Japanese Star Formally Announces WWE Signing, Hideo Itami Pays Tribute (Photo), Bella Twins

By Joshua Gagnon

- Above, Nikki and Brie Bella announce their newest wine, Belle Radici Vintage Chardonnay.

- As noted in May, top Japanese star, Io Shirai, had signed with the WWE after a neck injury initially delayed her signing with the company last year. At a WWE live event in Tokyo, Shirai formally announced her move to the WWE. Below, Shirai also posted a photo of a new mask with the WWE logo on it. According to a fan in attendance at the NXT event, Shirai said:

"I have kept you waiting, this summer I will join WWE. I will shine from this world stage ring. Please share this dream with me, everyone! Thank you and see you soon!"

Io Shirai formally joins WWE! Women's pro-wrestler and former STARDOM's big star, Io Shirai (28), appeared in the ring at Ry?goku Kokugikan in Tokyo during today's WWE Japan Live show to officially announce she will be joining WWE from this summer, starting in it's developmental brand NXT. Shirai addressed the home crowd, stating "I have kept you waiting, this summer I will join WWE. I will shine from this world stage ring. Please share this dream with me, everyone! Thank you & see you soon!" Shirai then got a big standing ovation from the fans in the building. Considered by many to be the best female wrestler in the world today, Shirai had recently left STARDOM following her last performance for the company at Korakuen Hall on June 17, to pursue an overseas career. #WWETokyo #WWELive #wwejapan #IoShirai #WWRStardom #champion #QueensQuest #WorldWonderRingStardom #GoddessesofStardom #STARDOM #joshipuroresu #PurpleLightning #MidnightAngel #womenofwrestling #NJPWworld #NJPW #newjapanprowrestling #IWGP #ROH #WWE #puroresu #Japan ?? #prowrestling #?????? #???? #?????? #???? #?????

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- Also at the NXT live event, Hideo Itami sat cross-legged in the middle of a ring to pay tribute to NJPW Star Katsuyori Shibata who also does that pose. According to Chris Charlton, the crowd reacted with a loud Shibata chant. The two wrestlers were once tag partners in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

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