During a recent episode of the Busted Open Radio podcast, WWE Superstar Natalya expressed admiration for both Toni Storm and Blake Monroe, highlighting their growing prominence in the wrestling world. Natalya praised Storm as a standout talent while also emphasizing Monroe’s determination and wrestling skills as she transitions within WWE’s ranks.
Addressing her appreciation for Blake Monroe, Natalya said,
“I know I’ve worked with so many women from the ground up before they were ever stars. And I love when I see a passion and determination in them. I love the work that Blake Monroe did in AEW. I think it was fantastic.”
—Natalya, WWE Superstar
She added further praise to Toni Storm, calling her one of her favorites and complimenting her evolution inside WWE:
“I’ve said this before, but Toni Storm was one of my favorites. I love watching Toni shine and I love watching Toni do her thing. And I think Blake and Toni’s story … [Blake] has definitely backed it up, and so now seeing her in WWE and seeing this new, this new side of her, of course, it’s an extension of what she’s been doing, but it’s exciting, it’s fresh, it’s fun. Though, at the end of the day, WWE does stand for World Wrestling Entertainment, and at the end of the day, you need to be able to wrestle. Blake knows how to work. She knows how to wrestle.”
—Natalya, WWE Superstar
Bully Ray Critiques PENTA’s Interruptive Role in Riyadh Main Event
On the same podcast, Bully Ray took a critical stance regarding luchador PENTA’s interference during the WWE Night of Champions event held in Riyadh. PENTA’s involvement in the match between CM Punk and Seth Rollins’ faction drew mixed reactions, with Bully Ray highlighting how the interruption detracted from the moment’s intensity.
Describing his frustration, Bully Ray remarked,
“Here’s CM Punk, and he needs help, and Penta, was standing in the back, and you saw the screen and you were like: my God! CM Punk, adiós mijo, CM Punk needs help! Somebody hit my music so I can go help CM Punk! But I’m gonna high five, and I’m gonna look at the people, and I’m gonna do all this other s**t before I get there…You take me out of the moment!”
—Bully Ray, Former Wrestler and Commentator
He further elaborated on why such disruptions pull audiences out of the action:
“What’s right is right, and what’s wrong is wrong. Penta? Out of the moment. The referee holding the table? Out of the moment! I want to be fully immersed in the moment.”
—Bully Ray, Former Wrestler and Commentator
D-Von Dudley Details His Painful Experience with the Chokeslam
In another recent segment, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley reflected on the most painful moves he endured throughout his wrestling career, placing the Chokeslam among the top-tier brutal maneuvers. His account provides insight into the physical toll of professional wrestling and the danger behind such iconic moves.
D-Von explained the severity of the Chokeslam, saying,
“The next move I’m going to talk about has been hit on me many times, not only as a finish, but even something that would stop me and Bubba in a match, and it was the Chokeslam. The Chokeslam can be a very dangerous move, because, think about it, you’re being lifted up by your neck by someone, say, The Undertaker. He lifts you up as high as he possibly can. Remember, the man is seven feet tall already, not to mention, even if you’re getting lifted up by Big Show, who’s even taller than ‘Taker and as high as you are, they hold you up there, and when the time is right, they bring you down.”
—D-Von Dudley, WWE Hall of Famer
He also vividly described the physical aftermath, humorously noting how intense the experience can be:
“I mean, knocking the wind out of you is an understatement. Hell, I’ve even heard of guys crapping on themselves after landing, and that’s no joke. The fortunate part is I’ve never done that. I never crapped myself taking the Chokeslam, but dammit, I felt like I did. So I’m gonna have to say the Chokeslam is definitely in the S-tier, because although it’s probably visually, if you look at it, one of the safest bumps you’ll probably take, but when you’re taking it, it’s brutal.”
—D-Von Dudley, WWE Hall of Famer
Context and Impact within WWE and AEW Storylines
The recognition that Natalya has given Toni Storm and Blake Monroe reflects WWE’s ongoing efforts to cultivate emerging talent by spotlighting their skills and growth. As Storm continues to impress in WWE, her journey symbolizes the blending of experience and fresh perspectives in wrestling.
The criticism from Bully Ray regarding PENTA’s interference at a major WWE event highlights the tension between creating dramatic moments and preserving in-ring storytelling flow. Fans and commentators alike often debate the balance between unexpected interruptions and maintaining viewer engagement.
D-Von Dudley’s candid reflections add depth to the appreciation of wrestling moves that might otherwise seem purely theatrical. Understanding the physical endurance required emphasizes respect for performers’ dedication.
Going forward, Toni Storm’s rising status within WWE suggests she will remain a key figure to watch, particularly as stories evolve in the NXT division and main roster programming. Meanwhile, discussions around match pacing, interference, and move safety continue to shape fan and industry perspectives on delivering quality wrestling entertainment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Toni Storm LGBTQ?
A. Toni Storm is an openly bisexual professional wrestler who competes in women’s matches. She is currently the AEW Women’s World Champion. Storm announced her sexuality during Pride Month in 2021.
