More Backstage Notes From AEW WrestleDream: Update on Andrade El Idolo, Upcoming Plans for Mina Shirakawa & Toni Storm

Fightful Select has more backstage notes from yesterday’s AEW WrestleDream 2025 event, with new details on Andrade El Idolo, plans for Mina Shirakawa and Toni Storm, plus more:

* As previously reported, Andrade El Idolo disappeared from AEW programming following his TV return on the AEW Dynamite six-year anniversary show because AEW was sent a cease-and-desist order from WWE. Fightful reports that the Andrade situation affected AEW’s creative plans heading into WrestleDream. However, it appears he was not expected to be in action at WrestleDream.

It was later revealed that Andrade is facing a one-year non-compete clause from WWE. If a wrestler is terminated “with cause” or due to breach of contract by WWE/TKO, the wrestler could face up to a one-year non-compete period. It’s said that Andrade was fired by WWE after multiple wellness policy violations.

* Also during last night’s WrestleDream, 10 Belts Mone became 11 Belts Mone, as AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defeated former ROH World TV Champion Mina Shirakawa in an open challenge. Shirakawa’s belt was also up for grabs, and Mone took possession after beating Shirakawa. Fightful Select reports that Shirakawa was internally listed as “TBD” before the TBS Title Match.

The TBS Title Bout was a late addition to the card, announced early yesterday morning. After defending her CMLL Women’s World Title on Friday at Viernes Espectacular, Mone declared that she’d defend her TBS Title in an open challenge against any other champion.

Additionally, speaking of Mina Shirakawa, Fightful Select reports that, as suggested, the plan is for Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa to start teaming together soon. As noted, AEW will soon start its tournament to crown the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champion. The bracket for the tournament will be revealed later this Wednesday (August 22) on Dynamite. If Shirakawa and Storm are named as competitors, that would likely make the duo a heavy favorite to win the whole thing.

* As previously reported, a birthday party was held near AEW Dynamite for former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland earlier this month. Fightful notes that Swerve was also backstage at Dynamite in the area. However, Fightful reports that Strickland was just visiting and not ready for a return yet.

During the media call for AEW WrestleDream, AEW President and CEO Tony Khan voiced that he hopes Strickland will be back, “relatively soon.” He said at the time, “I definitely think Swerve will be back long before Kota Ibushi. Swerve was dealing with a serious injury, but not a long-term outlook. Swerve will hopefully come back relatively soon.” He continued, “It’s not the kind of situation where you expect him to be out for a year or more. With Swerve, it’s a shorter timetable.”

Strickland underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus injury earlier in August. He last wrestled at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door that month, losing a match against Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified Title.