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Update: Willie Urbina has been fired from All Elite Wrestling following the incident.
AEW Announcer Willie Urbina Caught Mocking Asian Accent
This week’s special Friday edition of AEW Dynamite included a 1-Year Anniversary Celebration, commemorating Hikaru Shida’s reign at Women’s World Champion. During the segment, a newly updated title was presented to her.
Prior to the segment, the Spanish announce team left their microphones on, and their conversation was broadcasted on FITE’s stream during the commercial break.
According to an English translation of the incident, Alex Abrahantes asked Willie Urbina to translate Shida’s promo. Urbina proceeded to do an impression of her, mocking Asian accents.
You can read the transcription below (credit theluispulido of Fightful)
Alex Abrahantes: “Do Shida.” (As in translate her promo)
Willie Urbina: Speaks incoherently using a stereotypical accent.
Thunder Rosa: “Shut up, holy crap!” (Laughs)
Willie Urbina: Continues on with accent.
Thunder Rosa: “I will throw the pen at you if you don’t stop.” (Said in a joking manner)
Dasha Kuret: “Stop it! You are mean.” (Seemingly addressing Urbina, sounding crossed about it)
Los comentaristas en español de @AEW se han burlado del acento japonés de @shidahikaru durante la pausa publicitaria previa a su segmento en #AEWDynamite.
Esto es inaceptable @TonyKhan.
Por favor, haced RT para que lo vea la gente. pic.twitter.com/K6TYCZJwLY
— Miguel Uceda (@MigUceda) May 29, 2021
This past March, Hiraku Shida posted a #StopAsianHate video in response to the rising discrimination Asians have faced since the start of the pandemic.
All Elite Wrestling has yet to comment on the situation.