5 Debuts/Returns that could happen on SmackDown

#3 Io Shirai could debut on SmackDown after losing the NXT Women's title

The Genius of the Sky

In the wake of several releases in WWE on Thursday, SmackDown could certainly gain with some additions to its women's roster. Gone are the entertaining Billie Kay and the unlucky Chelsea Green. Green had been slated for a debut a few times but contracted COVID and then got hurt in November. Enter Io Shirai.

Shirai's impressive run as NXT Women's Champion was ended by Raquel Gonzalez at TakeOver: Stand & Deliver. She has little left to prove on NXT unless she wants to get her title back. Shirai could opt to chase the gold, but other feuds for the title were set up on the most recent episode of NXT.

I don’t have the title. However I’m still alive. I’m never gonna stop.😈👍🏻#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/tvwGYA5ORs

— 紫雷イオ、Io Shirai (@shirai_io) April 8, 2021

Franky Monet debuted and put Gonzalez on notice. Mercedes Martinez and Zoey Stark also made their cases for a title shot. TakeOver: Stand & Deliver could have been the NXT send-off for The Genius of the Sky.

Looks like @ZoeyStarkWWE has one tough challenge ahead...#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/U478PbUEQd

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) April 15, 2021

There hasn't been a huge debut from NXT this week, though the shows following WrestleManias are usually anticipated for that reason. Shirai joining SmackDown would shake things up on Friday nights. It would also add another legitimate name to the roster.

Shirai wouldn't have to challenge for the SmackDown Women's title right away but it would be in the future. Feuds against Bayley, Sasha Banks, Carmella, and Natalya could easily keep her busy until a potential title shot.

Will it happen or could Shirai take some time off from WWE following an impressive run as NXT Women's Champion?