Iyo Sky defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026 on May 9, 2026 [1], delivering a dominant performance to conclude their recent feud.
The match marks a significant shift in the women's division as Sky seeks a position at the top of the card. The victory follows months of torment from Asuka and serves as a calculated act of revenge.
The event took place in Tampa, Florida [2]. While the in-ring action focused on the rivalry between Sky and Asuka, the atmosphere in the arena was marked by tension from the audience. Throughout the match, fans broke into loud "We want Kairi" chants [1].
These chants are a direct response to broader dissatisfaction with the company's personnel decisions. WWE recently fired nearly 30 talents in a series of layoffs [3], a move that has sparked backlash among the fanbase. The specific calls for Kairi Sane highlight the frustration regarding the loss of key performers from the roster.
This match was the first time the two superstars faced each other in this specific rivalry. The tension had been building since March 30, 2026 [4], when a "suicide-dive" incident occurred during an episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden in New York [4]. That earlier encounter set the stage for the physical intensity seen in Tampa.
Sky used the Backlash platform to assert her dominance over Asuka. By securing the win, she has transitioned from a target of Asuka's torment to a primary contender in the division. The match ended with Sky standing tall, though the crowd's focus remained split between the victory and the missing talent.
“Iyo Sky defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026”
The result of this match establishes Iyo Sky as a top-tier threat in the women's division, but the 'We want Kairi' chants indicate a disconnect between WWE management and the audience. The fan reaction suggests that in-ring victories may be overshadowed by the perceived loss of talent quality following the recent layoffs of nearly 30 performers.
