IYO SKY and Asuka are scheduled to face each other at WWE Backlash 2026 on Saturday, May 9 [1].
The match serves as the culmination of months of animosity between the two competitors. The rivalry intensified after a planned encounter between the pair was pulled from the card for WrestleMania 42 [2, 3].
The event will take place at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida [1]. The broadcast is set to begin at 6 p.m. EST [1].
WWE officials said the match is officially scheduled for the Backlash event [2]. This booking allows the company to resolve the tension that has built since the WrestleMania 42 cancellation, a move that left both athletes and fans seeking a definitive conclusion to the feud [3].
Both SKY and Asuka have been central figures in their respective divisions, and this match represents a high-stakes collision of two of the most decorated performers in the company. The decision to move the match to Backlash ensures that the buildup of the rivalry is utilized for maximum impact in a dedicated arena setting [2].
Fans can expect the action to unfold in Tampa this Saturday as the company looks to capitalize on the existing heat between the two stars [1].
“IYO SKY and Asuka are scheduled to face each other at WWE Backlash 2026.”
By scheduling this match for Backlash 2026, WWE is utilizing a 'delayed gratification' booking strategy. Moving a high-profile grudge match from the primary WrestleMania event to a secondary premium live event allows the promotion to sustain interest in the rivalry over a longer period and provides a focused spotlight for the two competitors in a standalone environment.
