Io Shirai Accepts WWE Contract Offer
Japan's biggest women's wrestler is on her way.
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.
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.