Io Shirai departed from STARDOM this past weekend, June 17. In front of a sold-out house in Korakuen Hall in Japan, she teamed up with Mayu Iwatani to defeat Kagetsu & Hazuki of Oedo Tai.
Despite their rivalry, the respect @doranyanpa and @shirai_io have for each other runs deep. Stardom's top champion has some powerful words for the departing Ace. #StardomWorld ? #?????
?? https://t.co/jniqaHHrua pic.twitter.com/myT1MazCvU
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
Shirai teaming with Iwatani was a reformation of the tag team Thunder Rock for one last time. Previously the two won the Goddess of Stardom Championships.
Mayu Iwatani picked up the win in the match and afterward the duo shared an emotional celebration.
This is where one might say, "I'm not crying, you're crying," but no… I'm just crying. #StardomWorld ? #?????
?? https://t.co/jniqaHHrua pic.twitter.com/AoAJMFoFaJ
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
.@MayuIwatani has one last Thunder Rock surprise for @shirai_io! #StardomWorld ? #?????
?? https://t.co/jniqaHHrua pic.twitter.com/xazsvS3OKY
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
Thank you @shirai_io! #StardomWorld ? #?????
?? https://t.co/jniqaHHrua pic.twitter.com/1wKNl6hohP
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) June 18, 2018
She was first contacted by WWE in October 2016, however, a heart issue was discovered in a WWE medical examination and the company rescinded the developmental offer last June.
She lost her Wonder of Stardom title to Momo Watanabe last month.
The next WWE Performance Center start date is on July 16th. Io Shirai is expected to be a part of that class and be involved in the upcoming Mae Young Classic II.
Are you saddened by Io’s departure from STARDOM? Are you looking forward to seeing her in NXT/WWE? Who do you want to see her face? Sound off in the comments below.
