Why WWE Didn’t Sign Japanese Star + Toni Storm Update

Earlier this year, WWE offered a contract to Japanese wrestler Io Shirai, who many consider to be one of the best women wrestlers in the world. Shirai accepted the contract and had been expected to join the Mae Young Classic tournament. However, during medical examinations, a neck issue was discovered and WWE later rescinded their contract offer.

Dave Meltzer reported today in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE also discovered a heart-related issue during medical exams. Shirai was eventually cleared for both the neck and heart issues by Japanese doctors, but WWE’s doctors suggested that they avoid signing her.

She returned to Stardom in July and is currently the Artist of Stardom Champion.

Toni Storm

Toni Storm, who lost to Kairi Sane in the semi-finals of the Mae Young Classic, had been expected to sign with WWE, but as of now, she apparently has not.

According to Dave Meltzer, WWE told her that they would contact her after the Mae Young Classic finals, but the belief is that she has not been contacted. Talent is told to not make it public if they’ve received an offer from WWE, but there is no indication that Storm has and she has not told any promotions that she won’t be available for future dates.

Toni Storm is also currently signed to Stardom in Japan and she is the World of Stardom champion, which is the top women’s title in the promotion.

She’s also the PROGRESS Women’s Champion.