Asuka vs. IYO SKY WrestleMania 42 Match Now Uncertain

The status of a potential match between Asuka and IYO SKY at WrestleMania 42 is currently uncertain, with reports indicating that WWE may move the bout to a later event. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the matchup is no longer a certainty for the premium live event, and the company is considering shifting the contest to Backlash 2026.

WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. While the match between the two former partners was previously expected to occur during the event, Dave Meltzer reports that the decision remains unresolved.

Current reporting suggests that moving the match to Backlash, which is scheduled for May 9, 2026, could be more than just a contingency. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicates that saving the match for the May 9 event may not even be the backup plan, but the plan.

Card Logistics and Scheduling

The uncertainty regarding the match stems largely from scheduling constraints on the second night of the event. Night Two of WrestleMania 42 currently features six announced matches, and WWE officials are evaluating the overall runtime of the show and the specific time allocation for each bout.

Adding a seventh match to the Sunday night card may not be practical given the current volume of scheduled content. This logistical pressure is reflected in recent communications. the match appeared on WWE’s internal lineup during the week prior to April 10, 2026, but it was not included when the company announced the cards for both nights on ESPN on April 7.

Earlier reports from the Wrestling Observer had characterized the bout as probable, suggesting it would serve as the 14th and final match across the two-night event, though it was noted at the time that the match was not 100% confirmed.

Feud Development and Roster Factors

Despite the scheduling doubts, both Asuka and IYO SKY have continued to build toward the matchup. During the week of April 6, 2026, Asuka filmed a taped interview on Raw to advance the storyline. IYO SKY also teased her appearance at Allegiant Stadium by posting a photograph of the venue on social media.

The rivalry between the two women has developed gradually since the breakup of the Damage CTRL stable, an angle that has also involved Kairi Sane. Shifting the match to May 9 would provide WWE with additional time to further develop the narrative between the former partners.

Beyond timing issues, other roster factors may be influencing the decision. Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer has reported that the match has not been made official in part due to uncertainty surrounding the health status of Nikki.

If the move to Backlash is finalized, the match will transition from the WrestleMania 42 card to the May 9 event, allowing the company to manage the duration of the Las Vegas show while maintaining the momentum of the feud.