Backstage News On WWE’s WrestleMania Plans For IYO SKY

IYO SKY recently had her status for the upcoming stadium event made crystal clear by wrestling insiders. It looks like the company is officially saving something very important for her character.

Reports previously noted that a planned television bout between IYO SKY and Giulia on SmackDown was postponed. That specific delay was reportedly executed for strategic scheduling reasons by the creative team.

The sudden change left many WWE fans wondering what exactly the writers have planned for SKY moving forward. She and Rhea Ripley have officially gone their separate ways on the weekly programming.

We now finally know the answer to that lingering creative question as the spring season accelerates. Speaking during a Self Made Session on March 2, 2026, Self Made Pro shared some interesting backstage details.

The outlet stated that management fully intends for IYO SKY to have a featured role at WrestleMania 42. Furthermore, the recently delayed Giulia match is completely central to that long-term vision.

The podcast host elaborated on the specific timeline that the writing staff is currently working with behind the scenes. They want to ensure the highly expected match gets the proper spotlight it deserves.

“IYO SKY — they postponed her match with Giulia,” the source stated.

The insider explained that the sudden shift was not due to an injury or a disciplinary issue. It was simply a matter of finding the right stage for the two talented competitors to clash.

“Which I was told is for creative reasons,” they continued.

The creative team clearly sees the value in putting this specific bout on a much larger platform. They are protecting the matchup from being given away on free television with limited build.

“So they’re holding that off until WrestleMania,” the report detailed.

The source wanted to reassure supporters that the former champion is not being lost in the shuffle. She remains a priority for the booking committee as the roster finalizes their travel plans.

“With regards to IYO, she’s going to be on Mania,” they ended.

With Ripley stepping away to focus on her own major storyline, the landscape has completely shifted. Ripley is currently preparing for her WWE Women’s Championship match against the reigning champion, Jade Cargill.

The promotion is now positioning IYO SKY entirely on her own heading into WrestleMania 42. Instead of tying her to any lingering tag team fallout, the company is ready to move forward.

They are fully prepared to book a high-profile match between the two Japanese professional wrestlers on the grandest stage of them all. It also shows that the executives still view SKY as a prominent star in the women’s division.

As Ripley moves into a main event program, the recent split is absolutely not leaving IYO behind. If anything, it is clearing the way for an important match for the Genius of the Sky.

Both women will look to steal the show when they finally meet in the squared circle. The entire locker room is currently fighting for card placement at WrestleMania 42, which takes place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026. The two-night spectacle will emanate from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring other top matches like CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, and AJ Lee defending her newly won Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

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