IYO SKY Age is 36 years old in 2026. She was born on May 8, 1990, in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. Despite competing in professional wrestling for nearly two decades, IYO SKY remains one of the most athletic, creative, and exciting performers in WWE.
Fans frequently search for IYO SKY age because her energy and high-flying wrestling style make her appear much younger. She is famous for performing breathtaking moonsaults, diving attacks, and fast-paced combinations that require remarkable strength and control. Her experience, however, is equally important. By 2026, she has developed into a complete performer who combines speed, technical ability, storytelling, and championship-level confidence.
Quick Bio
| Information | Details | Information | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Masami Odate | Popular Ring Name | IYO SKY |
| Former Ring Name | Io Shirai | Age in 2026 | 36 years old |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1990 | Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Birthplace | Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan | Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Professional Wrestler | Professional Debut | March 4, 2007 |
| Height | 5 ft 1 in (156 cm) | Weight | Around 119 lb (54 kg) |
IYO SKY Age and Birthday
IYO SKY’s date of birth is May 8, 1990. She celebrated her 36th birthday in May 2026.
IYO SKY began wrestling professionally when she was only 16 years old. Starting so young allowed her to gain valuable experience before reaching the international stage. By the time many wrestling fans discovered her through WWE, she had already built an impressive reputation in Japan.
Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling
IYO SKY was raised in Japan alongside her older sister, Mio Shirai. Both sisters became professional wrestlers and initially worked together as a tag team. During this stage of her career, IYO competed under the name Io Shirai.
The sisters appeared for different Japanese wrestling organizations and also gained experience in Mexico. Wrestling in multiple countries helped IYO understand different styles. Japanese wrestling often emphasizes technique, physical intensity, and dramatic storytelling, while Mexican wrestling is known for its speed and aerial movement. These influences can still be seen in her performances today.
Her early career was not built on instant fame. She spent years improving her timing, athleticism, character work, and confidence. That long development period explains why she looks so comfortable in major matches. Whether she is performing in front of a small audience or inside a packed stadium, she understands how to control the pace and create memorable moments.
Success in Japanese Professional Wrestling
Before joining WWE, IYO SKY became one of the most accomplished women’s wrestlers in Japan. Her career in World Wonder Ring Stardom played an especially important role in establishing her reputation.
As Io Shirai, she captured several major championships, including the World of Stardom Championship and Wonder of Stardom Championship. She also held tag team and six-woman titles. Her collection of achievements made her one of Stardom’s most decorated performers.
IYO was widely recognized for her ability to deliver outstanding matches against opponents with very different wrestling styles. She could compete in technical contests, physical rivalries, high-speed matches, and emotionally driven championship encounters. This versatility helped her become one of the leading figures in Japanese women’s wrestling.
She was also closely connected to Queen’s Quest, a group that became an important part of Stardom. Her work in Japan demonstrated that she was more than an athletic performer. She had the presence and leadership qualities needed to become a central figure within a major wrestling promotion.
Joining WWE and Becoming Io Shirai in NXT
IYO SKY signed with WWE in 2018 and initially continued using the name Io Shirai. She appeared in the Mae Young Classic tournament, reaching the final before losing to Toni Storm.
She was later assigned to NXT, where she gradually became one of the brand’s most popular stars. Her early WWE character was energetic and determined, but a darker transformation helped her reach another level. With dramatic entrance music, distinctive ring gear, and a more dangerous personality, she became known as the “Genius of the Sky.”
This nickname perfectly described her wrestling style. IYO could execute complicated aerial moves while making them look smooth and controlled. Her signature moonsault became one of the most recognizable finishing moves in the women’s division.
Her NXT career included an impressive reign as NXT Women’s Champion. She also won the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship with Zoey Stark. These accomplishments introduced her to a larger global audience and proved that she could succeed within WWE’s style of sports entertainment.
Main-Roster Debut and the IYO SKY Name
She officially appeared on WWE’s main roster at SummerSlam in July 2022. Around this time, her ring name was changed from Io Shirai to IYO SKY. She joined Bayley and Dakota Kai to form Damage CTRL.
The group immediately became an important part of WWE women’s division. IYO and Dakota captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, giving IYO her first main-roster championship success.
Damage CTRL also helped IYO develop her character outside the ring. Although English was not her first language, she communicated effectively through facial expressions, body language, confidence, and intensity. Her ability to connect with audiences showed that wrestling storytelling does not depend entirely on long spoken promos.
Money in the Bank and WWE Women’s Championship
One of the defining moments of IYO SKY’s career came in 2023 when she won the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Her victory included a creative finish in which she handcuffed Bayley and Becky Lynch together before climbing the ladder and taking the briefcase.
The Money in the Bank contract allowed her to challenge for a championship at a time of her choosing. At SummerSlam 2023, she cashed in the contract after Bianca Belair had competed in a demanding title match. IYO successfully pinned Belair and became WWE Women’s Champion.
The victory was especially meaningful because it represented the result of more than 16 years of hard work. She had progressed from teenage wrestling events in Japan to winning a world championship on one of WWE’s biggest stages.
Her championship reign included important matches against competitors such as Asuka, Charlotte Flair, Bianca Belair, and Zelina Vega. She eventually lost the championship to Bayley at WrestleMania XL in April 2024, bringing the Damage CTRL storyline to a dramatic conclusion.
Women’s World Championship Success
IYO SKY continued to compete at the highest level after losing the WWE Women’s Championship. In March 2025, she defeated Rhea Ripley to win the Women’s World Championship.
This victory strengthened her position as one of WWE’s leading female performers. It also added another major title to an already impressive career. Her championship success across Stardom, NXT, and WWE’s main roster demonstrates her unusual ability to adapt to different audiences and wrestling environments.
Winning championships is only part of her appeal. IYO has earned respect because she consistently performs at a high level. Her matches often feature creative movement, physical risk, and moments that audiences remember long after the event ends.
How Long Has IYO SKY Been Wrestling?
IYO SKY made her professional debut on March 4, 2007. Therefore, she has more than 19 years of professional wrestling experience in 2026.
That figure is remarkable considering that she is only 36. Many wrestlers do not reach major television promotions until their late twenties or early thirties. IYO had already completed an extensive career in Japan before signing with WWE.
Her long career also highlights her durability. A high-flying wrestling style places considerable stress on the body, but IYO has continued performing difficult moves with accuracy. Her experience helps her choose the right moment for each move rather than relying on athleticism alone.
Why Is IYO SKY So Popular?
IYO SKY is popular because her performances feel unpredictable. Fans never know when she might climb a cage, jump from a turnbuckle, or find an unusual way to escape a difficult situation.
Her main strengths include:
- Exceptional aerial wrestling
- Fast and smooth movement
- Strong technical fundamentals
- Creative match sequences
- Expressive character work
- Experience in Japan, Mexico, and the United States
- Ability to perform in major championship matches
Her entrances and visual presentation also contribute to her popularity. The confident walk, dramatic music, and focused expression create the impression that something important is about to happen.
IYO SKY is 36 years old in 2026. She celebrated her 36th birthday on May 8, 2026.
IYO SKY’s birthday is May 8. She was born on May 8, 1990, in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.
IYO SKY’s real name is Masami Odate. She previously performed under the popular ring name Io Shirai.
Final Thoughts on IYO SKY Age
IYO SKY Age is 36 years old as of 2026. Born on May 8, 1990, she has spent more than half of her life working as a professional wrestler. Her journey includes major success in Japanese wrestling, a memorable NXT run, membership in Damage CTRL, a Money in the Bank victory, and multiple world championships in WWE.
Her age represents experience rather than limitation. IYO SKY continues to perform with the energy of a younger athlete while using the judgment of a veteran. That combination is one of the main reasons she remains a respected and influential figure in women’s professional wrestling.
