s wrestling. The event demonstrates Marigold’s strategy of:

• Showcasing the best of Japanese women’s wrestling
• Providing opportunities for young foreign talent
• Fostering relationships with major promotions like WWE

What’s next:

SKY will return to the United States, where she’s set to face off against the newly formed group of Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville on WWE Raw.

The bottom line:

IYO SKY’s performance in Japan reaffirms her status as a global wrestling star and strengthens the connections between WWE and the Japanese wrestling scene.

What did you think of IYO SKY’s return to Japan? Do you believe more WWE superstars should compete in Japanese promotions? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!