IYO SKY suffered what appeared to be a knee injury during her high-stakes Women’s World Championship bout against Stephanie Vaquer at WWE Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis. The match, designed to crown the successor to Naomi as the Women’s World Champion, drew significant attention due to SKY’s injury WWE Wrestlepalooza status and the intensity of the contest.
The highly anticipated showdown between SKY, known as The Genius of the Sky, and Vaquer featured several delays attributed to SKY’s limited mobility following targeted attacks. Vaquer focused her offense on SKY’s right knee, delivering multiple dragon screw maneuvers that visibly affected SKY throughout the match. Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett expressed concern ringside as SKY clutched her knee and struggled to execute her signature moves.
After sustaining the knee strikes, SKY was noticeably restricted, unable to perform her Over the Moonsault as planned. Despite the injury, she managed to scale the turnbuckle and execute an Avalanche Spanish Fly on Vaquer. However, the damage slowed SKY’s momentum, allowing Vaquer to capitalize with a stunning Corkscrew Moonsault that earned her the victory and secured her the new Women’s World Championship title.
Indiana Native Tyrese Haliburton Cheers for IYO SKY
Wrestlepalooza’s location in Indianapolis brought a notable fan to the event: Tyrese Haliburton from the Indiana Pacers, who was present to support the wrestlers. During SKY’s entrance, commentator Michael Cole revealed that Haliburton considers SKY his favorite WWE star. This moment highlighted SKY’s growing popularity, especially among sports fans outside the wrestling world.
Wade Barrett weighed in on the challenge international wrestlers like SKY face when connecting with American audiences, noting it is difficult but not impossible. Cole emphasized that professional wrestling communicates through a universal language, which SKY effectively uses to draw in fans. He went further to call her the best in the world at what she does today, underlining her rising status leading up to Wrestlepalooza.
Prior to this event, SKY held both the WWE Women’s and Women’s World Championships, reinforcing her reputation as one of the top competitors in the division. Her performance and injury at Wrestlepalooza now add a new chapter to her career that fans and commentators are watching closely.
Match Dynamics and Injury Concerns Affect Outcome
The match itself was slowed due to SKY’s knee injury, which influenced the rhythm and strategy for both wrestlers. Vaquer’s smart targeting of the injury shifted the advantage in her favor, limiting SKY’s offensive arsenal. This adjustment allowed Vaquer to finish strong with her high-flying Corkscrew Moonsault, which clinched the title for her in dramatic fashion.
Comments from the commentary team expressed real concern over SKY’s condition, highlighting how the injury might impact her future matches and career trajectory. The injury raised questions about the physical toll of such intense contests and the risks wrestlers face during championship bouts.
Significance for WWE and IYO SKY’s Career Trajectory
The incident at Wrestlepalooza underscores the demanding nature of WWE competition, especially for athletes like IYO SKY who perform internationally and have built intense schedules. The outcome, with Vaquer crowned as the new Women’s World Champion, marks a significant moment in the WWE women’s division and signals a possible shift in storylines and rivalries going forward.
IYO SKY’s injury has sparked concern among fans and analysts, placing her immediate recovery and return to action under scrutiny. Given her proven skill and growing fanbase—including high-profile supporters like Tyrese Haliburton—her comeback will be closely followed. WWE’s handling of her injury and the pace of her recovery may influence how the women’s division evolves in the coming months.
This match at Wrestlepalooza serves as a reminder of the physical challenges inherent in WWE, the rising talent that shapes its future, and the passion fans have for the sport despite unforeseen setbacks. For IYO SKY, the road ahead could be a defining chapter if she recovers swiftly and continues to showcase why she is considered one of the best in professional wrestling today.
Este Dragon Screw de Stephanie Vaquer a IYO SKY y lo doloroso que se ha visto. Qué lucha. #WrestlePalooza pic.twitter.com/a2Qieui9rC
— LuigiWrestling (@LuigiWrestling) September 21, 2025
