5 surprise WWE NXT call ups we could see on SmackDown following recent releases

#1 Io Shirai could end up on WWE SmackDown

Io Shirai and Asuka

Former NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai has built up quite a fan following for herself in WWE. Shirai is regarded as one of the best wrestlers around the globe, and fans can't wait to see her take on some of the big names on the main roster.

The Genius of the Sky had an incredible reign as the NXT Women’s Champion before dropping the title to Raquel Gonzalez. Instead of moving to the main roster soon after her loss, Shirai decided to take some time off from the ring.

WWE seems to have already planted the seeds for a rivalry between Franky Monet and Shirai in NXT. However, the recent releases have left the SmackDown women’s roster looking thin, and WWE could soon surprise fans by bringing the former NXT Women's Champion to the brand.

The Japanese Superstar is one big name who can make her move to SmackDown soon rather than getting into another rivalry on NXT. Shirai is more than ready for the main roster, and she could go on to lead the SmackDown roster early in her career.

The Genius of the Sky could have some great rivalries against top names such as Bayley, Sasha Banks, Carmella, and Bianca Belair. That could certainly help strengthen the Blue brand’s women’s division.