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Io Shirai Reportedly Signs With WWE

In a move that has been rumored for a while now, Japan’s top joshi wrestler, STARDOM’s Io Shirai, has reportedly signed with WWE. This will be a blow to STARDOM, especially as their other top star, Kairi Hojo, is departing soon for NXT, as well. It had been previously rumored that Io’s tryout earlier this year wasn’t much to her liking, but obviously, the situation has changed.

As for when Io will report to WWE and when her final STARDOM match will be, no one knows yet. But, if I were a betting woman, my guess is that Io and Kairi both debut during the upcoming WWE Women’s Tournament.

WWE Signs Female Referee

Kennadie Brink has been signed as a referee for NXT. She’s a competitor on the indie wrestling circuit, competing for promotions like SHIMMER, SHINE, and Ring Of Honor. She made a few appearances as a referee at NXT house shows in Florida earlier this year, and now it appears she will be NXT’s first full time female referee moving forward beginning this summer.

John Cena Talks Roman Reigns & His Own Return To The Promotion

John Cena, who is currently taking a break from WWE to focus on acting gigs in Hollywood, recently sat down to discuss Roman Reigns and his own plans to returning to in-ring action with the company.

“I’m not going to take anything away from Roman. He handles his business with the utmost professionalism. He’s doing it on his own watch. He’s not one of the those guys that comes over to me and asks me, ‘What happens next?’ He’s doing it his way, and I think that’s the best way to do it. He’s not trying to be the next John Cena, but he is being the only Roman Reigns-and that’s why it’s met with so much adversity.

“I can tell you from first-hand because I know. I wasn’t trying to be Stone Cold or The Rock, I was John Cena. That was met with adversity from people looking for the next Stone Cold or the next Rock. That’s what creates the dichotomy, the polarizing environment. I think Roman is doing a fantastic job, and he has an entire roster stacked with unbelievably gifted performers. It’s a good time to be a member of the WWE Universe. You’re seeing multiple brands operating at very high capacity, and I just can’t wait to get back. I’m doing what I’m doing now, but I really can’t wait to get back in the ring. As soon as they cut me loose from this movie in Atlanta, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

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