Mariah May Defends Controversial AEW Moment

One big thing

AEW Women’s World Championship contender Mariah May has responded to criticism over her on-screen kisses with Mina Shirakawa, defending their actions as autonomous choices.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights ongoing debates about representation and agency in women’s wrestling, as well as the balance between storyline development and audience expectations.

By the numbers

• May claims their segments were the highest-rated for about 8 consecutive weeks
• The storyline involved 3 wrestlers: May, Shirakawa, and Toni Storm

Key details

• The kisses were not scripted or pitched by AEW creative
• May and Shirakawa have a close friendship from their time in Stardom
• AEW officials later asked them to stop the kissing

What they’re saying

May on the Wrestling with Freddie podcast:

• “It’s my choice who I kiss. It’s my choice what I do.”
• “If I’m not comfortable doing something, I would always say so.”
• “To try and tell us we’re setting women’s wrestling back was pretty crazy to me.”

The big picture

This incident reflects the evolving landscape of women’s wrestling, where performers are asserting more control over their characters and storylines. It also underscores the tension between pushing boundaries and meeting audience expectations.

What’s next

May is set to challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship at AEW All In, marking a shift in her relationship with former ally Toni Storm.

What do you think about Mariah May’s response to the criticism? Is there a place for such displays of affection in professional wrestling storylines? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.