When Wrestling Observer brought word WWE signed Kairi Hojo of the Japanese women’s promotion Stardom, word was Io Shirai wasn’t far behind. Shirai, who many call the best female pro wrestler in the world, was supposed to head to Orlando for WrestleMania weekend, but it looks like she got there early, as she was reportedly at a Performance Center tryout today.
Here’s where it gets a little weird. If you search, you can find a story on WWE’s website touting Io Shirai as taking part in their March 2017 tryout:
But if you click on that story, it has a different headline and contains no mention of her. It, and an associated photo gallery, reveal several participants, including former TNA performer Wes Brisco, Olympic Silver Medalist Jaime Espinal and four other women - Ingrid “Kira” Hoftun, Kamilla “Natasja” Tjöstland, Chik Tormenta and Delilah Doom. But not Shirai.
Pro Wrestling Sheet however, does have pictures they grabbed from the site showing Shirai taking part, and seeming to confirm that another or earlier version of the posting confirmed her as a participant.
So, it looks like she was definitely there, but for one reason or another (perhaps contract issues with or just not wanting to disrepect the promotion she’s been with since 2011 and currently holds two titles for), they decided to not publicize it at this time.
Regardless, the group brings several potential names for the planned women’s tournament - including one who would be a favorite if signed - and some interesting men’s talent in Brisco, a second-generation wrestler who did time in the Aces & Eights stable, and Espinal, a freestyle wrestler from Puerto Rico.
Intrigued?