Brandi Rhodes Reflects on “Painful” 2018 Match with IYO SKY in Japan: A Broken Collarbone and a Valuable Lesson
Brandi Rhodes still winces at the memory of her 2018 clash with IYO SKY in Japan, calling it one of the most physically taxing bouts of her career. The former WWE Superstar and wife of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes opened up about the grueling STARDOM match that left her with a broken collarbone, sharing a mix of humor, regret, and respect for her opponent during a recent podcast appearance.
The Match: A Cinderella Tournament Clash in Tokyo
The encounter took place on May 3, 2018, during STARDOM’s Cinderella Tournament—a prestigious single-elimination event showcasing rising stars in the Japanese women’s wrestling promotion. Then known as Io Shirai, IYO SKY (real name Masami Odate) defeated Brandi Rhodes in the first round at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, advancing with her signature high-flying precision and technical prowess.
Brandi, who was touring with STARDOM at the time, described the buildup as a whirlwind of language barriers and high expectations. “At the time, IYO did not speak a lot of English,” Rhodes recalled on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast in May 2025. The two wrestlers had to collaborate closely on match planning, navigating cultural and linguistic hurdles to craft what promised to be a standout bout.
The match itself was intense, blending Brandi’s power-based style with SKY’s aerial acrobatics. SKY emerged victorious, pinning Rhodes after a sequence of moonsaults and submissions that highlighted her dominance in the Joshi Puroresu scene. While the crowd of 1,200 at Korakuen Hall applauded the effort, the aftermath turned painful for Rhodes.
The Injury: A Broken Collarbone and Miscommunication Gone Wrong
What Rhodes remembers most vividly isn’t the loss—it’s the excruciating injury that sidelined her for months. During pre-match planning, a miscommunication led to a botched spot where Rhodes landed awkwardly, fracturing her collarbone. “It was 100 percent what happened, and some people think that it was in the IYO SKY match,” she clarified on the podcast. The break occurred during rehearsals, not in the ring, but the pain radiated through the performance, forcing her to power through on adrenaline.
The injury forced Rhodes to cut her STARDOM tour short, returning to the U.S. for surgery and rehab. It was a setback in her independent wrestling career, which at the time included stints with WWE, Ring of Honor, and international promotions. Rhodes, who retired from full-time wrestling in 2022 to focus on family and WWE executive roles, has since reflected on it as a turning point that taught her resilience.
IYO SKY’s Blunt Advice: “Don’t F*ck Up”
Amid the chaos of planning, SKY delivered what Rhodes calls the “hilarious” and unforgettable piece of advice that stuck with her. As the two wrapped up their match discussion, SKY—limited in English—turned to Rhodes and said, full sentence and all: “Don’t f*ck up.” Rhodes burst out laughing recounting it: “Kid you not, that was the one thing she said to me… And I said, okay, I got it!”
The no-nonsense warning, delivered with SKY’s trademark intensity, underscored the high stakes of the Cinderella Tournament. At the time, SKY was STARDOM’s rising ace, known for her athleticism and precision. Rhodes took it in stride, appreciating the directness as motivation rather than pressure. “It was the ultimate challenge,” she added, highlighting how the language barrier made every step a test of trust and adaptability.
SKY went on to win the tournament that year, solidifying her status before jumping to WWE in 2018, where she now thrives as IYO SKY, a former Women’s Champion and Money in the Bank winner.
Rhodes’ Reflections: Pain, Growth, and Respect for Joshi Wrestling
Looking back in 2025, Rhodes views the match through a lens of growth and gratitude. “I loved working with IYO,” she said, emphasizing the mutual respect forged despite the injury. The experience deepened her admiration for Japan’s Joshi scene, where women like SKY push physical limits in ways that inspired her own career.
The broken collarbone was a low point, but it fueled her evolution from in-ring performer to WWE executive and philanthropist. Now 42, Rhodes balances family life with Cody (they have two daughters) and her role in WWE’s creative team. She’s hinted at occasional comebacks, like a dream mixed tag with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, but prioritizes storytelling over spots.
For U.S. wrestling fans, Rhodes’ story bridges WWE’s global reach and the indie/Joshi world, reminding us of the risks athletes face. It also spotlights IYO SKY’s journey—from STARDOM phenom to WWE headliner—highlighting women’s wrestling’s international evolution.
Fan Reactions and Legacy: A Bout That Lingers
The match, while not a WWE main event, lives on in niche wrestling circles. On forums like Cagematch.net, fans rate it 7.5/10 for athleticism, praising SKY’s dominance and Rhodes’ grit. Rhodes’ recent retelling has resurfaced clips on YouTube, drawing 50,000 views and comments like “Brandi’s toughness shines through the pain.”
As WWE’s women’s division thrives in 2025—with SKY defending her title at WrestleMania 41—Rhodes’ anecdote adds a personal layer, showing the bonds and bruises that build legends.
Conclusion: A Painful Chapter That Built Legends
Brandi Rhodes’ “painful” match with IYO SKY in 2018 was more than a loss or injury—it was a crucible of miscommunication, resilience, and respect. From SKY’s blunt “don’t f*ck up” to Rhodes powering through a broken collarbone, the story endures as a testament to wrestling’s unforgiving demands. In 2025, as both women continue to inspire, it reminds fans: The greatest bouts aren’t always about the win—they’re about the fight. What a throwback that keeps giving.