Kris Statlander Set for First AEW Women’s World Title Defense on Dynamite

Kris Statlander isn’t wasting any time proving herself as champion.

After shocking the AEW fanbase at All Out on September 20 by pinning Timeless Toni Storm to capture the AEW Women’s World Championship, Statlander is stepping into her first title defense this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite. She’ll be putting her title on the line against Mina Shirakawa in a matchup that’s already drawing buzz online.

Statlander, who scored the win with a surprise seatbelt pin on Storm, made it clear after the match that she was ready to defend the belt against anyone on the roster. Shirakawa answered that challenge—and AEW President Tony Khan confirmed the bout on Tuesday with a social media announcement. Khan noted Shirakawa’s recent string of victories and her mission to avenge Toni Storm’s defeat as the key reasons for her getting the shot.

Also on deck for Wednesday’s Dynamite is a six-man tag team match pitting the Don Callis Family against a trio led by Mark Briscoe. Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, and Hechicero will represent Callis’ faction against Briscoe, Hologram, and a mystery partner yet to be revealed.

Adding fuel to the fire, Tony Khan is also promising a major announcement during the show.

Current lineup for the September 25 episode of AEW Dynamite:

• AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa
• Six-Man Tag Match: Don Callis Family (Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita & Hechicero) vs. Mark Briscoe, Hologram & a mystery partner
• Tony Khan has an important announcement

Are you buying into Kris Statlander’s reign or expecting Mina Shirakawa to shake things up? Drop your Dynamite predictions in the comments.