Category: AEW

Mina Shirakawa Set to Leave STARDOM, Heading to AEW

Mina Shirakawa’s time in STARDOM is coming to an end, as the former multi-time champion is set to depart the promotion when her contract expires at the end of March. According to Tokyo Sports’ Kimoto Riju, Shirakawa plans to move to the United States, where she has already made a name for herself with appearances in AEW and NJPW.

A Championship Legacy in STARDOM

Since joining STARDOM in 2020, Shirakawa has built an impressive résumé, capturing multiple championships:

  • Wonder of STARDOM Champion
  • Future of STARDOM Champion
  • Goddesses of STARDOM Champion
  • Two-time Artist of STARDOM Champion

Her run in STARDOM has solidified her as a major force in women’s wrestling, and her transition to the U.S. could open even more doors for her career.

AEW Bound

After months of speculation, Mina Shirakawa has confirmed that she is officially joining AEW full-time. The former STARDOM star, who has already been heavily involved in AEW storylines over the past year, announced her decision following her exit from STARDOM.

“I, Shirakawa Mina, will be leaving STARDOM,” she said in a statement. “It is only thanks to the fans who have always believed in me and supported me that I have been able to continue to pursue my dreams and pursue my career as a professional wrestler. Thank you so much. As for the future, I, Shirakawa Mina, will be joining AEW.”

A press conference is expected later this week to announce the signing, which has reportedly been in the works for quite some time.

AEW’s growing women’s division has seen a surge of international talent in recent years, and Shirakawa’s addition could be a significant boost. She has already competed for AEW in the past, and with her connections to NJPW, she could play a key role in AEW’s ongoing relationship with Japanese wrestling promotions.

Shirakawa’s AEW Journey So Far

Although not officially signed until now, Shirakawa has played a key role in AEW’s women’s division. She made her AEW debut nearly a year ago, defeating Anna Jay on an episode of Dynamite in April. From there, she became intertwined with the storyline between “Timeless” Toni Storm and Mariah May, eventually earning two AEW Women’s World Championship opportunities.

Her first title shot came at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024, where she challenged Storm but was unable to capture the gold. Later in the year, tensions rose between Shirakawa and May, culminating in another title opportunity at Winter Is Coming in December. This time, she faced May for the championship, but once again came up short.

A Rising Star on the Global Stage

Beyond AEW, Shirakawa has made waves in NJPW as well. In January, she competed against Mercedes Moné at Wrestle Dynasty in a high-stakes title match, with both Moné’s NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship and Shirakawa’s RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship on the line. While Shirakawa was unable to secure the victory, Moné expressed interest in a rematch, hinting that their rivalry may not be over.

Though Shirakawa suffered an injury during the Wrestle Dynasty bout, she has since recovered and returned to the ring, setting the stage for what could be an explosive run in AEW.

What’s Next for Shirakawa in AEW?

Now that she’s officially All Elite, Shirakawa’s next move will be closely watched. Could another clash with Mariah May be in her future? Will she cross paths with Toni Storm once again? And with Moné’s arrival in AEW seemingly imminent, a rematch between the two could be on the horizon.

One thing is for sure: Shirakawa is ready to make an impact in AEW, and her journey is just getting started.

Before her AEW debut, Shirakawa is scheduled to appear at NJPW Windy City Riot on April 11, which could serve as a preview of what’s to come. With her talent, charisma, and championship pedigree, she has the potential to be a major player in AEW’s women’s division.

Saraya Announces Departure From AEW

Former AEW star and ex-WWE Women’s Champion Saraya has officially announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling. The news was revealed exclusively through Entertainment Weekly and comes on the heels of her latest career move—launching a brand-new podcast, Rulebreakers With Saraya.

Saraya Says Goodbye to AEW

Speaking on the debut episode of her podcast, Saraya shared that her time with AEW had come to an end but emphasized that there were no hard feelings.

“I’m here to tell you that me and AEW’s relationship has come to an end,” she said. “I had an amazing time there. There’s no bad blood between us. I had such a magical time.”

Saraya’s last AEW match was back in October 2024, where she competed in a Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match against Willow Nightingale, Nyla Rose, and Jamie Hayter. She wrestled fewer than a dozen matches on AEW television in 2023, appearing across Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision.

Despite parting ways, Saraya expressed nothing but gratitude toward AEW and company president Tony Khan.

“Thank you, AEW. Thank you to the AEW fans—I loved my f***ing time there,”* she said. “Tony’s f***ing awesome. And anyone that goes to work there will just enjoy their time. It’s just great.”*

What’s Next for Saraya?

The timing of Saraya’s announcement has certainly raised eyebrows. Earlier this year, she told TMZ that her AEW contract was set to expire in September, making the circumstances of her departure somewhat unclear. However, with WrestleMania season in full swing, the move comes at an intriguing time.

Could WWE be in her future? The wrestling world has seen its fair share of surprise returns, particularly during major events like the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam. CM Punk’s shocking WWE comeback at Survivor Series 2023 proved that anything is possible. Similarly, Becky Lynch’s return at SummerSlam 2021 after more than a year away set a precedent for big-name stars making grand reappearances.

For now, Saraya seems focused on her podcasting venture, but wrestling fans will be watching closely to see where she lands next. Whether it’s a WWE homecoming or a fresh path in another promotion, her next chapter promises to be just as captivating as her career so far.

Would you want to see Saraya back in WWE?

Saraya Opens Up About Online Harassment and Toxic Fandom Ahead of Memoir Release

AEW star Saraya has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and ahead of the release of her memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, she’s shedding light on the dark side of wrestling fandom. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the former WWE Divas Champion spoke candidly about years of online abuse, disturbing fan encounters, and how she protects herself in the digital age.

Telling Her Side of the Story

Saraya hopes her new book will give fans a better understanding of her journey—not just the parts they think they know. “I want people to be inspired by me,” she explained. “Everyone has their version of my life, you know? And I know I’m quite a controversial figure… I wanted to really tell my side of the story with everything, but also help people.”

Her career has certainly been a rollercoaster, from being a teenage wrestling prodigy in England to becoming WWE’s youngest-ever Divas Champion, dealing with career-threatening injuries, and eventually making a dramatic return to the ring in AEW. Through it all, she’s been subjected to intense public scrutiny—something she says has only been amplified by social media.

The Dark Side of Online Fame

Social media has made wrestlers more accessible to fans than ever, but for Saraya, that accessibility has come with serious downsides. She described her direct messages as “the dark web” and admitted she avoids checking them altogether. “I know there will be unsolicited dck pics… Men do not give a s**,” she said bluntly. “Social media is like a mask to them, so they can do and say whatever they want and get away with it.”

The abuse isn’t just limited to crude messages. Saraya revealed she’s been on the receiving end of terrifying threats, including threats of sexual violence and murder. “I’ve had so many fans come to my house,” she shared. “I had a guy that had no shoes on and a ripped shirt that was trying to get in my house. I’ve had people send stuff to me. People have camped outside my house before.”

Because of these experiences, she’s taken extreme precautions to protect her privacy, even keeping her home under a different name to prevent unwanted visitors.

When Fandom Crosses the Line

Despite the negative experiences, Saraya made it clear she appreciates the majority of her fans who support her respectfully. However, she also acknowledged the dangerous extremes of parasocial relationships—where certain fans feel an unhealthy level of familiarity with public figures.

“You do get the odd weirdo that thinks that they know you so well that they can come into your house or be outside your hotel room or like hunt me down in a hotel room,” she said. “It is crazy how far some of these fans will go.”

As Saraya continues to reclaim her narrative through her memoir, she’s also shining a light on the darker realities of fame in professional wrestling. Hell in Boots hits shelves tomorrow, and if her interview is any indication, it promises to be an unfiltered, no-holds-barred look at the highs and lows of her journey.

AEW Ramifications Of Potential WBD-UFC Deal

AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is locked in through 2028, but potential changes could be on the horizon for the company’s Saturday night show, Collision. According to a new report, WBD is interested in acquiring UFC broadcast rights, which could have a direct impact on AEW’s programming schedule.

What’s the Situation?

Per Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, if WBD successfully secures a deal with UFC, the promotion’s events would likely air on TNT—the same network where Collision currently resides. This raises questions about AEW’s Saturday night time slot. If UFC takes priority, Collision could be moved out of primetime or potentially shifted over to TBS, where Dynamite airs on Wednesdays.

What This Means for AEW

AEW has already seen one major network switch in its history when Dynamite moved from TNT to TBS in 2022. While shifting Collision to TBS could provide brand consistency, Meltzer warns that constantly changing time slots could be detrimental to the show’s viewership. However, there is also a scenario where Collision remains on TNT but airs after UFC events. If that happens, AEW might actually benefit from a strong lead-in audience.

The Bigger Picture

UFC’s current media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2024, making it a prime target for networks looking to boost their sports programming. It’s also worth noting that UFC’s parent company, TKO Group, also owns WWE, adding another layer of intrigue to WBD’s interest in the MMA promotion.

Meanwhile, AEW’s own media landscape has evolved. At the beginning of the year AEW programming became available for streaming on MAX, and its pay-per-views can now be purchased on Amazon Prime Video—marking a notable expansion of their distribution reach.

For now, AEW remains a key player in WBD’s programming lineup, but if UFC enters the equation, Collision’s Saturday night home could be in for a shake-up.

AEW Collision Preview: Slam Dunk Saturday & Sunday 3/22 & 3/23

AEW kicks off a special weekend of AEW Collision on back-to-back nights this weekend. AEW Collision Slam Dunk Saturday tonight and AEW Collision Slam Dunk Sunday tomorrow night.

The show’s will start on TNT immediately following the NCAA tournament coast-to-cast and will also stream on Max. 

Slam Dunk Saturday:

  • TNT Championship Match: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Adam Cole
  • Julia Hart vs. Queen Aminata
  • Konosuke Takeshita & The Murder Machines vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, Mark Briscoe, & Rocky Romero
  • The Greatest Wrestler Alive Max Caster Open Challenge’

Slam Dunk Sunday:

  • AEW world Trios Championship: Death Riders (c) vs. Top Flight & AR Fox
  • Los Titanes Del Aire vs. The Beast Mortos
  • Johnny TV vs. Bandido
  • Harley Cameron in action

The Latest On Sting Possibly Inducting Lex Luger Into WWE Hall Of Fame

The 2025 WWE Hall of Fame will feature a long-overdue induction, as Lex Luger is set to take his place among wrestling’s greatest legends. But when it comes to who will induct him, Luger has made his request clear—he wants Sting.

As reported earlier here on Wrestling News Blog, WWE plans to ask Sting about making the appearance if they haven’t done so already.

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Luger personally asked WWE to have his longtime friend and former tag team partner Sting do the honors. WWE reportedly has no issue with the request, but the decision ultimately lies with AEW CEO Tony Khan.

Will AEW Approve Sting’s Appearance?

Historically, AEW has been open to allowing its talent to appear on WWE programming under certain conditions. However, there have been exceptions. When WWE held a D-Generation X reunion, AEW star Billy Gunn (aka “Daddy Ass”) was invited, but Khan reportedly wanted WWE to acknowledge Gunn’s AEW affiliation—something WWE wasn’t willing to do. As a result, Gunn did not appear.

This situation could unfold similarly. While Khan will likely give Sting the freedom to make his own decision, there’s always a chance AEW and WWE will negotiate terms.

Adding another wrinkle to the situation, Luger was not permitted to appear on-screen when Sting wrestled his final match at AEW Revolution 2024. Given that precedent, it’s unclear whether Khan would be willing to let one of AEW’s biggest legends take part in a WWE event without some form of recognition for AEW.

A Legendary Friendship

Luger and Sting’s careers have been intertwined for decades, from their days as tag team champions in WCW to their storied rivalry. Their bond extended beyond the ring, as Sting played a significant role in Luger’s personal redemption story after his career-ending spinal injury in 2007.

Having Sting induct Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame would be a fitting tribute to their history, but whether AEW allows it remains to be seen.

What’s Next?

With WrestleMania season approaching, WWE will likely reach out to AEW (if they haven’t already) to discuss the possibility of Sting appearing at the Hall of Fame ceremony. If AEW agrees, it would mark a rare moment of collaboration between the two companies and a heartfelt moment for wrestling fans.

Will AEW give Sting the green light? Or will WWE need to find another inductor for Luger? Stay tuned.

What Is the Queen of Southside Championship That Mercedes Moné Carries?

Mercedes Moné has been making headlines not just for her dominance in AEW and NJPW, but also for the collection of championship gold she proudly displays. Among her titles is the Queen of Southside Championship, a belt that has left many fans scratching their heads. Unlike the TBS Championship or the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, which are well-known in mainstream wrestling, the Queen of Southside title carries a legacy that some might not be familiar with.

So, what is this championship, and why is Moné still carrying it?

A Championship With Deep Roots

The Queen of Southside Championship originates from Southside Wrestling, a UK-based independent promotion that was active for nearly a decade. In 2019, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) acquired Southside’s venues and video library when the promotion ceased operations. As part of this transition, Southside’s championship titles were absorbed into RevPro’s lineage.

According to RevPro owner Andy Quildan, the Queen of Southside Championship was officially unified with the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, meaning that the two titles are technically one and the same.

“I’ve never seen a championship belt cause so much confusion and controversy,” Quildan admitted on the Cultaholic Podcast. “The Queen of Southside belt is a legacy title from Southside Wrestling. When RevPro took over, we inherited all their championships, and they were unified with our own.”

Why Does Mercedes Moné Carry It?

Typically, when championships are unified, only the primary title belt is carried going forward—much like what happened with RevPro’s Tag Team and Heavyweight Championships. However, in this case, Moné has personally chosen to continue carrying the Queen of Southside belt alongside the Undisputed British Women’s Championship.

“It’s similar to boxing,” Quildan explained. “Unified, undisputed champions often carry multiple belts. In wrestling, there’s no commission governing each belt separately, so there’s no risk of the titles being split again. If Mercedes Moné decides she only wants to carry the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, she can. Or, she can choose to be covered in gold.”

Given Moné’s history of embracing championship legacies, it’s no surprise she’s opted to carry the belt. Whether it’s a tribute to Southside Wrestling’s history or simply a statement of dominance, one thing is clear—Mercedes Moné is making sure that wherever she goes, she brings gold with her.

H/T to BritWrestling 

Saraya Says Her Wrestling Career Is Ending “Very Soon” – Wants to Help AEW Women’s Division

Former AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya has revealed that her time in professional wrestling is nearing its end. Speaking with Rick Ucchino of Sports Illustrated, the ex-WWE Divas Champion shared that she plans to step away from the ring in the near future, but she’s focused on uplifting the AEW women’s division before she leaves.

“I’m letting people beat me, left, right and center. I was on a losing streak, but I just wanted people to get their rub. I want to uplift everybody. I’m not gonna be in wrestling forever. I’m coming to the end of it and it’s very soon. And I don’t wanna go out being like, I need to be on top.”

Saraya’s AEW Run and Focus on Elevating Others

Saraya signed with AEW in the fall of 2022, returning to in-ring competition after a five-year retirement due to a career-threatening neck injury. Since then, she has been vocal about her mission to help grow AEW’s women’s division in any way she can.

During her time in AEW, Saraya worked closely with Toni Storm and Harley Cameron, mentoring them on promos and character work. She recalled how Storm, now one of AEW’s most beloved personalities, initially struggled with confidence on the microphone.

“I just remember when we were in a group, me and Ruby [Soho] were helping [Toni] with promos. She would just have one line and be terrified to do this line. She’d be going over it and over it and over it, while me and Ruby had all these lines.”

Saraya isn’t taking credit for Storm’s rise, but she’s proud to have played a small role in helping her find confidence. She also gave credit to AEW personality RJ City for assisting in the development of Storm’s “Timeless” persona, which has since become one of AEW’s most entertaining gimmicks.

“She’s one of the best promos and characters, I think, of all time. And she’s one of my favorites altogether right now. She is making wrestling fun and exciting, and I love that. It’s just funny seeing her from two years ago… when she was scared to pick up a microphone.”

Saraya also reflected on her time working with Harley Cameron, who has gained popularity as an energetic babyface. Interestingly, Saraya felt the best way to help Cameron was to step away and let her shine on her own.

“People love her. I’m like, ‘I need to take a break. And then maybe, eventually, I can come back and we can go into a story where I’m just trying to hold you back again, and then you get your big pin on me.’ That’s the idea that I wanted. I don’t think we’re doing that now, but I said the best thing I can do is take a step back.”

Saraya’s AEW Status and Future

Saraya last competed in October 2023 and has since been absent from AEW television. Her break has allowed her to focus on her book tour and other outside projects, but she assured fans that she’s ready to return whenever the opportunity arises.

She won the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In: London 2023, defeating Hikaru Shida, but held the title for just 44 days before dropping it back to Shida.

With her AEW contract set to expire in September, the clock is ticking on Saraya’s in-ring future. While she hasn’t given an exact retirement date, her comments make it clear that the end is near.

What’s Next for Saraya?

As she prepares to close the chapter on her wrestling career, Saraya seems content with her contributions to the industry. Whether she remains involved in AEW in a non-wrestling capacity or steps away entirely, her impact—both in WWE and AEW—won’t be forgotten.

Would AEW Possibly Let Sting Induct Lex Luger Into WWE Hall Of Fame

Sting may not be done with WWE appearances just yet, despite officially retiring from in-ring competition and signing a long-term deal with AEW. According to Fightful Select, WWE is reportedly interested in having “The Icon” induct his longtime friend and former rival, Lex Luger, into the Hall of Fame during WrestleMania 41 weekend.

Luger himself has expressed his wish for both Sting and Diamond Dallas Page to be the ones to induct him, citing their deep personal and professional connections. While it remains unclear whether AEW would need to approve Sting’s involvement, it’s worth noting that his current AEW contract is described as similar to a WWE Legends deal—meaning he remains affiliated with the company but is not expected to wrestle.

Sting’s Expanded WrestleMania Weekend Plans

Originally, Sting was scheduled for a limited appearance in Las Vegas during WrestleMania week, but that has reportedly expanded. Whether that has anything to do with a potential Hall of Fame induction role remains unknown, but the timing is certainly interesting.

Sting officially retired at AEW Revolution 2024, ending his legendary career on a high note. While he’s no longer stepping into the ring, his ongoing AEW deal ensures he stays involved with the promotion in some capacity.

A Long-Awaited Hall of Fame Induction for Lex Luger

Luger, one of the most iconic stars of the ’80s and ’90s, will finally take his place in the WWE Hall of Fame on April 18, 2025, alongside Triple H and Michelle McCool. He’s also been working closely with DDP, who has helped him regain strength in hopes of one day walking again.

Another rumored induction for this year’s class is The Natural Disasters—the powerhouse tag team of Earthquake and Typhoon—but WWE has yet to confirm their inclusion.

Will WWE and AEW Work Together?

If WWE follows through with inviting Sting, it would be a rare case of the two promotions cooperating. AEW allowed Ric Flair to appear for WWE’s tribute to Bray Wyatt, so there’s some precedent for flexibility. But whether AEW would approve Sting’s involvement remains to be seen.

Would you like to see Sting induct Luger into the WWE Hall of Fame? Let us know in the comments!

AEW Dynamite Preview 3/19/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston, Nebraska just outside of Omaha.

  • AEW World Championship – Street Fight: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Adam Copeland
  • International Championship Eliminator 4-Way Match: Orange Cassidy vs. Mark Davis vs. Ricochet vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
  • Megan Bayne vs. Kris Statlander

A blizzard is expected to hit the Omaha, Nebraska area today, coinciding with the AEW Dynamite TV tapings.

According to local reports, rain will transition to snow during the morning commute, with wind gusts reaching 40-50 MPH.

Blizzard conditions will persist throughout the day, with snow and wind gusts up to 60 MPH, potentially affecting both the morning and evening commutes. Local schools have already been shut down.

AEW President Tony Khan has taken to X to announce that all currently advertised AEW talent scheduled for this week’s episode of Dynamite are currently in Omaha.