Kris Statlander recently captured the AEW Women’s World Championship by winning a four-way match at All Out last weekend, marking a significant milestone in her career. Tonight, she is set to defend her title against Mina Shirakawa on AEW Dynamite, raising questions among fans about whether she will retain the championship or lose it in her first defense.
Speculation has been rife that former WWE star Toni Storm could play a role in disrupting Statlander’s reign, as some fans believe Storm might interfere and cost her the title. However, several factors suggest this may not be the case tonight. Statlander pinned Toni Storm to win the title at All Out, making any immediate betrayal seem unlikely given current storylines. In addition, Toni Storm is positioned as a babyface character in AEW, which makes it improbable for her to undermine a fellow face in such a manner during tonight’s episode.
Despite the tension and suspense, it remains uncertain what AEW’s President Tony Khan has planned for Kris Statlander’s first title defense. The Galaxy’s Greatest Alien put in a tremendous effort to claim the championship, signaling the company may want her to hold onto the belt for now rather than lose it so quickly.
Potential Impact of Toni Storm’s Role on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite
Toni Storm, a former WWE competitor, is currently a fan favorite in AEW, often called “The Timeless One” by fans and commentators alike. After losing her last championship opportunity at All Out, she is expected to be searching for a way to bounce back, which could mean a personal feud with Statlander in the future. However, a sudden interference tonight contradicts her current babyface portrayal, suggesting that if any conflict unfolds, it will develop gradually and not result in an immediate title change.
Statlander’s victory over Storm at All Out added personal stakes to their rivalry, so tonight’s match between Statlander and Mina Shirakawa could be more about establishing Statlander’s dominance as champion rather than a chaotic title loss caused by Storm. This setup maintains narrative tension and allows room for further storytelling involving all three women in AEW’s expanding women’s division.
The Possibility of Kris Statlander Joining the Death Riders Faction
AEW’s Death Riders faction has held considerable influence over the promotion in the past year, with dominant members such as Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta leading the charge. Recently, rumors have circulated that Kris Statlander may become associated with this group, possibly joining their ranks in the near future. This speculation gained credence after a recent AEW Collision episode where Wheeler Yuta was seen speaking with Statlander at ringside.
Following that encounter, Statlander utilized Yuta’s finishing move, the Seatbelt, to secure victory in her match. Notably, she also used this move to pin Toni Storm and claim the AEW Women’s World Championship at All Out. The shared use of the Seatbelt finisher indicates potential alignment or alliance signals between Statlander and the Death Riders.
If Kris Statlander officially joins the Death Riders, it could reshape the AEW women’s division dramatically. This faction’s reputation for dominance and strategic teamwork would provide Statlander with strong backing, enhancing her championship reign’s credibility and increasing the overall competitiveness within AEW’s women’s roster.
The Significance of Kris Statlander’s Title Defense Tonight and What Lies Ahead
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite episode marks a critical moment for Kris Statlander as she puts her AEW Women’s World Championship on the line for the first time. The stakes are high not just for Statlander but also for the company, as retaining the title would establish her as a formidable champion capable of carrying AEW’s women’s division forward.
Mina Shirakawa, the challenger, adds an additional layer of unpredictability to the match, testing Statlander’s resilience and in-ring skill. Meanwhile, the uncertainties surrounding Toni Storm’s potential involvement keep fans on edge, despite the storyline suggesting she will not cause an immediate upset.
Looking beyond tonight, AEW’s booking decisions for Statlander will influence the direction of the women’s division. Whether she joins the Death Riders, continues on a solo championship run, or enters a heated rivalry with Toni Storm, her path holds significant implications for future storylines and the competitive landscape of AEW.
As the rivalry between Statlander and her challengers unfolds, fans can expect a blend of intense competition and dramatic moments, making this period a defining chapter in AEW Women’s Championship history.
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
8pm ET/7pm CT
TOMORROWAEW Women's World Title@CallMeKrisStat vs @MinaShirakawa
After her All Out World Title win, Statlander said she wants be a fighting champ!
On a winning streak + aiming to avenge Toni, Mina’s stepped up!
Stat vs Mina
TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/dGrF5lpU7y— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 23, 2025
