Tony Khan Makes Sudden AEW Change After Fan Backlash
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Mina Shirakawa impacted AEW Dynamite: Beach Break on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, pinning AEW Women's World Champion Toni Storm to win a crucial title eliminator match. This victory immediately booked her a championship opportunity against Storm at the upcoming Double Or Nothing pay-per-view on May 25th.
The implications of this future title match are substantial. The winner of the Storm vs. Shirakawa bout at Double Or Nothing will likely go on to face the winner of the Owen Hart Foundation Women's Tournament in a major championship unification or defense at All In Texas in July; that tournament final will see Mercedes Moné battle Jamie Hayter.
However, Shirakawa's triumphant moment as an official member of the AEW roster was initially met with considerable online disapproval from AEW fans. This was not due to her performance, but rather a noticeable change to her presentation.
As she made her entrance for the title eliminator, Shirakawa's trademark, popular entrance music was replaced with a new, generic-sounding track. This alteration did not go down well with the AEW fanbase, who quickly voiced their displeasure on social media platforms during the live broadcast.
In a remarkable display of responsiveness, AEW President Tony Khan apparently monitored the real-time fan feedback. By the time Mina Shirakawa secured her victory over Toni Storm, her old, familiar entrance music hit the arena sound system, signaling a swift reversal.
This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event.
This photo shows AEW owner Tony Khan on April 20, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Khan spoke with Newsweek recently about the company coming to New York City for a large event.
AEW
Tony Khan later directly addressed the situation on social media. Responding to a fan who complained about the initial change in music, Khan simply and effectively noted, "I already switched it back."
I already switched it back #AEWDynamite — Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 15, 2025
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Yeah — Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) May 15, 2025
He further indicated that the immediate social media reaction from AEW fans was the primary reason he made the decision to revert to her popular theme during the live show. It's not often you see that in pro wrestling, but in AEW, it does.
Mina Shirakawa's victory and subsequent championship match booking at Double or Nothing is a major step in her AEW career. Her journey was made even more memorable by the rapid, fan-influenced correction to her presentation, ensuring her popular theme will accompany her as she challenges for the AEW Women's World Championship.
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