Io Shirai Accepts WWE Contract Offer

Japan's biggest women's wrestler is on her way.

Io Shirai
Twitter, @shirai_io

With WWE's women's tournament set to start taping in just under two months, the company look to have secured another major signing.

According to a new report from Dave Meltzer, Japan's Io Shirai has finally accepted an offer to join WWE, having undergone a tryout at the Performance Center in March.

At 27 years old, Shirai is considered one of the most impressive women's wrestlers on the planet, and will soon leave her role as the Stardom promotion's top star. A fast, hard-hitting wrestler, Shirai has been on WWE's radar for a while, but decided to prolong her stay in Japan following an approach last year.

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Her departure represents a major blow to Stardom, who already lost their other top act, Kairi Hojo, to WWE earlier this month. Both had reportedly considered turning the company down, but have clearly now changed their minds.

Hojo is expected to start at the Performance Center imminently, but there is no confirmed timescale for Shirai's arrival at the moment. Her signing is a major coup for WWE, however, particularly if she arrives in time for the tournament, as she'd likely be a heavy favourite to win.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.