There's a pattern that often happens in NXT when a big title change takes place. History tells us that the black and gold brand tends to have the current champion do the favor for an up and coming challenger and drop the championship. Once done, the next step is moving up to Raw or SmackDown.
It's potentially time to ask that question when it comes to former NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai. After a 300+ day run with the title, multiple successful defenses against Tegan Knox, Candice Lerae, Dakota Kai, Rhea Ripley, Toni Storm, and Mercedes Martinez -- not to mention she beat Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair -- Shirai finally lost on Wednesday night. Raquel Gonzalez won the title.
Perhaps more interesting, Shirai got the big send off when the pay-per-view went off the air.
Perhaps it's not fair to suggest the wrestling world was in shock, but it was a bit of a surprise and one has to wonder if the next logical step for Shirai is a jump. After all, it is WrestleMania season and the Monday and Friday following the biggest show of the year often includes some key promotions for wrestlers who are ready to move on to the next chapter of their careers.
WWE spent a lot of time Wednesday evening showing their respect for what Shirai brought to NXT during her reign as champion. In many ways, the comments from her fellow stars, the powers that be in NXT, and the brand itself felt like goodbye messages.
Triple H commented on her run and called her one of the best in the world. Perhaps that was just him showing some appreciation. Then again, perhaps it was The Game saying it was time for Shirai to take her own game to another level.
Could Shirai Make A Splash This Weekend?
There are countless opportunities to get Shirai involved in WrestleMania itself or the two shows following the pay-per-view. Our first thought would be to set something up with Bayley or Charlotte.
Neither are involved in The Showcase of the Immortals and we can't think of a better way to get Shirai the immediate rub that would help set her up for success.