IYO SKY will compete in Japan for the first time in six years.
At Marigold's show on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall, it was announced that WWE's IYO SKY will be wrestling at their upcoming Ryogoku Sumo Hall show on July 13th, Summer Destiny 2024. She will be taking on Utami Hayashishita in a dream match between former Queen's Quest leaders.
The match was officially announced after Hayashishita defeated Nanae Takahashi in the main event. Marigold owner Rossy Ogawa got on the microphone, telling Hayashishita that he had found an opponent for her to face at Summer Destiny 2024 -- revealing IYO SKY, who spoke in a video.
Utami Hayashishita will take on WWE's IYO SKY at MARIGOLD Summer Destiny 2024!
— Scott E. Wrestling (@ScottEWrestling) June 11, 2024
The former Io Shirai returns to Japan as former Queen's Quest leaders face off for the first time ever in Ryogoku Sumo Hall on July 13th. Hayashishita's wish has come true!#pw_mg #WWE pic.twitter.com/gSdZiv0Bem
Hayashishita was stunned, responding with happiness as her dream match was being realized.
In an interview with Fightful, Hayashishita stated that she was interested in a match with IYO SKY, calling it a "dream."
"I have always wanted to fight against IYO SKY," Hayashishita said. "It's a dream that's been hard to fulfill, because she went to WWE when I debuted. But I would like to make it happen someday.
"Just thinking about if that time ever comes makes me smile. IYO SKY is someone I've been chasing for a long time, someone I've set my sights on. I can't help but look forward to it.I want to tell her in the match, 'There's someone who has been chasing you, and her name is Utami Hayashishita!' But I'm afraid I'll freeze up with nervousness.... LOL!"
SKY, formerly known as Io Shirai, signed with WWE back in 2018. Prior to that, she was the original leader of Queen's Quest as part of STARDOM. She accomplished everything possible including two World of Stardom Championship reigns and two Wonder of Stardom Championship reigns. It will be her first match in Japan since June 17th, 2018.
Hayashishita left STARDOM earlier this year, joining Marigold with a goal of being the company's ace. She is also a former World of Stardom Champion.
The addition of Utami Hayashishita vs. IYO SKY gives Summer Destiny 2024 two marquee matches, with Giulia vs. Sareee previously announced.
Be sure to check out our interviews with Marigold's own Utami Hayashishita and Miku Aono.
You can learn more about Marigold here.
You can follow Marigold on X through their Japanese (@DFS_Marigold) and English (@Marigold_Joshi) accounts.
Stay tuned to Fightful for more information on Marigold and other Joshi news.
