Rhea Ripley paid tribute to the Toni Storm viral AEW spot during WWE SmackDown on Friday, recreating a standout moment that recently caught the wrestling world’s attention. The connection between Ripley’s act and Toni Storm’s popular routine underscores a playful nod across major wrestling promotions.
A Memorable AEW Moment Goes Viral
During the AEW Worlds End pay-per-view held on December 27, 2025, in Chicago’s Hoffman Estates Arena, Toni Storm and Orange Cassidy created a lighthearted moment in the spotlight. In the midst of their Mixed Nuts Mayhem match against Death Rider’s Wheeler Yuta, Storm and Cassidy entertained the crowd with a comedic dance routine, temporarily pausing the action. Their antics drew cheers from fans as the duo resumed their performance after a brief skirmish, ultimately helping the Conglomeration secure a victory over the Death Riders.
The playful sequence rapidly circulated online, racking up over 70 million views and receiving more than 518,000 likes on Instagram. The widespread appeal of Storm and Cassidy’s routine made it one of the most talked-about wrestling moments in recent memory, solidifying its status as a viral sensation within the community.
Ripley Recreates the Spot with WWE Flair
Inspired by the buzz surrounding the original Toni Storm viral AEW spot, Rhea Ripley brought her own version to WWE SmackDown. Teaming with IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss, Ripley squared off against the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions—the Kabuki Warriors’ Asuka and Kairi Sane—alongside Nia Jax and Lash Legend. This matchup was already charged with high energy thanks to the ongoing rivalries between the teams.
During the match, Ripley used Kairi Sane as a dance partner, echoing the entertaining routine from AEW. The segment saw Ripley orchestrate Sane’s Spinning Elbow, causing her to strike Asuka, known as The Empress of Tomorrow. The scene reminded fans that moments of levity can transcend promotional boundaries, briefly setting aside rivalry in favor of crowd-pleasing entertainment.
“Rhea Ripley has been watching a lot of Toni Storm lately😏 pic.twitter.com/1ypQOT6N9M”— AIR (@AIRGold_) January 3, 2026
Ripley’s Team Secures Victory
After delivering this memorable moment on SmackDown, Ripley’s team claimed victory. She executed her signature Riptide move on Kairi Sane, and quickly tagged in IYO SKY, who finished the match with her Over the Moonsault maneuver. The win punctuated an eventful night, drawing even more attention to the crossover homage between WWE and AEW stars.
Rhea Ripley’s interaction with Kairi Sane served as both a creative nod to Toni Storm’s viral moment and a compelling reminder of the shared enjoyment among wrestling fans, regardless of promotion. With more superstars embracing such playful references, the boundaries in the wrestling world continue to blur, promising more engaging content for viewers in the future.
Rhea Ripley has been watching a lot of Toni Storm lately😏 pic.twitter.com/1ypQOT6N9M
— AIR (@AIRGold_) January 3, 2026
