WWE: Io Shirai Contract Update, More on Plans for WWE RAW TV-14 Ratings Change, WrestleMania 39

Io Shirai WWE Contract Status Update

As noted before, Io Shirai’s contract with WWE is currently set to expire next month.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Shirai has still yet to sign a new contract with WWE.

Meltzer reported that those close to Shirai from her time in Japan stated that Shirai originally decided to go to WWE with the goal of making the company’s main roster and also making main roster type money. Those same sources also stated that they believe Shirai would likely stay with WWE if that was the company’s offer for a new contract.

Earlier this week, Shirai responded on Twitter over the recent rumors of her potentially leaving the company soon.

Rumors🤮

— 紫雷イオ、Io Shirai (@shirai_io) July 12, 2022

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More on WWE RAW’s Planned TV-14 Ratings Change

As noted before, WWE RAW is currently planned to change its content rating from TV-PG to TV-14 at some point in the future.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that one WWE source spoken to stated that this decision originated within USA Network and did not come from WWE.

In regards to content changes, Meltzer speculated that this likely would not include the usage of blood for matches due to USA Network officials are currently dead set against that idea for WWE shows on their network nor go back to the era of storylines featuring women being demeaning.

Meltzer speculated that more likely this would just be an increase usage and allowance of dirty language similar to AEW shows on TNT and TBS. USA Network officials reportedly were stated by his sources to be “accepting” towards Lesnar saying “shitkicking” for this past Monday’s RAW show when they received the script ahead of time. Despite their approval, USA Network officials still did a sound edit of the word during Lesnar’s live promo.

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WWE Announces Sale Date for WrestleMania 39 Tickets

WWE recently announced that tickets for next year’s WrestleMania 39 event on April 1-2, 2023 in Los Angeles, California will officially go on sale to the general public starting on August 12th.

Official press release:

WRESTLEMANIA^® TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Priority Passes Available Next Friday, July 22 Through On Location

STAMFORD, Conn., July 14, 2022 – WWE^® (NYSE: WWE) today announced that tickets to WrestleMania will go on sale Friday, August 12 at 10 am PT. WrestleMania will take place over the course of two nights on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2 live from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Single and two-day combo tickets for WrestleMania can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.  Fans interested in an exclusive WrestleMania presale opportunity can register now at https://wwe.com/wm39-presale.

In addition, WrestleMania Priority Passes will be available next Friday, July 22 at 12 Noon ET through exclusive partner On Location at https://onlocationexp.com/wwe/wrestlemania-tickets or by calling 1-855-346-7388, giving fans an opportunity to purchase ticket packages before they go on sale to the general public. WrestleMania Priority Passes provide fans with unrivaled access to WWE like never before through immersive VIP experiences that include premier seating, a dedicated stadium entrance, premium hospitality offerings and meet-and-greets with WWE Superstars and Legends.

Over the past 12 years, WrestleMania has generated more than $1 billion in cumulative economic impact for the cities that have hosted the event.  Additional information on WrestleMania Week events will be forthcoming.

WrestleMania will stream live exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.