It is being reported by PWInsider that NXT’s Dakota Kai and Io Shirai are scheduled for this week’s SmackDown. In addition to Kai and Shirai, NXT’s LA Knight and Roderick Strong will be present as well [they have been working recent tapings for Main Event].
There is no word on if they will be used on the show itself or may partake in a dark match.
Kai last worked a dark match before SmackDown in November when she faced Cora Jade. She defeated Yulisa Leon on last week’s NXT episode and has spent time backstage warning tag teams about entering the Dusty Classic as it could break up friendships. Shirai’s last match for NXT was a tag team bout at the end of December when she teamed with Kay Lee Ray.
This week’s SmackDown is the last show before this Saturday’s Royal Rumble event. There are still nine spots left in the women’s Royal Rumble match. If Shirai and Kai were to be included in the Royal Rumble it would be the second appearance for Shirai (2019) and the third appearance for Kai (2020, 2021).
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