Thekla accomplished the third defense of her AEW Women’s World Championship with a win over Mina Shirakawa during “AEW Dynamite.”
Shirakawa beat Marina Shafir during last week’s show, stepping up for her injured partner in Toni Storm and earning herself a shot on the title Thekla had captured after which retained over Kris Statlander.
The bout went to the surface early as Shirakawa took the advantage, just for the champion to get back on top before getting back within the ring and wearing the challenger down on the mat in the midst of the ring. Shirakawa managed to reverse right into a submission before Thekla got to the ropes, starting a stand-up exchange back in the midst of the ring that ended with a spear from Thekla.
Thekla went to make use of her belt on Shirakawa however the referee intervened, but as he went to get rid of it she pulled out a knuckle duster and went to punch her challenger. Shirakawa delivered a spinning backfist to interrupt the primary attempt but sure enough Thekla struck along with her with the duster to get the winning pinfall.