IYO SKY's sudden disappearance from WWE TV has left fans wondering – where did she go? One minute she was a dominant force, the next, vanished from Monday Night RAW. But don't worry, the mystery is solved, and it involves a trip back to her roots.
Let's recap: IYO SKY, a celebrated Japanese superstar, had a phenomenal run this year. She held the Women’s World Championship, successfully defended it against formidable opponents like Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Stephanie Vaquer, and even handed Belair her first pinfall loss at a premium live event (PLE) during WrestleMania 41. That's a huge accomplishment! Beyond singles competition, she even formed a tag team with Rhea Ripley, and they triumphed over The Kabuki Warriors at Crown Jewel: Perth.
But here's where it gets controversial... following that victory, Asuka and Kairi Sane ambushed her and Ripley on RAW. This attack effectively wrote IYO SKY off television… or did it? The truth is, the attack served as a storyline device to explain her absence, as the former Women’s World Champion is currently taking an extended, and perhaps much deserved, break after her recent stint in Japan. It wasn’t an injury or some backstage drama, but a planned hiatus.
And this is the part most people miss: IYO SKY's break wasn't just about rest and relaxation. She actually performed at the Marigold Grand Destiny event on October 26th, where she had a highly anticipated match against Mayu Iwatani and emerged victorious. In a post-match statement, SKY expressed that the experience was a mix of emotions – "nostalgic, warm, painful, and bitter" – and that she felt "heartbroken" when the match concluded. This wasn't her first appearance for Marigold either, having debuted there in June 2024, keeping the door open for future appearances in Japan.
So, what's she been up to since then? Well, according to her Instagram, IYO SKY is thoroughly enjoying her time in Tokyo. She posted, "I’m enjoying my brief Tokyo life. Part 1📸 Cat street, Harajuku." It seems she's embracing the opportunity to reconnect with her culture and enjoy some downtime. Is this a hint of things to come? Could we see IYO SKY returning to Japan more permanently in the future?
Meanwhile, back on RAW, The Kabuki Warriors have been capitalizing on IYO SKY's absence, gaining momentum and securing a victory over Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. WWE has intentionally left the storyline with IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley open-ended, suggesting that a return and subsequent showdown with The Kabuki Warriors is still very much on the table. This raises a question: should WWE have addressed IYO SKY's absence more directly on television, or was the open-ended approach the right call?
Now, the big question remains: are you excited for IYO SKY's eventual return? And do you think WWE should have given The Kabuki Warriors their win over IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley? Or should they have been protected as a dominant tag team? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
