Athena, a former WWE NXT Women’s Champion, took a bold jab at Toni Storm, the Toni Storm AEW Women’s Champion, ahead of their upcoming match at Forbidden Door 2025. The incident occurred during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, where Athena physically dominated Storm in a surprise attack, signaling the heated rivalry building between the two champions.
Athena, who holds the ROH Women’s World Championship and has claimed the women’s Casino Gauntlet victory at All In: Texas, earned a contract that allows her to challenge for the AEW Women’s World Title at any time. Now, with Forbidden Door set in London, she is poised to cash in that opportunity against Storm.
Athena Mocks Storm’s “Timeless” Persona
Following her assault on Toni Storm, Athena mocked the AEW Women’s World Champion by imitating Storm’s ‘Timeless’ gimmick. Billie Starkz joined in backstage by portraying Luther, adding to the theatricality of the moment. Athena used the parody as a message of confidence and dominance before the upcoming showdown.
In exclusive backstage footage, Athena sent a direct warning to Toni Storm about the changing landscape of AEW women’s wrestling:
“I am here, your forever ROH Champion…it’s time for a new era to reign. Because Toni, we are sick and tired of you and it’s time for something new, something fresh, something me.”
—Athena, ROH Women’s World Champion
Jim Ross Praises Toni Storm as AEW’s Most Valuable Performer
Despite the tension, Toni Storm continues to receive high praise within the wrestling community. WWE Hall of Famer and AEW commentator Jim Ross described Storm as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in All Elite Wrestling during his Grilling JR podcast. Ross highlighted Storm’s creativity and control over her storylines, emphasizing her importance to the promotion.
“I think Toni Storm is my MVP. I think she’s my favorite AEW wrestler right now. She books a lot of her own stuff, and she’s creative as hell in matches, creative like an agent would do. Storm is something special. She’s my MVP. I can’t remember her having a non-entertainment outing on television. She’s just really, really creative.”
—Jim Ross, WWE Hall of Famer and AEW Commentator
The Impact of Their Rivalry at Forbidden Door
Toni Storm has held the AEW Women’s World Championship for several months, solidifying her position at the top of AEW’s women’s division. Athena’s challenge represents a fresh threat and could mark a pivotal moment in AEW history. Both wrestlers are determined to prove their supremacy, making the Forbidden Door encounter a highly anticipated event among fans.
The clash in London will not only settle the championship but could also redefine the future dynamics in AEW women’s wrestling, as Athena’s confident approach signals a potential shift in momentum.
