Io Shirai has been one of the mainstays of the WWE NXT brand for the past few years. She ruled the roost when Triple H used to run the developmental territory. But her string status remained intact even after the brand was revamped as NXT 2.0 under new leadership.
Being a top champion from the past, Io Shirai has been part of several top-notch feuds in the company. As previously reported, she has been out of action with an injury that was picked up during WWE NXT Stand & Deliver earlier this year in April. There have been speculations of a comeback in the recent past but then again we were reminded about her expiring contract with the WWE.
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According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Io Shirai’s deal with the WWE is set to expire, next month. This would mean she could easily go back to Japan to enjoy some family time. It appears that she was presented with a new contract by the WWE but for the time being, she wants to go back to her roots.
“Io Shirai has not signed her newest contract offer. She will be a free agent next month if she doesn’t sign her new deal. She had told people in Japan that when her contract was up she wanted to return to Japan and be closer with her family. Unlike with Kairi Sane, who had to wait until the end of her contract because she left mid-contract and agreed to work as a WWE rep in Japan so she could move back home, Shirai would be free and clear,” the detailed report suggested.
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Io Shirai’s situation is different from Kairi Sane
As you can see, the situation would be far different than Kairi Sane who opted to leave the WWE despite her contract being intact. This made her work as a WWE ambassador in her country. Later, she joined World Wonder Ring Stardom earlier this year once her WWE contract expired.
As for Io Shirai, she hasn’t wrestled since the WWE NXT Stand And Deliver event in April where she lost a Fatal 4-Way Match for the NXT Women’s Title. The reason behind her absence after this match was initially unknown.
But then last month, Fightful Select reported that Io Shirai “has been dealing with an undisclosed injury.” No mention was there of the severity of the injury but the report noted that she was not factored into any of the summer planning of NXT. Despite the absence, the “Genius of Skies” remains a “very well liked” backstage personality in WWE. Also, it was noted that the company officials had no plans to bring her back from injury in a rushed manner.
