Marigold Files #7: Can I Even Love You Anymore? (IYO SKY)

Hopefully, this is a very short blog. But then again, this is me who is writing this blog by the way. Usually I make a joke about the title of this, but I genuinely can't make any joke about this. Obviously, I have to explain an elephant in the room about this, so its time to get digging.

Credit: World Wrestling Entertainment

Like most wrestling fans who watch different matches from different promotions, I started this fandom by first watching WWE. Since I didn't know of Puroresu at the time, Asuka was the closest to seeing that in reality. As much as I liked Asuka, Io Shirai (IYO SKY) was the first ever Japanese wrestler I fell in love with. 

Credit: World Wrestling Entertainment

Her wrestling skill and abilities stood out to me the most, as I was just in awe. I fell in love with her and her work since 2020. Her NXT Women's Championship reign is top 2 of my favourite title reigns. But that love has been fading away since early this year, and I'm just going really crazy at the thought of not being in love with her anymore. Every time I watch her wrestle, I can't feel anything at all and it's frustrating.

Credit: World Wrestling Entertainment

Okay, I know what you might be thinking. Why is this part of the Marigold Files? Well, it is simple or not, depending if you can. Due to the relationship that Dream Star Fighting Marigold have (or had, I don't know) with WWE, IYO SKY has actually wrestled bouts in the newly founded promotion. Two matches in particular, and these two matches are the prime example of making me a crazy Nikki. 

So I will be talking about this and making this blog very short. Anyway, with all that being said, let's just roll with it. 

• Utami Hayashishita vs IYO SKY (23:01) 
• 13/07/2024 
• Dream Star Fighting Marigold 
• Queen Of Queen Match
• Marigold Summer Destiny 
• ZERO: ★★★★1/2

The first match of this was built up like a greatest match ever and I mean that as more of a metaphor. It was titled the Queen Of Queen. It was Utami Hayashishita taking on IYO SKY. This match was something that has been anticipated for years. Especially for Utami Hayashishita, who IYO SKY inspired to become a pro wrestler.

When I saw the chatter, people loved it like it was the best match in the promotion. For me, it was never cracking into the top 10. The way the match played out, I should love this, but it felt so hollow. The rating I gave was very nice. Honestly I would've given this lower, but I don't want to be very harsh. (Yes, the rating is more generous.)

Correct me if I'm wrong here. The match ended with IYO SKY doing a Tombstone on Utami Hayashishita and followed up with the Over The Moonsault to get the victory. This was really concerning, but the next one made me question if I ever loved this Genius.

• Super Flyweight Champion Mayu Iwatani vs IYO SKY (26:28)
• 26/10/2025
• Dream Star Fighting Marigold 
• The Dream Destiny
• Marigold Grand Destiny 
• ZERO: ★★★★1/4

When I saw this match being announced, my face lit up like a Christmas Tree. Two of some of my favourite wrestlers facing each other. And since I have never seen their Red Belt Trilogy from STARDOM, I was so excited to watch them for the first time. 

The match however, was also so fucking hollow. This is very frustrating because the match started out really good and I mean really good. This includes the dives and the Orihara Moonsault IYO did to Mayu on the outside. I don't know what happened. When the match reached the 15 minute mark, everything never picked up again and I felt robbed. 

The match ended the same way the one with Utami ended, but a little bit of a difference. IYO SKY hit the Tombstone and followed up with two Over The Moonsaults for the win. 

POST:

Honestly, I have somewhat forgotten this feeling of seeing IYO SKY wrestle and feeling like I'm seeing the pure definition of Euphoria. (Not that piece of crap I keep seeing referenced.) I wasn't initially going to make this blog at all. But during work, I was listening to the theme for the 20th Anniversary of Kamen Rider Kabuto. (Which is how old I am in real life.) 

Those thoughts about losing my love for IYO SKY flooded back to me and I am reminded of this match with Mayu Iwatani. This match made me realize that not all love is lost, but how long can lost love be held? Given that I was able to sit 3 years of Tony Khan's Ring Of Honor before giving it up, it can be pretty long. 

Fun Fact: I remember mentioning this to Mihaawk one time and the reply was kinda funny. "The two culprits" And placed pictures of Triple H and Rhea Ripley. I won't lie, that was kinda funny. 

Thank you for all the memories Io Shirai and IYO SKY. 

Kind Regards,

ZERO (or Archer)