finance
Iyo Sky Pins Asuka in Heated WWE Backlash Match Marked by 'We Want Kairi' Chants
Iyo Sky pinned Asuka with the Over the Moonsault on May 9, 2026, in a match originally scheduled for WrestleMania 42. The Tampa crowd chanted “We want Kairi” in reference to Kairi Sane’s post-WrestleMania 42 release by WWE. Asuka and Iyo Sky embraced after the bout, capping a rivalry marked by multiple submissions and high-flying moves.
May 9, 7:58 PM·2m read1 source
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Iyo Sky defeated Asuka via the Over the Moonsault at WWE Backlash 2026 on May 9, 2026, in Tampa. Sky pinned Asuka for the 1-2-3 after hitting the move, capping an action-packed match that had originally been scheduled for WrestleMania 42 but was moved to Backlash.
The crowd inside the Tampa arena quickly broke into “We want Kairi” chants during the bout, a direct reference to Kairi Sane, who was released by WWE after WrestleMania 42.
The lengthy feud between Asuka and Sky had centered on Sane before her sudden departure, and the match served as a form of redemption for both women after being omitted from WrestleMania 42. Sky opened the offensive with a basement dropkick on Asuka.
Asuka responded by swiping Sky’s feet on the outside and slamming her face-first into the steel ring post, then crushed her with a kick to the chest.
Sky answered with a missile dropkick off the top rope and later hit a running knee attack in the corner that earned a two-count. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock multiple times, including after reversing a German suplex from Sky and again following a missed moonsault.
Sky hit a moonsault onto Asuka on the outside of the ring and later blocked an attempted blue mist spray with a notebook before delivering a crossbody block off the announce table.
After both women traded nearfalls, including an arm bar reversal and a modified stunner, Sky hit the Over the Moonsault to secure the pinfall. Forbes reported that the finish came after a stellar back-and-forth battle that had the crowd firmly behind Sky.
