WWE "unlikely" to ever sign popular 37-year-old AEW performer - Reports

A 37-year-old AEW performer has been gaining traction in recent months. However, it appears that WWE is unlikely to sign her.

Mina Shirakawa first gained traction due to her time in Stardom. After establishing herself in the promotion, Mina made her way to AEW and was involved in an angle with Mariah May. She even had a brief feud against Toni Storm over the AEW Women's World Championship. However, in recent weeks, Mina and Mariah's friendship has taken a hit after the latter tried to hit the former over the head with a bottle.

Mina recently lost her RevPro British Women's Title to Mercedes Mone at Wrestle Dynasty. Since this loss, there has been speculation about her future, with people believing she could move to WWE just like Stephanie Vaquer did after Forbidden Door 2024.

According to a recent Q&A from Fightful Select, although Mina Shirakawa can head to WWE, it is an unlikely scenario. Fightful noted that it would have been even more unlikely under Vince McMahon's regime given her age since WWE was reportedly turning down 32-year-old recruits at that time.

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AEW star Mercedes Mone helped Mina Shirakawa overcome concerns about her age

While most professional wrestlers get started in the industry at a very young age, the same can't be said about Mina Shirakawa. The Japanese star started her wrestling career in her thirties, which many people would consider to be too old. Hence, she had a few concerns about whether her age would hold her back in the business. Thankfully, she received some support from Mercedes Mone.

During a recent edition of the Mone Mag newsletter, Mercedes Mone recalled meeting Mina Shirakawa at the start of the latter's career. The CEO said that although Mina was passionate about the business, she was also concerned about her age as she felt it was too late for her. The AEW star told her that it was never too late in this business and motivated her to become the star she is today.

"I remember meeting her a few years back when she was in her early 30s. At that time, she was new to our craft and shared her great passion for wrestling with me and wanting to wrestle in the U.S., but she had concerns about her age. She honestly seemed to feel like it was too late for her. I do remember assuring her nothing could be further from the truth. Side note and lesson for all of you, your friends, and your children: it's never too late for any of us, as Mina proved. And you heard it here from the CEO: you have not seen the last of this girl. She is another superstar on the rise, and I couldn't be prouder to know her and to have competed against her."

Based on her in-ring performances, it looks like the future is bright for Mina Shirakawa.