Bryan Danielson praises Mina Shirakawa and her ability to connect with the AEW audience so quickly.
Bryan Danielson is not just one of the best professional wrestlers in the world, he's also still a fan after all these years. Ahead of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024, Danielson spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to hype the other matches on the card outside of his own against Shingo Takagi.
During the discussion, he praised Mina Shirakawa and her ability to connect with the American wrestling audience despite the language barrier. He also had high praise for the overall angle between Mina and Toni Storm fighting over the AEW Women's World Championship and Mariah May's loyalty and affection.
“Mina Shirakawa, she has done an incredible job in terms of getting over as a personality on AEW TV,” said Danielson. “Her personality just bleeds through the screen, right? I’m excited for her match at Forbidden Door with Toni Storm.”
Danielson says he hasn't said much to her outside of greetings but both he and Tony Khan have had positive things to say about her early appearances in AEW.
“I have said hi to her maybe twice–there really hasn’t been any conversation, but I was watching Dynamite in Tony’s office the other night, and we both remarked at how she does such a good job,” said Danielson. “Whatever the cultural differences or language barriers, it makes no difference. The Toni Storm-Mariah May-Mina story is so compelling.”
Fans can check out the lineup for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door by clicking here.
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