IYO SKY:
Formerly known as Io Shirai, IYO SKY is a well-known professional wrestler from Japan who has become a sensation in the WWE world. One of the best female wrestlers in the world, IYO SKY is well-known for her high-flying style, electrifying charm, and fierce in-ring skills. Her supremacy in NXT, her role in the faction Damage CTRL, and her tenure as WWE Women’s Champion have earned her the most recognition. She has a devoted worldwide fan base and critical acclaim thanks to her performances at events like WrestleMania, NXT TakeOver, and SummerSlam.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Masami Odate |
|---|---|
| Ring Name/Nickname | IYO SKY (formerly Io Shirai) |
| Date of Birth / Age | May 8, 1990 / 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Family Members | Sister: Mio Shirai (former wrestler) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Anime, fitness, video games, music |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $3 million USD |
Childhood and Schooling
Japan’s Kamakura, Kanagawa, is where IYO SKY was born. She was up in a household that loved sports, and as a teenager, she became interested in wrestling. She concentrated on physical education while attending Kanagawa’s municipal schools. IYO trained hard in professional wrestling at an early age, perfecting her abilities under Japan’s finest wrestling promotions, while not attending a formal college.
Motivators & Impacts
IYO SKY cites her sister Mio Shirai, Manami Toyota, and Rey Mysterio as her main sources of motivation. She was inspired to pursue wrestling with fervor and accuracy after witnessing their agility and commitment.
Career Stats
| Year | Promotion | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Japanese Indies | Debut as Io Shirai alongside her sister |
| 2011 | World Wonder Ring Stardom | Multiple-time World of Stardom Champion |
| 2017 | WWE NXT | Signed with WWE, moved to U.S. |
| 2018 | NXT | Debuted at NXT TakeOver |
| 2020 | NXT | Won NXT Women’s Championship |
| 2022 | WWE Raw | Main roster debut, formed Damage CTRL |
| 2023 | WWE SmackDown | Won WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam |
| 2024 | WWE | Successful title defenses, main-event matches |
Background of the Family
IYO SKY was born into a loving Japanese household. Her mother worked in teaching, while her father was an athlete. IYO’s career was greatly influenced by her older sister, Mio Shirai, who used to be a professional wrestler. The two would train together as children, which helped to develop IYO’s strong work ethic.
Physical Measurements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (155 cm) |
| Weight | 119 lbs (54 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 34-24-34 inches (Bust-Waist-Hips) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed in different colors) |
| Distinctive Features | High-flying style, colorful gear, dynamic entrances |
Career Journey
Early Career:
IYO SKY debuted in 2007 in Japan alongside her sister. She quickly gained attention in Stardom, where she became one of the most decorated female wrestlers, earning respect for her technical and aerial abilities.
Breakthrough Performance:
Her WWE breakthrough came in NXT, especially during NXT TakeOver: In Your House 2020, where she captured the NXT Women’s Championship. Her matches against Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley became instant classics.
Major Titles Won:
WWE Women’s Champion
NXT Women’s Champion
Women’s Tag Team Champion (as part of Damage CTRL)
Multiple Stardom championships in Japan
Awards & Achievements
Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI): Ranked #1 in PWI Women’s 100 (2020)
NXT Year-End Awards: Match of the Year (2020)
Tokyo Sports Joshi Puroresu Grand Prize (2015, 2016)
Multiple-time Wrestler of the Year in Japan
Personal Life
While IYO keeps her romantic life private, she’s known to be focused on her career. She’s heavily involved in charity work supporting youth athletics in Japan and occasionally collaborates with organizations promoting mental health for performers.
Interesting Facts:
She’s fluent in Japanese and learning English.
Loves playing video games (especially RPGs).
Has a black belt in judo.
Collects anime figurines and cosplay items.
Upcoming Initiatives
IYO is expected to defend her title at WrestleMania, headline WWE Premium Live Events, and even participate in cross-brand feuds in 2025. She has indicated a long-term interest in coaching up-and-coming Japanese wrestlers through WWE’s developmental program.
Legacy & Influence
IYO SKY has reshaped what it means to be an international star in WWE. She’s broken barriers for Japanese women in U.S. wrestling and inspired countless aspiring female athletes across the globe. With her fearless in-ring style and authentic personality, IYO’s influence continues to grow.
Social Media & Fan Engagement
| Platform | Username | Followers (2025 est.) | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| @iyo_sky_wwe | 2.1 million | Behind-the-scenes, travel, promos | |
| Twitter (X) | @Iyo_SkyWWE | 1.3 million | Match updates, fan shoutouts |
| TikTok | @iyo_sky | 800K+ | Fun clips, workouts, entrances |
She frequently interacts with fans through Q&As, autograph signings, and digital events—making her one of the most beloved and relatable WWE superstars today.
