Former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai could be on her way to being a free agent soon after her contract ends.
Former WWE NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai could be on her way to taking an exit from WWE. Her contract will expire soon, and according to reports, The Genius of the Sky has declined a new contract offer from WWE. Instead, it could be heading her way to Japan.
She has been one of the main contenders in the NXT since her arrival on the brand in 2018. However, Shirai was often expected to appear on WWE’s main roster much like her friend and contemporary, Kairi Sane.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, she has not signed her newest contract offer. As a result, she will be a free agent next month.
“Io Shirai has not signed her newest contract offer. If she doesn’t sign her new deal, she will be a free agent next month. She had told people in Japan that when her contract was up, she wanted to return to Japan and be closer with her family.” [H/T: WrestleTalk]
She had told people in Japan that when her contract was up, she wanted to return to Japan and be closer to her family.
Io Shirai has been a constant in WWE since 2018
Shirai was a regular on promotions both in Japan and Mexico. After making a significant name in both countries, she made her US debut as part of the 2018 Mae Young Classic as she reached the tournament finals.
But she eventually went on to lose the tournament to Toni Storm. However, this run helped her catch some eye in WWE as she landed an NXT contract soon after the match.
Shirai is known popularly for her heel persona in NXT. She not only held the NXT Women’s Championship during her time with the brand but also held their Women’s Tag Team titles with Zoey Stark. She also teamed with Kay Lee Ray to win the NXT Dusty Rhodes Women’s Tag Team Classic earlier this year.
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