Asuka is finally speaking out about her fractured relationship with Iyo Sky.
On Wednesday, “The Empress of Tomorrow” uploaded a nearly three-minute video to YouTube titled “This is My Story with IYO – Now’s the Time.” In the emotional clip, Asuka reflects on her long history with Sky — from their days as tag partners in Japan to recent tensions on WWE Raw.
“I’m still really angry. But today, I want to take this chance to talk about what Iyo and I have been through.
“Iyo and I teamed up back in Japan.
In Japanese wrestling, there’s a very strict senpai–kohai system. Since I debuted before her, I was the senpai — senior — and Iyo was the kohai — junior. Normally, that means the junior must follow everything the senior says.
“But I never wanted to treat Iyo like that. To me, the culture had no meaning, no value. So I didn’t follow that tradition.
“Instead, we went beyond it. We teamed up, went into different promotions together, trusted each other, and fought side by side. Later, Iyo went her way and I went mine, and for a while our paths were separate.
“But years later, we met again in WWE. When Kairi (Sane) went back to Japan, I was alone and felt lonely. But just having Iyo around really healed my heart. Sometimes we even stood on opposite sides of the ring, but when Kairi returned, we all stood together again as a team.
“Of course, Iyo has her own life and path, and I have mine. But still, I wanted us to always support each other. That’s why what happened this time was so deeply disappointing.”
Two weeks ago on Raw, Asuka and Sane offered to support Sky in her match against The Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez. Sky appreciated the offer but insisted on going it alone. When Raquel Rodriguez interfered on Perez’s behalf, Asuka and Sane stepped in — despite Sky’s earlier wishes.
Their interference backfired and cost Sky the match. In the aftermath, Sky and Asuka had a heated confrontation that ended with Kairi Sane walking out — a signal of deeper tension within the trio.
On this week’s Raw, Sky defeated Rodriguez but was attacked post-match by the women of The Judgment Day. Asuka and Sane did not come to her rescue. Instead, Rhea Ripley made the save.
That led to another volatile moment backstage, as Asuka and Sky exchanged harsh words — this time ending with Sky walking away. The segment closed with Asuka warning Ripley to stay out of their business.
In her video, Asuka let her emotions show. She comes across as a loyal friend who feels hurt and betrayed. She rejects the senpai–kohai dynamic, framing herself as someone who values equality over hierarchy.
However, this might also be a subtle power play, with Asuka using her seniority to lay a guilt-trip on Sky. Ultimately, Sky will either give in or fight back completely (my money’s on the latter).
Either way, the seeds of conflict have been planted. Asuka and Sky seem destined to collide. Along the way, fans could be treated to a dream match between Asuka and Ripley — a feud teased by this week’s interaction.
