10 Crazy Wrestling Scandals You've Never Heard Of

7. The Io Shirai Drugs Gate

IYO SKY
WWE.com

You wouldn't think Nailz and Io Shirai - two wrestlers of opposite quality - would have something in common.

But they do!

In an astonishing story, the details of which have recently resurfaced online, WWE's IYO SKY - then working under her old ring name of Io Shirai - was imprisoned for three weeks in 2012 after being, as it transpired, falsely accused of smuggling drugs into Japan from Mexico. She did technically smuggle 75 grams of cannabis, but she was an unwitting patsy.

Shirai was gifted two paintings alongside then-partner NOSAWA by "fans". Unbeknownst to her, the drugs were hidden between the painting and the frame. Adamant that she was innocent of any wrongdoing - because she was - the fandom didn't believe her. She was granted the opportunity to field a press conference three weeks after being held for a crime far more severe on that side of the pacific, in which she professed her innocence and refused to retire.

Shockingly, it was revealed by wrestler Takuyi Sugi that it was a quite literal frame job; Sugi disclosed that Masahiro Hayashi, a talent agent with a "personal vendetta" against Nosawa, had orchestrated the framing to which he agreed, in exchange for more work.

The confession convinced the police to drop all charges.

 
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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!