Io Shirai is a former NXT Women’s Champion and had one of the best runs with the brands top womens title. Though, viewers will have noticed that it’s been quite a few weeks since the former champion has been seen on TV. The Japanese star has been suffering from an undisclosed injury and it’s unknown when she’ll return. Although it was reported that she and her tag partner, Zoey Stark who is also injured will be returning soon.
There is a question over her future with her contract coming up next month. Now, Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that Shirai has rejected WWE’s latest contract offer and speculation is mounting over her heading back to Japan once her current deal expires.
“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.”
– Dave Meltzer
Family appears to be at the forefront of Io’s desires to leave WWE, as well as a return to work in her home country. It seems likely that Shirai’s days are numbered in WWE and, with her contract up next month, fans won’t have to wait long to see what’s next for her.
