NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai has laid out a very big statement saying that she would love to face Meiko Satomura at WrestleMania. As of now, there haven’t been any announced plans to have the NXT Women’s Championship at this year’s event.
However, now with Satomura being with WWE and the NXT UK brand the possibility of this dream match is more likely. She made her debut this week and defeated Isla Dawn while making a strong statement towards NXT UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray. Last year we saw this title get defended for the first time on the biggest stage when then-champion Rhea Ripley defended it against Charlotte Flair.
Shirai spoke with Sports Illustrated and had the following to say.
“WrestleMania is the grandest stage we have in this business and I have always wanted to compete under that spotlight. A match with Meiko Satomura is another dream match for me. Fortunately, she has joined NXT UK, making it a real possibility now. I am so excited.”
She continued, “I find it very interesting that in Japan the number of title defenses are emphasized and here in WWE the number of days is important. So this is the first time I have realized I will be NXT Champion for 253 days. The days are easy to understand and count, but having quality matches against whomever I am facing matters more to me in the end because it will make me a better performer.”
With the 253-days that Shirai has held the title, she is ranked number five out of ten women for a combined number of days. She has a huge challenge ahead of her though as she faces Mercedes Martinez and Toni Storm this Sunday at TakeOver: Vengeance Day in a Triple Threat. If she is able to retain her title and continue as champion she is looking ahead to move up the ranks to the number four spot which sits Paige at 273-days.
She further speaks on how much it means to her to hold this championship.
“I am so proud to be the champion in what is considered one of the most talented women’s divisions in NXT history. The fact that I have been able to defend my title against a series of skilled challengers in such high-level matches has been a great experience for me. I fully intend to defend my title in an effort to raise the brand profile of NXT and its women’s division by continuing to have quality matches week in and week out.”
What would you think about Shirai defending her NXT Women’s Title against Satomura at WrestleMania? Do you think we will see a new champion this Sunday in either Martinez or Storm? Leave your thoughts below.
