Toni Storm is currently thriving in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she has held the Women’s World Championship four times and become a defining figure of the promotion’s women’s division. Her popular Timeless character, cinematic promos, and intense rivalries have made her a must-watch performer, raising questions about her Toni Storm AEW <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE future amid speculation about contract renewals and potential moves.
Storm initially rose to prominence in WWE, where she won the Mae Young Classic and the NXT UK Women’s Championship. However, she parted ways with WWE in 2021, seeking fresh challenges and opportunities. Since joining AEW, she has cemented herself as a central star, showcasing her creativity and in-ring skills to wide acclaim.
Contract Speculations and WWE Interest
With many AEW contracts approaching expiration in the coming months, there is ongoing speculation about which talents could return to WWE or switch companies. Notably, Toni Storm’s name surfaces frequently as a possible WWE acquisition, as discussed by wrestling insiders Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio. Despite this, Meltzer expressed doubt that WWE would pursue her aggressively, mainly because of how WWE typically handles former talent by altering their gimmicks rather than embracing pre-established characters.
“WWE may not want to recreate her AEW gimmick. That’s not usually how they operate.” —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Moreover, AEW owner Tony Khan highly values Storm’s contributions to the company, making it likely that she will be offered a lucrative contract extension. As a proven ratings draw and one of AEW’s key women’s division talents, Toni Storm is considered irreplaceable within the promotion’s roster.
“Tony Khan would likely outbid them anyway. She’s one of his top stars right now.” —Source via Ringside News
Jim Ross Praises Toni Storm as AEW’s Most Valuable Performer
Legendary commentator Jim Ross recently shared his admiration for Toni Storm’s work on his Grilling JR podcast, particularly highlighting her creativity and authenticity. In anticipation of AEW’s Forbidden Door event in London, Ross spoke highly of Storm’s ability to blend old-school wrestling style with innovative match storytelling, dubbing her AEW’s MVP.
“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…Toni 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, Commentator
“She’s just really, really good. Everything I watched last night, she came out to the ringside, and it was the whole presentation. Her facials, her physicality, when she got involved. She’s just an old school throwback. Like I said, my MVP of AEW right now, and I’m happy that she’s doing well. She’s a real nice person.” —Jim Ross, Commentator
Upcoming Championship Match at Forbidden Door
Toni Storm is set to defend her AEW Women’s World Championship against Athena at the Forbidden Door event scheduled for August 24. Although Athena’s ROH Women’s World Title will not be contested at this meeting, the match promises to spotlight Storm’s reign and her dynamic presence in AEW’s women’s division.
Comparisons and Differences with WWE’s Approach
Storm’s situation highlights a broader trend in WWE’s approach to signing wrestlers from rival companies. WWE often refashions or reinvents incoming talent’s characters, which may explain why there is reluctance to pursue Storm aggressively, given the popularity of her Timeless persona. This contrasts with Tony Khan’s strategy of supporting and building upon AEW stars’ existing identities, fostering creative freedom and individual branding.
What Toni Storm’s Future Could Mean for Wrestling Fans
If Toni Storm remains with AEW, it signals that the promotion is invested in nurturing homegrown women’s talent, encouraging originality, and building long-term stars. Her continued presence under Tony Khan’s leadership could inspire more wrestlers to thrive outside WWE’s influence, shifting the industry’s balance. Conversely, if WWE were to pursue her in the future, it could result in significant changes to her character and presentation.
For now, Toni Storm’s status as one of AEW’s premier performers and her accolades, combined with endorsements from voices like Jim Ross, underscore her rising legacy and the potential to shape the wrestling landscape for years to come.
