The Reunion of Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa: A Defining Moment at AEW’s Dynamite: Grand Slam 2024
The 2024 edition of Dynamite: Grand Slam was an event that delivered on all fronts, with its lineup of thrilling matches and surprise moments. However, one of the most talked-about highlights was the reunion of two major stars from the AEW women’s division, Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa.1
Their reconnection not only excited fans but also set the stage for future storylines and matches that could continue to elevate AEW’s women’s division. Alongside this memorable moment, the main event match between Mariah May and Yuka Sakazaki for the AEW Women’s World Championship added another layer of intrigue to an already historic night.
Table of Contents
The Background: Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa’s Legacy
Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa are two of the most prominent female wrestlers in AEW. Their wrestling journeys have been intertwined through previous stints in promotions outside of AEW, and their reunion at Dynamite: Grand Slam felt like a full-circle moment for fans who have followed their careers from the beginning.
Dynamite: Grand Slam – A Night of High-Stakes Competition
The 2024 Dynamite: Grand Slam event was packed with thrilling matches, but none were as anticipated as the AEW Women’s World Championship bout between reigning champion Mariah May and challenger Yuka Sakazaki.
This showdown was more than just a title defense; it was a clash of two distinct wrestling styles and a test of May’s resilience as champion.
The Match: Mariah May vs. Yuka Sakazaki
When the bell rang for the AEW Women’s World Championship match, the atmosphere inside the arena was electric. Fans were on the edge of their seats, anticipating a bout that would showcase the best of AEW’s women’s division. And neither Mariah May nor Yuka Sakazaki disappointed.
The match began with Sakazaki taking control, using her speed to keep May off balance. She delivered quick strikes and aerial attacks, forcing May to retreat to the ropes multiple times. Sakazaki’s strategy was clear: avoid getting caught in May’s powerful grasp and wear her down with fast-paced offense.
Also Read: Mina Shirakawa Bio, Age, Career, Height And More
Mariah May’s Shocking Actions at Dynamite: Grand Slam 2024
The Dynamite: Grand Slam 2024 event not only saw an incredible title defense by AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May but also showcased a surprising twist after the match. The English star used the aftermath to lay out Willow Nightingale with her title belt, a moment that left many fans—and even her ally, Mina Shirakawa—in disbelief.2
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May’s actions led to a tense sequence involving Yuka Sakazaki and Shirakawa, hinting at brewing tension within the women’s division.
The Confusion of Mina Shirakawa
- Mariah May’s decision to attack Willow Nightingale came as a shock, especially considering her recent reunion with her former tag team partner, Mina Shirakawa, earlier in the night.3
- Shirakawa, who had joined May on the ramp for a celebratory moment after her hard-fought victory against Yuka Sakazaki, seemed visibly confused by May’s sudden aggression.
- Fans were left wondering about the nature of May and Shirakawa’s relationship, which has its roots in their time as Rose Gold, a tag team that once dominated the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion.
- With Shirakawa having made a name for herself in AEW, this reunion could have been a golden opportunity to strengthen their bond and perhaps even form a new alliance within AEW’s competitive women’s division.
Yuka Sakazaki’s Response
As May celebrated her victory and laid out Nightingale, Yuka Sakazaki, the very woman who had just challenged her for the AEW Women’s World Championship, wasn’t about to let the night end quietly. Sakazaki chased May from the ring, making it clear that this chapter between them is far from over.
Rose Gold’s Stardom History
To understand the deeper context behind this reunion, it’s important to look back at the history of Rose Gold, the tag team formed by Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa during their time in World Wonder Ring Stardom.
The two formed a dominant duo, capturing the attention of fans worldwide with their chemistry and innovative tag team moves. Their partnership, both on and off the screen, seemed like a perfect match, combining May’s power and Shirakawa’s agility.
Mina Shirakawa: A Prominent Star in World Wonder Ring Stardom
Mina Shirakawa, born on December 26, 1987, is a highly accomplished Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to the renowned World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion. Over the course of her wrestling career, Shirakawa has solidified her place as one of the most popular and talented performers in the promotion.
With a unique blend of in-ring prowess, charisma, and dedication, she has earned various prestigious titles and accolades, making her a key player in Stardom’s women’s division.
Championship Reigns and Achievements
Shirakawa’s impressive resume includes several championship reigns that have cemented her legacy in Stardom. She is a former Wonder of Stardom Champion, a title that holds significant prestige as it is often referred to as the “White Belt,” symbolizing excellence in the ring.
Shirakawa’s reign as Wonder of Stardom Champion showcased her as one of the top-tier wrestlers in the promotion, proving her capability to compete at the highest level.
This is my first interview in English🥺
Please spread me to all over the world!!
Please RT💓⏬ https://t.co/j6S09sWcrz
— 白川未奈 Mina Shirakawa (@MinaShirakawa) March 24, 2020
The Evolution of Mina Shirakawa’s Career
Mina Shirakawa’s journey in professional wrestling is a testament to her growth as both a wrestler and a performer. Starting her career with a desire to prove herself in the highly competitive world of joshi puroresu (Japanese women’s wrestling), Shirakawa faced numerous challenges but quickly gained a reputation for her resilience and passion.
Her in-ring style blends technical wrestling with hard-hitting strikes, making her a dangerous opponent for any competitor. As she moved through the ranks in Stardom, Shirakawa began to develop a strong connection with the audience, showcasing not only her athleticism but also her vibrant personality.
Rose Gold and Partnership with Mariah May
One of the most significant chapters in Shirakawa’s career is her partnership with Mariah May, with whom she formed the tag team known as Rose Gold. Their chemistry as a duo was undeniable, and they became fan favorites in the World Wonder Ring Stardom promotion.
The pairing of Shirakawa’s experience and May’s raw talent led to numerous successful outings, and their time together helped raise their profiles in the wrestling world.
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The Professional Wrestling Career of Mina Shirakawa
Mina Shirakawa, despite entering the wrestling scene later in life than many of her peers, has carved out a remarkable career, debuting at the age of 31. Her debut came on August 5, 2018, at the BBJ Muscle Ring, the inaugural event of the Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling promotion.
In her first match, she teamed up with Shoko Nakajima, but they suffered a loss against the duo of Reika Saiki and Hoshimi Muramatsu. This marked the beginning of Shirakawa’s unique journey in professional wrestling, where she quickly gained attention for her determination, work ethic, and charisma.
A Late Start in Wrestling, But Immediate Impact
- Shirakawa’s entry into wrestling at 31 was seen as unconventional, as many professional wrestlers begin their training in their late teens or early twenties. However, her debut in Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling immediately set her apart.
- The promotion, known for focusing on both athleticism and body aesthetics, provided the perfect platform for Shirakawa to showcase her physical fitness and adaptability to wrestling.
- While her debut match ended in a loss, it was evident that Shirakawa had the potential to grow in the industry.
- Her combination of a strong physique, honed through years of fitness training, and a captivating personality allowed her to stand out in the rapidly growing Japanese women’s wrestling scene, known as joshi puroresu.
The Transition to Stardom
After gaining valuable experience in Best Body Japan Pro-Wrestling, Shirakawa made her next big move by joining World Wonder Ring Stardom, one of the most prestigious promotions in the world of women’s wrestling.
Stardom has been a launching pad for many successful female wrestlers, and it was here that Shirakawa truly began to evolve into a top competitor.
Championship Success and Growing Popularity
Mina Shirakawa’s perseverance paid off when she started to collect championship accolades in Stardom. She quickly made a name for herself as a legitimate threat in the promotion’s singles and tag divisions, securing various titles.
Mina Shirakawa’s Height, Weight, and Wrestling Persona
Mina Shirakawa brings a unique combination of beauty and power to the world of professional wrestling. With a billed height of 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) and a billed weight of 54 kg (119 lbs), Shirakawa stands out for her compact yet agile frame, which allows her to perform high-impact moves and intricate technical maneuvers in the ring.
Wrestling Persona
Mina Shirakawa’s wrestling persona is closely tied to her former career as a model. She incorporates her glamorous past into her in-ring character, creating a unique blend of style, grace, and fierceness.
Her wrestling style and persona emphasize elegance, confidence, and a sense of empowerment, drawing attention both for her looks and her skills as a performer. This modeling background has heavily influenced her wrestling identity, as she combines the allure of her former profession with the fierce attitude required to excel in the world of wrestling.
Empress Nexus Venus and Nicknames
- Shirakawa is currently associated with the Empress Nexus Venus, formerly known as Club Venus, a stable in World Wonder Ring Stardom.
- The group, known for its glamor and dominance in the women’s division, perfectly complements her character.
- Shirakawa’s persona in the stable is one of a regal, powerful figure, aligning with the stable’s name and mission to conquer the Stardom landscape.
- Her nicknames are also rooted in this concept, portraying her as a wrestling “empress” who embodies both beauty and strength.
- The fusion of her real-life modeling experience with her in-ring character gives Shirakawa a distinctive edge, allowing her to stand out in a division filled with fierce competitors.
FAQ’S
1. Which AEW stars reunited at Dynamite: Grand Slam?
Ans: The highly anticipated reunion featured two prominent AEW stars whose names have yet to be officially revealed. However, the reunion was described as one of the most emotional and significant moments of the year, bringing excitement to fans.
2. What was the significance of this reunion?
Ans: The reunion marked the return of two wrestlers who have a deep history together, either as former tag team partners or as part of a memorable faction. This moment symbolized reconciliation, renewed alliances, or a new storyline direction in AEW.
3. How did the AEW audience react to the reunion?
Ans: Fans in attendance at Dynamite: Grand Slam erupted with excitement when the two stars reunited. The surprise reunion led to an emotional and electric atmosphere, with many fans expressing their enthusiasm on social media following the event.
4. What impact does this reunion have on AEW’s current storylines?
Ans: The reunion is expected to shake up ongoing AEW storylines, potentially leading to new alliances, rivalries, or challenges. It could reignite old feuds or create fresh dynamics that will keep the fanbase engaged in the coming weeks.
5. Did AEW hint at this reunion beforehand?
Ans: While AEW teased some surprises for Dynamite: Grand Slam, they kept the reunion under wraps to maximize the impact. The stars involved were carefully kept out of public knowledge, making the moment even more impactful when it occurred live.
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