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BREAKING: Massive WWE Star Teases Retirement After Turning Babyface At Backlash 2026

By Faiz Ahmed • Published May 09, 2026 20:00 EDT
Backlash WWE
Backlash took place on Saturday, May 9. [Source: WWE.com]

WWE Backlash saw a huge grudge match take place on the show as two Japanese stars, who have been at each other’s throats for months, finally wrestled it out one-on-one tonight.

Former Damage CTRL members, IYO SKY and Asuka, have been feuding with each other ever since they had their sights set on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

The rivalry grew even more intense due to Asuka’s treatment of Kairi Sane, who was a friend of IYO’s. However, things became personal between them following Kairi’s departure as Asuka cost IYO the chance to win the Women’s IC Championship.

They met in singles action in the ring tonight and put on an interesting match for the fans to witness, which saw them trade momentum throughout the match. IYO came close to winning on multiple occasions before Asuka weakened her with the Asuka lock.

IYO SKY gets her revenge on WWE Backlash

Both women then went on to trade submission maneuvers as they tried to make each other submit, but Asuka got out of the hold by stretching her leg to the bottom rope.

Asuka then took the action outside and began attacking IYO at ringside. She put her up on the announce desk and tried to spray the Mist in her face, but IYO used Wade Barrett’s notepad to block the mist and got back in the match.

She took out Asuka with a couple of dives before going for the Over the Moonsault, but Asuka moved out and trapped her in the Asuka Lock. Just as she looked like she was about to pass out, she turned it into a pin attempt to get out of the hold.

She then hit her with the running knees in the corner before hitting the Over the Moonsault to pick up the win. The two women then shared an emotional moment in the ring, which ended in a warm embrace with each other as they walked off together.

Asuka was in tears following the match and waved to the fans, teasing that retirement might be on the card for the former World Champion. She gave flying kisses to the fans as they chanted ‘Thank You Asuka’ as she walked back.

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