10 WWE Wrestlers Poised To Break Out In 2019

5. Io Shirai

Lars Sullivan Drew McIntyre
WWE

‘The Genius Of The Sky’ is special.

There’s a different vibe when Io Shirai enters the building. Despite her diminutive stature, she commands attention when she strides out in that crazy mask, and while WWE’s main roster writers don’t do a good job when it comes to protecting such unique auras, wrestlers of her ilk tend to fare very, very well down in NXT.

Provided nothing goes wrong, 2019 could well belong to Io Shirai. Following in the footsteps of every great women’s wrestler to pass through the Performance Center since it opened - from the Horsewomen to countrywomen Asuka and Kairi Sane - she will dazzle on weekly TV, steal the show on many a TakeOver live special, and likely enjoy a decent reign as Women’s Champion. We can’t wait to see it, and as one of the absolute best wrestlers on the planet, Io is more than ready for the spot.

Potential matches with Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae, Mia Yim, and long-time associate Kairi Sane sound absolutely mouthwatering. If handled correctly, and provided she avoids major injury, Shirai is going to be a huge deal.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.