Toni Storm, known as the “Timeless” champion, has held the AEW Women’s World Championship for a combined total of over 625 days, the longest reign in the title’s history. Her current tenure as champion began 201 days ago after defeating Mariah May at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, adding to a previous reign that lasted nearly 300 days. Storm‘s sustained dominance has made her the central figure in the AEW women’s division for a considerable period.
Given her success in overcoming numerous contenders, identifying who could end Toni Storm’s AEW Women’s Championship reign presents a challenging prospect. Nevertheless, several standout performers within AEW’s women’s roster appear poised to become serious challengers.
Thekla: Rising Star with a Faction Backing
Thekla, one of AEW’s newest additions this year, has quickly made a strong impression due to her dynamic in-ring talent and distinctive presence. As a member of the Triangle of Terror faction, Thekla benefits from strategic alliances that could elevate her status as the division’s leading villain. This support might provide the momentum necessary for her to seize the AEW Women’s Championship from Storm.
Known as the “Toxic Spider,” Thekla’s potential has been nurtured through careful booking, suggesting that a push to the world title scene could be on the horizon.
Mercedes Mone: The Established Champion Chasing Greater Glory
Mercedes Mone stands out as one of the most high-profile figures in AEW’s women’s division, currently holding an impressive nine championships across various promotions. Despite this, she has yet to capture the AEW Women’s World Title, having been defeated by Toni Storm at AEW All In Texas.
Her pursuit of the top AEW title frames a compelling narrative: Mone striving to overcome the one opponent that has bested her in AEW. This rivalry has the potential to headline major AEW pay-per-view events, with Mone finally securing a significant victory over Storm.
Julia Hart: Young Talent with a Promising Future
Julia Hart, also part of the Triangle of Terror, has steadily rebuilt her momentum following an injury setback in 2023. Once a TBS Champion and considered a rising face of the AEW women’s division, Hart’s youth and resilience make her a natural candidate for future championship contention.
Her path to the AEW Women’s World Title could be aided by her faction, using alliances to push her into the spotlight and potentially claim the gold from Toni Storm.
Athena: A Proven Competitor from ROH Seeking Revenge
Athena, recognized as the ROH Women’s World Champion and a standout performer in both Ring of Honor and AEW, recently lost to Toni Storm at Forbidden Door 2025. While she is expected to relinquish the ROH title and transition to AEW full time, Athena’s proven ability as a consistent, compelling champion puts her among those capable of defeating Storm.
Her desire for revenge after the loss adds to the anticipation of her eventual challenge for the AEW Women’s Championship.
Jamie Hayter: An Unfinished Rivalry Worth Revisiting
Toni Storm and Jamie Hayter share a history that includes Storm capturing the AEW Women’s World Title from Hayter in 2022. At that time, Hayter was sidelined by a faction called The Outcasts, effectively removing her from the title picture and denying her a rightful rematch.
AEW has an opportunity to reignite this storyline, positioning Hayter as a challenger with a personal vendetta, aiming to reclaim the title she was denied. The proven chemistry between Hayter and Storm suggests that a rematch could become a major event, with Hayter perhaps finally exacting her revenge.
Kris Statlander: Veteran Potential Needing a Heel Turn
Kris Statlander has been a key figure in AEW since its inception but has not recently challenged for the Women’s World Title or held gold in the promotion. Widely regarded for her consistent performances, Statlander maintains the credibility needed to become champion.
If Statlander were to return to a villainous character, she could unlock an aggressive edge reminiscent of her 2024 run, enhancing her chance to dethrone Toni Storm and make a significant impact in the division once again.
Megan Bayne: Emerging Threat with Strong Credentials
Megan Bayne’s first year in AEW has been marked by a rapid ascent and a distinct presence in the women’s division. Having challenged Toni Storm before, Bayne demonstrated a capacity for main-event level competition early in her AEW career.
With her size, charisma, and in-ring ability, Bayne looks well positioned to embark on another dominant streak, possibly culminating in a successful challenge for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Willow Nightingale: The Popular Underdog Poised for Success
Willow Nightingale is widely regarded as AEW’s second most popular female wrestler, trailing only Toni Storm. Fans and commentators alike see her as an inevitable future AEW Women’s World Champion, making her a strong candidate to end Storm‘s reign.
An underdog storyline featuring Nightingale defeating a dominant heel champion like Storm could create a memorable title run, particularly given Nightingale’s rising popularity and consistent in-ring performances throughout 2025.
Implications for the AEW Women’s Division
Toni Storm’s continued hold on the AEW Women’s World Championship solidifies her position as the division’s cornerstone, but the emergence of talent such as Thekla, Mercedes Mone, and Julia Hart indicates that a new era is approaching. Whether through faction alliances, personal rivalries, or renewed character directions, the division is rich with contenders ready to challenge her authority.
The variety of challengers, ranging from established stars like Mercedes Mone to rising prospects like Willow Nightingale, promises future compelling storylines that could see the longest-reigning champion eventually dethroned. AEW fans can anticipate electrifying matches and fresh rivalries as these candidates position themselves to claim wrestling gold and redefine the landscape of the women’s division.
