Tony Khan Personally Apologized To Hikaru Shida After Willie Urbina’s Racist Mockery

Hikaru Shida is one of the mainstays of the women’s division in AEW and is one of the most talented female pro wrestlers in the world right now. She was the AEW Women’s Champion for well over a year after winning the title from Nyla Rose at Double or Nothing last year.

On the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, the Spanish announce team’s microphones were left on and their conversation could be heard during the commercial break on Fite TV. 

Willie Urbina mocked Hikaru Shida’s Japanese accent by using a very stereotypical and offensive imitation of her. Due to his unprofessional behavior, he was fired by AEW soon after.

While speaking on the post-Double or Nothing media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan revealed that he was quite upset after hearing what Urbina said. Khan added that he personally apologized to Hikaru Shida for Urbina’s racist mockery of her accent.

“I didn’t think there was any excuse. I was not happy. Afterwards, I heard what was said and having our commentators involved with what was said about her, who I also apologized to, I thought it was best for the company to make this decision.”

Hikaru Shida would lose her AEW Women’s Championship to Britt Baker at AEW Double Or Nothing despite a valiant effort on her part. We certainly hope such racist actions towards Shida never happen again.

h/t to Fightful for the quotes.