Asuka Turns Heel, Attacks IYO SKY After Raw Main Event

On the September 22 episode of WWE Raw in Evansville, Indiana, Asuka sharply altered her character direction, attacking former ally IYO SKY after a postmatch assault on Rhea Ripley that left both women laid out and signaled a full heel turn for the veteran performer. The main event between Asuka and Ripley ended with Ripley scoring a surprise roll-up victory, but the match's aftermath became the defining moment.

During the bout, Asuka and Ripley traded a hard-fought sequence that showcased Asuka's submission game and Ripley's power. Near the finish, Asuka collided with partner Kairi Sane at ringside, allowing Ripley to capitalize with a roll-up pin to take the win. Immediately after the bell, Asuka sprayed her signature green mist into Ripley's face and ordered Sane to join the attack. Sane hesitated but then began striking Ripley. IYO SKY rushed to the ring to intervene, briefly embracing Asuka in what appeared to be a reconciliation. Asuka then struck SKY with a spinning back elbow, with some accounts describing the blow as a backfist, and again directed Sane to attack. The segment concluded with Sane delivering her Insane Elbow finisher to SKY as Raw went off the air,...