Sunday will mark the third trip within the WarGames structure for Io Shirai.
Shirai, one of the most skilled performers in professional wrestling, has been featured in NXT since her arrival in 2018. She had a spectacular career as the women’s champion during a reign that lasted 304 days. After dropping the title in April to Raquel González, Shirai has worked in different places on the card, including adding value to the NXT female tag team titles during a short career that lasted from July to October while building a good relationship. with Zoey Stark.
Shirai is a talent who deserves the main event and plans to deliver another unforgettable match at War games at the signing party of the program. She will team up with González, 21-year-old Cora Jade and Kay Lee Ray against women’s champion Mandy Rose, Dakota Kai, Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne within the.
Talking with Illustrated Sports Through a translator, Shirai spoke about this Sunday’s match, his trash can viral stain in last year’s WarGames match and if your future goals include a race in Crude or Slap.
Illustrated Sports: This year marks your third WarGames match. What are you most excited about about this year’s WarGames, especially if you team up with Kay Lee Ray, Cora Jade, and Raquel González?
IT IS: I understand that each game of WarGames will have a completely different feel depending on the participants. I don’t think anyone here is a friend, but I know that Kay Lee Ray and Raquel González will be great threats to win. As for Cora Jade, her ability is unknown so I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do in a match like this.
AND: You made a lasting impression on last year’s WarGames match. What inspired you to dive from the cage into the trash can?
IT IS: It was not a particularly deep idea and I had many options in front of me. In my opinion, WarGames cages are very attractive and I wanted to do something interesting. It is almost like a child playing with his toy box.
AND: On the subject of incredible moments in your matches, you suffered a fierce fall two months ago in Halloween mayhem one ladder, then collided with another. What were you thinking while you were in the air? And was that the most painful blow you’ve ever had?
IT IS: Without thinking about anything, my body was taking hits on its own and that’s why I’m a pro. Stairs hits are painful, of course, but any hit can be painful, whether it’s on a ladder or in the center of the ring. It is our job to train our body to withstand those blows so that we do not hurt ourselves and that is why it is important not to try what we do at home.
AND: You have a global perspective on professional wrestling. What do you think of the changes from the black and gold NXT to the NXT 2.0? Are you still working closely with Shawn Michaels?
IT IS: Since NXT 2.0 debuted, the number of new stars has increased, which I find very fun and exciting. Regarding Shawn, I still work with him and receive advice that is always very helpful.
AND: After War gamesYour next goal is to challenge Mandy Rose? What would it mean to regain the NXT title?
IT IS: As long as I’m here, my goal will always be the NXT women’s title, regardless of my opponent. The title is proof that you are at the top of your craft and validates everything we do.
AND: You’ve already accomplished a lot in NXT. Are you open to moving to Slap or Crude? And while we’ve seen you briefly work with Sasha Banks, is there someone you would really like to work with on any of those brands?
IT IS: Of course I would be open to a move to Slap or Crude. The opportunity would present new goals and encounters different from what I have achieved and experienced in NXT. I would like a rematch with Sasha Banks asap. I also heard Bayley say that he wanted to have a fight with me and I would definitely enjoy my first match here. If it’s a title fight, even better.
AND: Acclimatizing to the United States during a pandemic is not an easy task. What has been more difficult about the distance from home? And has there been a part of American life that you particularly like?
IT IS: It has been difficult not being able to see and be reunited with my family during the pandemic. One thing I really enjoyed was a trip I took to Sedona. [Ariz.] where I had wonderful views. I also really enjoy the Florida weather with a house and a big pool.
AND: What have you learned the most from your WWE experience so far?
IT IS: I learned with my own eyes that the best artists in the world within sports entertainment are created on a much larger scale than I expected.
AND: In terms of gears and movements in the ring, do you have surprises in store for War games on Sunday?
IT IS: If I tell you a surprise, it won’t be a surprise. That being said, there is no reason for anyone reading this to miss out. War games.
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Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Justinbarrasso.
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.