20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now
11. Io Shirai
WWE came within a hair of signing Io Shirai last summer. July and August were rife with reports that Stardom's ace was on the verge of joining the world's biggest wrestling promotion, and that she'd already been handpicked as the Mae Young Classic's winner, but the deal fell apart at the final stage. The company's rigorous medicals revealed severe neck problems. They pulled out, and Shirai took a short leave of absence before returning to the joshi scene, where she remains today.
Her injury problems are a worry, particularly as her sister, Mio, was forced to retire through similar issues in 2015. Regardless, Shirai is the best women's wrestler in the world on her day. No peer can match her elite-level athleticism, selling, and charisma, and while currently working on the midcard, she could be re-positioned as her company's top star in an instant.
Versatility is what sets Io apart. As adept at working from the top as she is from the bottom, Shirai can fly, strike, suplex, and grapple with anyone. Her best work is on-par with the classic joshi bouts of the '90s, and she'd immediately be one of WWE's best wrestlers upon signing.