The wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation for WWE WrestleMania 42, but one of the most anticipated clashes remains frustratingly unconfirmed. Despite a public and volatile feud, the match between IYO SKY vs. Asuka at WWE WrestleMania 42 has yet to be officially added to the card, leaving fans and analysts questioning the delay.
The tension between the two former Damage CTRL teammates has reached a breaking point. Following a series of fiery exchanges, including a vignette on Monday’s Raw where Asuka vowed to put IYO SKY down “for good,” SKY responded on social media, challenging her former senior to settle their grudge in Las Vegas. The conflict is rooted in a betrayal dating back to September 2025, when Asuka turned on SKY and forced Kairi Sane to align with her according to Fightful.
However, the hold-up in making the match official appears to be tied to a medical contingency involving other superstars. Reports indicate that the booking of the SKY vs. Asuka encounter is contingent upon the health status of Nikki Bella. If Nikki is not medically cleared to team with her sister Brie in the scheduled Women’s Tag Team match, Asuka and Kairi Sane are expected to step in as replacements.
This logistical deadlock means that if Nikki Bella receives a clean bill of health, the path is cleared for the IYO SKY vs. Asuka match to be booked. Conversely, if the Bella Twins cannot compete, Asuka’s availability for a singles match disappears, leaving SKY’s position on the card uncertain.
The Catalyst: Nikki Bella’s Injury Status
The uncertainty stems from a late-March SmackDown match where Nikki Bella was seen wearing a walking boot. While the 42-year-old superstar previously suggested she would be back within a week, she has not yet been given a definitive “clean bill of health” on television. This medical ambiguity has created a ripple effect across the WrestleMania 42 booking process.
The Women’s Tag Team Championship match is currently slated as a four-way battle. The defending champions, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, are set to face three challenging teams: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, The Bella Twins, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Because the Bellas are a primary part of this high-stakes match, any change in their status necessitates a backup plan, and WWE has reportedly tapped Asuka and Kairi Sane to fill that void if necessary.
A Bitter Rivalry: “Love” vs. Betrayal
While the booking remains in limbo, the narrative between IYO SKY and Asuka has only intensified. The feud is centered on the concept of “love” and mentorship. Asuka has accused SKY of being selfish and taking advantage of the opportunities Asuka paved for her and Kairi Sane. In a recent Raw segment, Asuka claimed she “sacrificed everything” with love at the heart of her actions, only for SKY to exploit that trust via WrestleTalk.
SKY’s response has been equally pointed. She acknowledged Asuka’s brilliant achievements in WWE but condemned her current treatment of Kairi Sane, describing it as “dragging Kairi around and using her as a shield.” SKY has countered by stating her own version of “love” is to serve as a shield for Rhea Ripley, asserting that she is “DEFINITELY NOT afraid” to face her former senior in Las Vegas via Wrestling-Online.
WrestleMania 42: The Current Lineup
Despite the pending status of the SKY vs. Asuka match, WWE has announced the cards for both nights of the event. The following matches are currently scheduled:
Night One Lineup (Next Saturday)
- Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton (with Pat McAfee)
- Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan
- Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
- Women’s Intercontinental Champion AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch
- Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, The Bella Twins, and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
- Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (ESPN2)
- Logan Paul, Austin Theory & IShowSpeed vs. The Usos & LA Knight (ESPN2)
Night Two Lineup (Next Sunday)
- World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
- WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley
- Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
- United States Champion Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams
- Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi (ESPN)
- Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Penta vs. Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, Rusev, JD McDonagh, and Rey Mysterio (ESPN)
What Happens Next?
The resolution of this situation depends entirely on the medical clearance of Nikki Bella. Once a final decision is made regarding her ability to compete in the Women’s Tag Team match, WWE will be able to confirm whether Asuka will be competing in a tag team effort with Kairi Sane or in a highly anticipated singles match against IYO SKY.
Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on upcoming WWE programming for an official medical update on the Bella Twins, as this will be the definitive trigger for the IYO SKY vs. Asuka at WWE WrestleMania 42 announcement.
Do you think Asuka and Kairi Sane would be a better addition to the tag match, or is the SKY vs. Asuka grudge match too important to miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below.