Top NXT Star Unhappy With WWE?

Could creative frustrations lead to this NXT standout's departure?

By Andy H Murray /

WWE

Io Shirai may not be best pleased with how things are going for her in WWE at the moment, according to Dave Meltzer on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

Advertisement

Per Meltzer's report, the Japanese star is apparently upset with how her NXT run has gone so far, though there's no word on the specifics causing her apparent disgruntlement.

This goes hand in hand with recent reports that Shirai's former home promotion, Stardom, are looking to entice her and former tag partner Kairi Sane away from WWE, with a reported "bidding war" hinted at. Meltzer touched on this during WOR, stating that Stardom's new parent company Bushiroad will throw big-money offers at the duos. Outbidding the world's biggest wrestling company would be a tall task, though.

Advertisement

Shirai was signed by WWE in 2018. There's no word on when her current contract expires, though recent months have seen her utilised excellently on NXT television.

Turning heel has given her act extra sizzle, transforming Shirai into one of the brand's most compelling acts, and she has been one of the best wrestlers in the world for years. That she could be upset is therefore puzzling, though it's hard to offer definitive analysis without knowing her reasons.

Advertisement