Tag: Mina Shirakawa

AEW announces Mina Shirakawa signing

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Mina Shirakawa is officially All Elite.

AEW owner Tony Khan announced Wednesday night in a social media post during the Dynamite overrun that Shirakawa has officially signed with the company:

She’s challenging for the AEW Women’s World Title at #AEWDoN THIS SUNDAY, and after her impressive win on #AEWDynamite + her altercation with World Champion Timeless Toni Storm tonight, now it’s official: @MinaShirakawa is ALL ELITE!

The move was widely expected after Shirakawa announced her Stardom departure in March and her intentions to move to the United States and join AEW.

Shirakawa was a key figure in the Toni Storm and Mariah May storyline that played out for nearly a year and a half on AEW programming, aligning herself with both, then facing both. She will challenge Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view after winning a title eliminator match on last week’s Dynamite Beach Break episode.

Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart, Owen Hart tournament face-offs announced for AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new match has been announced for AEW Dynamite.

On social media, Tony Khan confirmed that Mina Shirakawa will face Julia Hart this Wednesday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

“After Mina’s 4 Way Eliminator win vs Toni, AZM + @Skyebyee, Skye’s mentor Julia Hart aims for payback vs Mina, with Women’s World Champion Timeless Toni Storm on commentary WEDNESDAY!,” he wrote.

In a promo during Collision, Shirakawa said she was focused on winning the AEW Women’s title, saying while Toni is timeless, Mina is now.

Storm had been competing in a number of title eliminator matches until finally being stopped on Wednesday’s Dynamite. In her first match as a AEW-contracted wrestler, Shirkawa pinned Storm to earn a title match at Double or Nothing next Sunday.

Also announced for Dynamite is a face-to-face between Mercedes Mone and Jamie Hayter, as well as Will Ospreay and Hangman Page. They will meet in the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation women’s and men’s tournaments that will take place at Double or Nothing.

Here is the updated lineup for Dynamite:

AEW Dynamite, Wednesday, May 21 —

  • Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart (Toni Storm on commentary)
  • MJF signs contract to join The Hurt Syndicate
  • Mercedes Mone-Jamie Hayter face-to-face
  • Hangman Page-Will Ospreay face-to-face

AEW notes: Taz honors Sabu, Tony Khan responds to Mina Shirakawa music change

Posted on by Josh Nason

While the main stories coming out of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite Beach Break were focused on this month’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view, several other happenings made news.

Video: Taz honors Sabu

With the passing of the legendary Sabu this past weekend, his former partner and frequent opponent Taz took some time to honor his friend during the broadcast — getting understandably emotional in doing so.

Sabu first appeared on AEW TV in May 2023 and was named the special guest enforcer for a Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole match at that year’s Double or Nothing.

Tony Khan changes Mina Shirakawa’s music twice

Now a contracted AEW wrestler, Mina Shirakawa made her return to AEW TV a notable one Wednesday by earning a Women’s World title shot at Double or Nothing by pinning champion Toni Storm in a four-way title eliminator.

When she first came out, she entered to new music that was considerably different than her original. The backlash to the new entrance song caught fire on social media and caught the attention of Tony Khan during the match, resulting in him going back to her old song when the match ended.

Khan admitted to such when asked.

The black and red spider returns

The impending debut of former Stardom wrestler Thekla continues to be teased.

During the aforementioned women’s four-way, the black and red spider graphic once again appeared on screen as the match was going on. It’s unknown when “The Toxic Spider” will debut, but she has reportedly signed her contract.

Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa Women’s title match set for AEW Double or Nothing

Posted on by Josh Nason

Mina Shirakawa has officially returned to AEW and already has a Women’s World title shot, taking place at this month’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view.

During Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, Shirakawa won a four-way title eliminator match by pinning reigning champion Toni Storm to earn the title opportunity. AZM and the returning Skye Blue were also in the bout.

The two frenemies have done battle for Storm’s title before, dating back to June 2024’s Forbidden Door when Shirakawa was still a member of the Stardom roster. Shirakawa was also part of the Storm/Mariah May storyline that took place over the last year.

Shirakawa departed Stardom this year to sign with AEW. She competed in a Ring of Honor match last month with Wednesday marking her first AEW bout since losing to then-champion May in December 2024.

Current AEW Double or Nothing card | Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Glendale, Arizona

  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defends against Mina Shirakawa
  • Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament final: Will Ospreay vs. Hangman Page
  • Owen Hart Foundation women’s tournament final: Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter

Daily Update: WWE notes, Mina Shirakawa, TNA Impact lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Lots more on the AAA sale to TKO (and that it’s not actually completed), CMLL’s cryptic response, Grand Slam Mexico, Dorian Roldan talks why he sold and Konnan and Latin Lover talk the future of AAA and in theory how things change in Mexico and the U.S., plus the major business goals.
  • Tam Nakano ends her career, Mayu Iwatani leaves Stardom, Stardom puts on its biggest show with its biggest match in history and a couple of award categories this should do well in.
  • Update on WWE Backlash
  • Update on both major lawsuits against Vince McMahon and WWE. New plaintiffs emerge in the ringboys suit and a new Vice President is implicated, and Janel Grant’s attorneys push for the case to move forward while the defendants want discovery held up.
  • Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff promote Real American Freestyle. What they need for success, what mistakes they’ve already made and is Hogan the right person to the face of the company
  • Full coverage of TNA Rebellion
  • Long story on the Hollywood Demons episode on the Von Erichs, how this is different from other stories, more on the deaths, the political situation in Texas and things in the new documentary that aren’t completely accurate, as well as dispelling major myths.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings, including placings, demos, competition and more for all the shows
  • End of the CMLL Universal championship tournament with a super finish
  • MLW vs. CMLL matches this week
  • Champion Carnival update
  • Lots of New Japan big matches coming up
  • Meiko Satomura retires
  • Big indie shows this week
  • Big Progress tournament this week
  • RVD injury update
  • More NXT stars on TNA television
  • AEW expects one of its biggest gates for upcoming show
  • Bryan Danielson talks his career and AEW
  • Advanced ticket sales for upcoming WWE and AEW shows
  • Lots of injury updates
  • PFL involved in a number of messy lawsuits
  • Freak show fight with powerlifters gets major attention
  • SmackDown time slot change
  • Did you know the person behind the movie with Liv Morgan did a movie based on a Hall of Fame 80s and 90s pro wrestling legend
  • Value of WWE’s PLEs on the open market
  • The story of the most powerful man in combat sports that most reporters aren’t touching
  • Lots of notes on the Smashing Machine movie
  • How much Dwayne Johnson has made since joining the TK Board
  • More talk on a WWE all-women’s PPV show

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • The full Jordynne Grace vs. Giulia main event from NXT last night has been uploaded to WWE’s YouTube channel. Grace won the number one contender’s match to earn an NXT Women’s Championship shot against Stephanie Vaquer at Battleground on May 25.
  • Myles Borne won a 25-man battle royal last night and will challenge NXT Champion Oba Femi at Battleground. Borne, who is partially deaf, is dedicating the match to anyone who has faced challenges or disabilities:
    • May 25th, I’m going to put it all on the line. This is for all the kids who are different. For those who face challenges or have a disability that they think limits them. Nothing limits us. If I can do it, you can too. Let’s ride
  • There was a backstage segment on NXT where Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Yoshiki Inamura – who had been in NXT since November 2024 – said he is now going back to Japan.
  • While speaking with Wide World of Sports in Australia, Rhea Ripley reflected on how special her WrestleMania 41 match against IYO SKY and Bianca Belair was:
    • It was a wild experience. It was special and honestly, I’ve done a lot – that was like my sixth WrestleMania – but this one was different and I know the outcome wasn’t exactly what I was wanting, but to go out there with the girls who I grew up with in NXT [was special].
    • I moved over here [to the United States] at 20 years old and these girls were pretty much my family, they were like my sisters and the only ones that I saw every single day.
    • It was a very competitive nature, but a very loving nature at the same time.
    • To go out at WrestleMania and have such an awesome match where you know that you had the crowd the entire time and that adrenaline rush – all of us broke down in tears.
    • Even on the bus afterwards, I couldn’t come down from that high. Seeing the video of Iyo’s family crying in the crowd, it was so special because I’ve had that moment and Bianca has had that moment. Iyo hadn’t had that moment yet and to see her have it and captured and presented to everyone, it was a really special day.
  • Billboard asked Randy Orton who he would fantasy book to be in the Randy Orton role if there was a new faction like Evolution:
    • Gosh. That’s a tough-ass question. So, you got a kid in NXT named Myles [Borne]. A lot of people compare me to him, and I guess he’s got some mannerisms. Maybe there’s a little bit of how we look similar, so his name pops up right away. I’ve seen him work, and he’s a badass in the ring. He’d be up there.
    • But I’ve always been an Austin Theory fan. I feel like he just needed to mature a little bit — just like we all do ’cause he started young — but starting that young and having that much going for you, you’re ahead of the game. Now that he’s becoming a man — so to speak before our eyes — I could see him finding who he is in that ring and settling down and being the fourth member for a group like that. And I did hear they’re comparing that new faction [Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker & Paul Heyman] to Evolution, and all I can say is that I’m honored. That’s awesome. I love that they’re still talking about stuff that I’ve done 20 years ago today. I take pride in that.
  • The WWE ID Championship tournaments will continue on Sunday, June 8 at an event hosted by indie promotion NYWC (New York Wrestling Connection) in Long Island, New York.
  • Seth Rollins was a guest on the Chicago Bears’ Etc. podcast.
  • The Creed Brothers joined Sheamus on this week’s episode of Celtic Warrior Workouts.
  • Sean “X-Pac” Waltman was a guest on The Ariel Helwani Show today.
  • WWE uploaded a video with footage of every time Randy Orton has hit an RKO on John Cena.
  • WWE wrestlers did the nonchalant elevator challenge on TikTok.
  • 2K Games shared a first look at the Motor City Machine Guns in WWE 2K25. Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin will be available as DLC characters starting on May 14.
  • Logan Paul interviewed NFL legend Tom Brady on Impaulsive.

Other Wrestling

  • As she moves to the United States, Mina Shirakawa posted a goodbye to Japan, sharing a photo of her now-empty room: “I cried so many tears in this room. But every morning, I chose to fight for my future. Hard times may come. But I’ll never give up. Thank you, Japan.”
  • Dustin Rhodes told Sportskeeda WrestleBinge that he wants to win the ROH World Championship before he retires: “Before I retire, which will probably be in two or three years, I do want a shot at the Ring of Honor World title, and I think I can get it.”
  • Daily Star interviewed Will Ospreay.
  • An appearance by NXT’s Trick Williams – who will challenge Joe Hendry for the TNA World Championship at NXT Battleground on Sunday, May 25 – will kick off this Thursday’s Impact episode. Here is the announced lineup:
    • Trick Williams kicks off the show
    • Dog collar match: TNA International Champion Steve Maclin defends against Eric Young
    • We’ll hear from Matt & Jeff Hardy
    • Victoria Crawford (Alicia Fox in action)
    • Mustafa Ali vs. Trey Miguel
    • Lei Ying Lee vs. Rosemary
    • The Great Hands (Jason Hotch & John Skyler) vs. Aztec Warriors (Laredo Kid & Octagon Jr.)
  • Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville) will be doing “a little guest commentary” for women’s MMA promotion Invicta FC in Kansas City on Friday, May 16.
  • Okumura will be in action on the TV taping portion of MLW’s Azteca Lucha event in Cicero, Illinois this Saturday.
  • Gringo Loco has been added to the 10-man Cibernetico match that’s taking place at this year’s Dean Rasmussen tribute show in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday, May 24.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Red Velvet vs. La Catalina, Mina Shirakawa returns

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Ring of Honor Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet will return to action for the first time since January on tonight’s HonorClub show.

Velvet will put her title on the line against CMLL’s La Catalina who earned the title shot earlier this month. Velvet will be looking for her seventh title defense as a full year as titleholder looms on the horizon.

Mina Shirakawa will make her return stateside as an AEW contracted wrestler as she battles Leila Grey.

MxM Collection & Johnny TV will continue their trios run as they will be in action.

In tag team action, Serpentico & Angelico team up against Cole Karter & Griff Garrison.

**********

It’s another Thursday and another episode of ROH on Honorclub! This was episode #114 for those scoring at home and kicked off with a big return!

Mina Shirakawa defeated Leila Grey

Shirakawa was last seen in ROH in August of 2024 and has been predominantly hanging out in Stardom ever since. Her return took place against Leila Grey, who may or may not still be a flight attendant, and picked up a win against Lady frost in her last ROH appearance. 

Shirakawa is fantastic to watch in the ring (in spite of some quesitonable entrance music). Grey has been climbing the ladder in ROH, getting better with each match and still managing to make time to hang out with Top Flight. Shirakawa had an edge in speed, but Grey was able to keep up with her.

Grey got the first near fall and caught Shirakawa looking with a running neckbreaker. Shirakawa had a smile on her face the whole time though, using the ropes to her advantage with several springboard strikes. She also worked Grey’s knee over a bunch, trying to keep Grey off her feet.

There was a lot of dancing between moves, as well. A lot.

Shirakawa almost got Grey with a slingblade off the top rope that was really impressive. From there she went back to working Grey’s knee, but Grey fought back with a shotgun dropkick. Shirakawa got Grey into a figure four though, wrenching that softened up knee. Grey struggled to get out of it, but in the end had to tap.

Match Result: Mina Shirakawa defeated Leila Grey

MxM Collection (Mansoor & Madden) and Johnny TV defeated Rosario Grillo, Cameron Russell and Alan Russell

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; MxM and Johnny TV are a match made in heaven. They are like peanut butter & jelly, bronzer and spray tans, hair gel and… well, hair. They have to be worrisome to the ROH Six-Man Champions, Dustin Rhodes and the Von Erichs, and not just because they keep stealing belts. 

Grillo and Mansoor kicked things off with a Tip-Touch of Honor. Immediately, Mansoor asked aloud “Why am I doing this?” and tagged in the much bigger Madden. Madden took Grillo so seriously, he didn’t even bother to take off his sunglasses.

Alan tagged in next, but Madden made short, short work of him. Madden dragged Alan to the corner, isolating him in the corner and tagging in TV. TV and Mansoor double teamed him with chops and stomps. Madden used some butt-based offense to knock Alan across the ring and MxMxTV all posed in the ring.

TV went up top, but missed the mark, allowing Alan to tag in Cameron who battled with Mansoor. From there, MxMxTV just collectively beat up their opponents. Eventually, they landed a Super Centerfold and executed a triple pin for the win.

Match Result: MxM Collection (Mansoor & Madden) and Johnny TV defeated Rosario Grillo, Cameron Russell and Alan Russell

ROH Women’s World TV Champion Red Velvet defeated La Catalina

As of this writing, Red Velvet has held the ROH Women’s TV title for 279 days. Not too shabby when you consider she’s only the second person to hold the title, after Billie Starkz. Velvet put Ashley Vox down in under 5 minutes in a Proving Ground match last week and this week takes on #1 Contender La Catalina, who beat Taya Valkyrie for the honor.  

These two are both really good at what they do. Velvet had the veteran’s edge, but Catalina wrestles a luchadore hybrid style that Velvet hadn’t faced before. Catalina was able to roll her up out of nowhere quite often in the opening minutes.

Once Velvet was able to get Catalina out of the ring though, we saw her toughness. On the outside Catalina brought a straight up slugfest until Velvet got the upper hand and wrapped her knee around the ringpost.

Catalina hit a huge fisherwoman’s suplex and came within a half-second of becoming the champion. Velvet stayed in it though, even through a shotgun dropkick from the top rope and a big electric chair.

Catalina went up top for her signature splash, but Velvet climbed the ropes and brought her down and put her into a vicious half-crab hold. Catalina struggled to get to the ropes, but couldn’t last when Velvet grabbed the rope for leverage. Catalina tapped and Velvet retains the title.

Match Result: ROH Women’s World TV Champion Red Velvet defeated La Catalina

The Frat House (Griff Garrison & Cole Karter w/Preston Vance & Jacked Jameson) defeated Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico)

In another universe, I feel like The Frat House and Spanish Announce Project probably attended a lot of the same house parties in high school. They hung out on different floors of the house, but were still there. SAP took a loss last week as one half of a team with The Kingdom in an 8-man battle and The Frat House picked up a trios win a couple of weeks ago and have probably started eyeing the titles held by Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs. Mainly to use as beer coasters, I presume. 

The Frat offered up some red solo cups of Honor, but immediately threw their contents in SAP’s face. SAP responded by kicking their butts, leaving Karter alone in the ring for some double teaming. Angelico bowed out and Serpentico went one-on-one with Garrison, who had quickly tagged in.

Serpentico took out both Garrison and Karter with a dive through the ropes while Jameson and Vance… watched? Serpentico tried to go high, but Karter pulled him off the turnbuckle, sending him into the Frat Corner, where all four got their shots in.

The Frat House took control from there, with Garrison and Karter trading quick tags to hit Serpentico with a succession of moves. They threw him out of the ring and Vance and Jameson added their two cents as well.

Off of a hot tag, Angelico finally returned to the match, clearing the ring of Frat-people. Garrison got back in and the two collided in a double cross-body. That left Serpentico and Karter in the ring, and Jameson tried to hit on the ref at ringside. That let Vance get a few shots in on Serpentico, softening him up for Karter to get the pin through nefarious means.

Match Result: The Frat House (Griff Garrison & Cole Karter w/Preston Vance & Jacked Jameson) defeated Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico)

After the match, the Frat House beat up SAP in the ring, trying to steal Serpentico’s mask again. That brought out ROH World Champion Bandido who picked apart the Frat House, clocking Vance specifically with the title belt. SAP Got to their feet and the three hugged in the ring.

Three-way match for Strong Women’s title set for NJPW Resurgence

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A three-way match for the Strong Women’s Championship is set for next month.

AZM and Mina Shirakawa faced off at Windy City Riot on Friday to determine a number one contender for Mercedes Mone’s championship. Both women were down on the floor after Shirakawa hit AZM with a tornado DDT outside of the ring. Neither were able to make it to the 20 count, forcing the referee to stop the match and declare a double count out. Both women were angry about the decision after the match, leaving Mone’s opponent for Ontario, California unclear.

Shortly before the main event, announcer Veda Scott said that Rocky Romero had made a decision, and the Strong Women’s title match at Resurgence would be a three-way with both Shirakawa and AZM challenging.

Mone is no stranger to either woman. She defeated Mina Shirakawa at Wrestle Dynasty back on January 5 at the Tokyo Dome for Shirkawa’s Undisputed British Women’s title. At Sakura Genesis 2023, Mone defeated AZM and Hazuki to retain the IWGP Women’s title.

Another match was set up for Resurgence during Windy City Riot. The Young Bucks appeared via video and issued a challenge to the War Dogs, saying they’d be coming with “a couple of OG friends.”

Daily Update: Charlotte Flair, WWE 2K, Mina Shirakawa

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer:

  • The latest on WrestleMania and AEW Dynasty, card changes, injuries tickets sold, and ticket interest.
  • NCAA wrestling tournament rundown, the biggest upset in modern tournament history, Dan Gable talks Gable Steveson, Hodge Trophy, and records set
  • Firings at TNA and what is behind them
  • CMLL El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas
  • The life and times of George Foreman
  • The amazing life of Bill Mercer and the glory days of World Class Championship Wrestling
  • Cain Velasquez sentencing
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings from the past week, including competition, demographics and quarters
  • Universal champion of champions tournament
  • CMLL vs. MLW at Arena Mexico
  • The new La Parka
  • AAA Rey de Reyes notes
  • Chris Bey benefit show
  • Another wrestling TV special
  • Death of historian Dave Cameron
  • Death of Julio Estrada
  • Hall of Fame in North Carolina?
  • El Hijo del Santo sad retirement notes
  • New book coming out on 90s wrestling
  • More on Saraya leaving AEW
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • Conor McGregor wants to run for President of Ireland
  • TKO exects pocket $278 million in latest transaction
  • Former WWE name openly talks about a return
  • WWE value

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • In an interview with the Daily Mail, Charlotte Flair explained that she views her current character as being neither a face nor a heel. She responded when asked about the reaction she got from fans after winning the Royal Rumble:
    • I think there is a misconception that people are like ‘oh, Charlotte Flair is good’ or that I was trying to be good. I keep going and not that she’s trying to be good or she’s trying to be bad – no. Charlotte Flair is above being good and bad. She is just Charlotte Flair. She’s the end all be all of women’s wrestling.
    • I am the end-all be-all of women’s wrestling. Now that I have learned from every opportunity I have learned from every opponent. I’ve learned from every scenario. To me you’re either wooing or booing. Get on board, learn to love it.
    • I am who I am. It’s different town to town, event to event. Like I wrestled in Nottingham against Piper and they were woos. She got the boos. But the night before I got the boos. I love that I can take people on that roller coaster. Either way, yeah, if we don’t hear anything then we worry!
  • Cody Rhodes was featured on this week’s edition of Stephanie’s Places on ESPN+. During their conversation, Rhodes told Stephanie McMahon that he hopes his daughter Liberty will one day voice the “Wrestling has more than one royal family” line at the start of his theme music.
  • No-Contest Wrestling asked Stephanie Vaquer to name five dream opponents from any promotion or era that she would like to headline WrestleMania with. Vaquer chose Mariko Yoshida, Marcela, Sasha Banks, Michelle McCool, and Chyna.
  • Though further details are not known yet, Nintendo announced today that the WWE 2K video game series is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. The new Switch console is set to be released this June.
  • Adrian Hernandez uploaded an interview with Karrion Kross.
  • WWE continued its countdown of the 50 greatest matches in WrestleMania history by ranking Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania VI) at 15th.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey told WrestleZone that he already feels comfortable and at home in AEW:
    • As you mentioned, this is a huge step for my career, by far the biggest platform I’ve ever been on. And to kick it off this early, I’ve only had two matches so far. And the next one I have scheduled at Dynasty is an International Championship match with Ricochet and Kenny Omega, which is honestly as big as it gets. It feels like it is all happening extremely fast. But in a way, I feel very comfortable and at home in AEW. I have already wrestled, been in the ring, been in locker rooms with almost the entire roster.
    • And I have wrestled Kenny Omega before in PWG in 2015. That was a match that absolutely changed my career, its direction. Just working with someone like Kenny and seeing how his brain operates, and how he works, and how he goes about matches. Eventually I went on to DDT and got a much closer look on how he became the wrestler that he is. So, that’s a rematch that I’ve been chasing for ten years. Then you throw in Ricochet into the mix, who is one of the most talented wrestlers in the world. Certainly one of the most influential high flyers of the last decade. Now, as a person, as a human being, his behavior, I cannot speak on. But I am still extremely excited for Dynasty and that three-way for the International Championship.
  • Mina Shirakawa bid an emotional farewell to Stardom today, losing to Maika in her final match for the promotion. Shirakawa, who is joining AEW full-time, thanked the Stardom fans for accepting her, the senior wrestlers who trained her, and all of her friends. She said being a pro wrestler is about showing fans their dreams can come true – and she promised to continue chasing her dreams in the United States.
  • Harley Cameron appeared on a new episode of Talk is Jericho.
  • A new episode of Chris Van Vliet is set to premiere tomorrow with Samoa Joe as the guest.
  • Mr. Thomas and CW Anderson are the latest confirmed entrants for MLW Battle Riot VII in Long Beach, California this Saturday.

Number one contender’s match added to NJPW Windy City Riot

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A number one contender’s match is set for Windy City Riot.

NJPW announced on Sunday that AZM will face Mina Shirakawa on April 11 in a match that will determine the number one contender for the NJPW Strong Women’s title currently held by Mercedes Mone. 

Shirakawa recently announced that she would be leaving Stardom in order to move to America and join AEW. She and Mone previously met at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, where Mone defeated Shirakawa to retain the Strong Women’s title and gain the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s title.

AZM challenged Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women’s title one day prior on January 4, but was unsuccessful.

Wintrust Arena is hosting Windy City Riot, which will air as a pay-per-view on NJPW World. Here is the updated lineup:

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match in the United States: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • 30-minute Iron Man match: NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd defends against Tomohiro Ishii
  • David Finlay vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson defend against KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight
  • Tetsuya Naito & Titan vs. Rocky Romero & El Phantasmo
  • Number one contenders match for Strong Women’s title: AZM vs. Mina Shirakawa

Fight Game: Has the road to WWE WrestleMania been disappointing so far?

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

John LaRocca and I are back to talk about the major topics in the world of wrestling on this week’s Fight Game Podcast.

We kicked off the show by giving out our Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down winners and losers of the week before going into our Top Five topics which included:

  • Discussions on Mina Shirakawa, Mariah May and Saraya and their futures
  • AEW viewership being up
  • Jon Moxley vs. Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynasty
  • John Cena’s second heel promo
  • The Jey Uso familiar looking story

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Pacific Rim: Wrestling Queendom 1995 Victory in Yokohama

Posted on by Jim Valley

Thirty years ago, All Japan Women’s Wrestling was on a roll.

Today’s new episode of Pacific Rim features Fumi Saito and I talking about the significance of the show and AJW’s run in the mid-90s.

On March 26, 1995, 9000 fans at the Yokohama Arena witnessed history at AJW Wrestling Queendom 1995 Victory as Manami Toyota defeated Aja Kong for the WWWA World Title. Also on the card were stars like Bull Nakano, Kyoko Inoue, Lioness Asuka, Toshiyo Yamada, Reggie Bennett, and Mima Shimota.

Plus, we talk John Cena, WrestleMania 41, Shota Umino, Mina Shirakawa, and more.

Check it out.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WOR: Saraya & Mina Shirakawa, TNA departures, AEW & NXT TV recaps

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Dave Cameron, updates on Saraya and Mina Shirakawa, Orlando bidding on WWE and UFC, a lot of ratings notes, AEW and NXT TV reports, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Dave Cameron passes away, more on Bill Mercer

7:54: Saraya leaves AEW, Mina Shirakawa signs with AEW

16:17: TNA departures

21:07: Orlando launches bid to host future WWE & UFC shows

27:24: Ratings

41:18: AEW Dynamite recap

1:03:45: WWE NXT recap

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Mina Shirakawa announces plans to join AEW, confirms Stardom departure

Posted on by Ian Carey

Mina Shirakawa is headed to All Elite Wrestling.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Shirakawa confirmed reports that her contract with Stardom expires at the end of the month. However, she will continue to wrestle for the promotion throughout much of April, concluding with Stardom American Dream 2025 in Las Vegas on April 17 and 18. Shirakawa announced that she will join AEW after leaving Stardom.

“I, Mina Shirakawa, will be joining AEW. This marks the start of my challenge to compete on the world stage, which has been my goal since my debut.”

Shirakawa vs. Maika will take place at Stardom’s April 2 show at Korakuen Hall. The lineup for her final match in Japan on April 6 will be announced at a later date. No matches have been announced yet for Stardom American Dream 2025.

Shirakawa thanked Stardom, her co-workers, and fans for supporting her during her time in the promotion, which began in 2020. She said she hopes to reunite with Stardom somewhere down the line and show fans an improved version of herself.

The full press conference is available below.

Mina Shirakawa leaving Stardom, likely heading to United States

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mina Shirakawa is leaving Japan and could be making AEW her full-time home.

Tokyo Sports reported today that Shirakawa has informed Stardom that she will be leaving the promotion at the end of March for what is likely a full-time move to wrestling in the United States. The report mentioned both AEW and WWE as potential destinations. Shirakawa has already been a regular for AEW while with Stardom, including playing a role in the highly praised storyline between Toni Storm and Mariah May.

The report states that the 37-year-old Shirakawa told Stardom of her decision to leave at the end of last year.

Shirakawa made her first AEW/ROH appearance in March 2024 and challenged both Storm and May for the AEW Women’s World Championship during their respective reigns last year.

In January 2025, Shirakawa faced off against Mercedes Mone at the Tokyo Dome, where Mone defeated Shirakawa to win the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship and retain the AEW TBS Championship.

Shirakawa started her pro wrestling career in 2018 and has competed for both Stardom and Tokyo Joshi Pro.