Former WWE performer Marina Shafir has publicly challenged AEW star Toni Storm in a confrontational and intense promo, demanding a one-on-one match. The challenge comes after their recent encounter at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, where Shafir’s team lost in a mixed tag hair vs. hair match that featured Storm and her partner Orange Cassidy on the victorious side. This new callout highlights ongoing tensions between the two wrestling talents and centers on a personal rivalry that has deepened over time.
Shafir, who competed in WWE’s NXT brand between 2018 and 2021 before joining AEW, used the platform X (formerly Twitter) to issue her direct message. She framed the upcoming bout as a personal confrontation without outside interference or distractions, aiming to reveal Storm’s true nature in the ring.
“Toni. All of this means nothing to me. I’m just doing my job. You decided to make this about something. You decided to take this way too personally. Now I’ve watched you evolve in so many different ways, but your biggest talent yet is being so full of your own s*t and dancing over the biggest line. So now, I’m gonna make this personal too. It’s time you and I have a proper dance. Mano a mano. No partners, no lovers, no bulls*t. I get to expose you for the real joke that you are. You are gonna be begging Mox to put the muzzle and leash back on me. Toni, you may live forever, but I’m eternal. I will never go away. So c’mon, clown, make me laugh,” said Shafir
Background of Recent Matches and Rivalries Between Shafir and Storm
The rivalry between Marina Shafir and Toni Storm has been brewing for some time, intensified by their participation in AEW events. Their most notable recent confrontation was at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, where they faced off alongside their respective partners in a hair vs. hair mixed tag team contest. Storm teamed with Orange Cassidy, while Shafir joined forces with Wheeler Yuta, a fellow Death Riders stablemate. The match concluded with Storm and Cassidy emerging as winners, further fueling Shafir’s desire to settle the score head-on.
This proposed singles match is positioned as a no-holds-barred encounter, stripping away allies and personal relationships to focus solely on Shafir and Storm’s in-ring abilities and personal vendettas. Shafir’s words suggest that the stakes for this potential match are higher than professional rivalry, hinting at emotional and psychological intensity.
Marina Shafir’s Involvement in Other Wrestling-Related Feuds
Beyond the confrontation with Toni Storm, Marina Shafir has also been involved in other conflicts within the wrestling community. She exchanged words on social media with former MMA fighter and wrestling competitor Matt Makowski, who commented on a loss against Wheeler Yuta at the 2300 Arena in September. Shafir responded with a stark threat directed at Makowski, illustrating her aggressive stance in competitive disputes.
“I’m gunna drown you,” Shafir wrote on Instagram
The heated exchange shows Shafir’s commitment to defending her stable, the Death Riders, and underscores her intensity in and out of the ring.
Potential Outcomes and Future Developments
The official response from Toni Storm about the singles challenge remains undisclosed, leaving fans to speculate on whether this confrontation will materialize inside the AEW ring. Should Storm accept, the match promises to be a significant event, heightening anticipation among AEW viewers and wrestling fans globally.
This challenge serves not only as a plot point for ongoing storylines but also highlights Marina Shafir’s persistence in establishing her individual presence within AEW following her WWE tenure. The outcome of this possible encounter could influence future rivalries, alliances, and the positioning of both performers within the women’s division.
"It's time you and I had a proper dance."
EXCLUSIVE: @MarinaShafir wants to "expose" Toni Storm, and throws out a challenge to the "Timeless" One! pic.twitter.com/OYp6Udxg7o
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 1, 2026
