Tony Khan to replace Mariah May with huge free agent after AEW Double or Nothing 2025? Looking at the chances
After AEW revealed that Toni Storm would put her Women's World Title on the line against Mina Shirakawa at Double or Nothing 2025, viewers began anticipating the potential return of Mariah May at the pay-per-view. However, The Glamour's absence from the event and her continued hiatus from All Elite programming raises the possibility that Tony Khan will replace her on the women's roster with a highly sought-after free agent - the latter being none other than Thekla.
Shirakawa earned a shot at Storm's Women's Championship after pinning her in a Four-Way Title Eliminator match at Dynamite Beach Break, and the bout took place at Double or Nothing. The Venus of Pro Wrestling displayed a surprising level of aggression heading towards her showdown with The Timeless One, even damaging the latter's legs before the pay-per-view.
Speculations soon began making the rounds of Mariah May possibly returning in Arizona to help her former Rose Gold tag partner unseat her former mentor and arch-nemesis. However, despite all the anticipation, the former AEW Women's Champion did not appear at Double or Nothing, with Storm retaining her title against Shirakawa after surviving the latter's sustained assault on her knees.
The two combatants reconciled after the match, seemingly mending their relationship. Mariah's lack of involvement with recent All Elite television has created uncertainty regarding her status. However, if The Woman from Hell is done with the promotion, Tony Khan could replace her with another former Stardom talent—none other than Thekla, who reportedly signed with AEW some time ago.
The former SWA World Champion's arrival has already been hinted at on TV in the form of graphics seemingly alluding to her wrestling iconography. She was reportedly backstage at Double or Nothing 2025 and notably has a history with Mina Shirakawa, whom she has battled in Stardom numerous times. The two stars might rekindle their rivalry now as members of the Jacksonville-based company's women's division. She could later go after "Timeless" Toni herself, having never competed against her in the squared circle.
AEW Double or Nothing set the stage for a major women's match at AEW All In 2025
AEW Double or Nothing 2025 kicked off with the finals of the Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, featuring Jamie Hayter against Mercedes Mone. The former Women's World Champion's journey to reclaim her belt came to a heartbreaking end in Arizona, as she was defeated by The CEO after a hard-hitting contest. As a result, Mone is now set to face Toni Storm for her title at All In: Texas.
It remains to be seen if the reigning TBS Champion will add more gold to her name at the upcoming stadium show.