Top NXT Star Heading To WWE's Main Roster After TakeOver: Stand & Deliver?

Triple H speaks on the possibility of one of NXT's biggest and best heading to Raw or SmackDown.

by Andy H Murray
Io Shirai silhouette
WWE

Triple H didn't rule out of the possibility of Io Shirai imminently heading to WWE's main roster during last night's post-TakeOver: Stand & Deliver media call.

When asked about Shirai's future, and the possibility of the Japanese star moving to Raw or SmackDown, Hunter said that while there's always more for wrestlers like her to do in NXT, Io has earned the right to do whatever she wants, whether that means leaving the brand for greener pastures, taking a break, or going back after the NXT Women's Title.

Shirai's lengthy NXT Women's Title reign came to an end last night, when she was felled by Raquel Gonzalez in the main event. Io posed for the fans afterwards, receiving a standing ovation in response, as seen below:-

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This clip has only fuelled speculation of her departing NXT for Raw or SmackDown.

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Adding to Triple H's thoughts, Michaels questioned why Shirai would want to go anywhere else, given the calibre of NXT's women's division.

Shirai has been under WWE contract since June 2018. Debuting via that year's Mae Young Classic, she joined the NXT roster that November, eventually winning the NXT Women's Championship from Charlotte Flair at TakeOver: In Your House last year.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.