WWE Officially Announce Signing Of Japanese Star

Stardom Grand Slam champ finally makes switch.

by Benjamin Richardson
Io Shirai
World of Stardom

WWE yesterday officially confirmed the signing of Japanese star Io Shirai during a house show in Tokyo's legendary Ryōgoku Sumo Hall. The veteran of Stardom was presented before the audience in the Japanese capital as the latest signee to NXT.

Despite being just 28 years of age, Shirai already has over a decade of experience between the ropes, making her debut back in 2007 alongside her older sister ('Mio Shirai'). In her ten plus years in the ring, Shirai has become one of the most heralded women's grapplers in the industry, with 11 combined titles reigns across her career. She was the first person to become a Stardom Grand Slam Champion (comprised of the Artist of Stardom, Goddess of Stardom, Wonder of Stardom, and World of Stardom championships), and has been named Tokyo Sport's best female wrestler in each of the past three years.

Shirai, known as the 'Genius of the Sky' for her range of impressive aerial manoeuvres, joins fellow Stardom alumna Kairi Sane at Full Sail University. Watch this space for more news on her imminent debut.

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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.