Iyo Sky: Career Highlights, Stats, and Her Influence on WWE and Wrestling

Japanese professional wrestler Iyo Sky, whose real name is Masami Odate, is well-known throughout the world for her daring moves, captivating personality, and exciting ring performances. Known as “The Genius of the Sky,” Iyo has enthralled audiences all over the world, particularly American WWE fans, with her unparalleled agility and daring flair.

She gained notoriety for her work in WWE NXT, where she won the NXT Women’s Championship. She then became a major player on the main roster of WWE as a member of the heel faction Damage CTRL, which also included Bayley and Dakota Kai. Her reputation as one of the best women in wrestling has been cemented by her performances at important WWE events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series.

Personal Details

Childhood and Schooling

Masami Odate was raised in Kamayama, Aomori, Japan, where he was born. She was raised in a sports-loving family and became interested in pro wrestling and martial arts at a young age. Instead of going to a typical college, she enrolled in wrestling training programs early on to follow her love. Her strong in-ring basics were developed by her upbringing in Japan, which focused on physical training and wrestling schools.

Inspirations & Influences

Iyo Sky has credited several iconic Japanese wrestlers as her early inspirations, including Rey Mysterio, Lita, and Keiji Mutoh (The Great Muta). She was especially inspired by high-flying wrestlers and female pioneers who showcased that women could headline and redefine the wrestling industry.

Career Stats (Till April 2025)

Family Background

Iyo was born into a supportive family in northern Japan.

• Father: Not publicly disclosed, but known to have supported her sports interests.
• Mother: Also kept private, believed to be a homemaker.
• Sibling: Older sister Mio Shirai, a former professional wrestler who also had a successful career in Japan and later moved into a backstage role in wrestling.
  Iyo’s childhood was marked by a love for athleticism and fierce competition, influenced by her close bond with her sister.

Physical Measurements

Career Journey

Early Career

Iyo Sky began her wrestling journey in Japan, wrestling under her real name and later adopting “Io Shirai” as her persona. She teamed up with her sister in tag team matches and quickly earned respect in the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion, where she won multiple championships and was a consistent top performer.

Breakthrough Performance

Her breakout came in WWE NXT, especially during her steel cage match with Shayna Baszler and her title victory in 2019. Her transformation from fan-favorite to heel, complete with a new dark persona and entrance, was widely praised.

Major Titles Won

• NXT Women’s Championship
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship (with Dakota Kai)
• Money in the Bank Winner (2023)
• WWE Women’s Championship (2023–2024 reign)

Awards & Achievements

• Ranked #1 in PWI Women’s 100 (2020)
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Best High-Flyer (2018)
• NXT Year-End Awards: Female Competitor of the Year (2020)
• Multiple-time Stardom Champion
• Money in the Bank winner (2023)

Personal Life

Iyo Sky tends to keep her personal life private. As of 2025, she is not publicly linked to any relationships. She is known for her independent nature and dedication to her career.

Philanthropy

She has quietly supported charities in Japan related to youth sports and mental health awareness.

Interesting Facts

• Speaks basic English and has improved significantly since moving to the U.S.
• Loves anime and often draws inspiration from Japanese pop culture for her ring gear.
• Trained in kickboxing and judo during her early years.

Also Read: Addison Rae: The Rise of a Social Media Sensation

Future Projects

Iyo Sky is expected to remain a key figure in WWE programming throughout 2025. Rumors suggest a potential rivalry with other top female superstars like Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. She also aspires to headline a WrestleMania singles match, which fans widely anticipate.

Legacy & Influence

Iyo Sky’s influence stretches far beyond the ring. She has inspired a new generation of female athletes in Japan and around the world who admire her daring moves and fearless personality. On social media, fans constantly engage with her high-flying clips, and she’s often praised for representing Japanese wrestling culture on a global platform.

Social Media & Fan Engagement

Iyo actively interacts with her fans by sharing behind-the-scenes content, gym routines, and even fun anime-themed reels. She’s known for being witty and authentic online, which has made her even more popular with younger fans.