3 Directions for Toni Storm following her AEW return
Toni Storm made her long-awaited return to AEW this week for the first time since All In in August. However, interestingly, fans were treated to a different version of the former world champion.
In her first week back, Storm appeared on all three of the company's weekly shows, even making her in-ring returns to both Rampage and Collision. The most interesting thing about this was Storm bringing back her original gimmick, which she has had since her days in WWE.
Toni Storm has also seemingly had a change of demeanor, as she has acted completely differently from the last time she was in AEW. It remains to be seen how things will go moving forward.
Below are three directions for Storm following her return to the promotion.
#1. Toni Storm could continue to act like her 2022 babyface self
Not only did Toni Storm make a throwback to her previous gimmick, but she has been treating things as if she was making her AEW debut. This may be a case of an identity crisis of some sort, as she has seemingly forgotten about everything that took place, including her 'Timeless' persona.
Earlier tonight on Collision, she ended up having a weird conversation with Thunder Rosa and Tony Schiavone, treating them like it was her first time making their acquaintance.
She could continue in this direction for some time, as the new girl on the block and someone trying to find her place in AEW. It remains to be seen when she'll be woken up back to reality.
#2. She could continue to ignore Mariah May
A few days ago on Dynamite, Toni returned after Mariah May's match against Mina Shirakawa, which many fans thought was a hint at their feud being rekindled.
However, this seems to not be intentional. With Storm seemingly having amnesia about anything within the past year, she may have just come out because she wanted to make her presence felt before the show ended.
Mariah May has shown her frustration at her former idol's return, but she has elected not to focus on this as she has to deal with Thunder Rosa in the meantime. Seeing as Toni has forgotten her history with The Glamour, she could continue to do things in the coming weeks without acknowledging Mariah in any way.
It remains to be seen whether this will continue to be the case or whether Mariah May will get frustrated and forcefully try to remind Toni of what happened between them this year. This may also end up being a swerve, with Storm intentionally baiting out May.
#3. Relive past storylines
Toni Storm could pull off an interesting storyline by going back to the past and reliving her entire career with AEW.
Storm started as a face and began some title pursuits, but in early 2023 she would end up aligning with Saraya and form The Outcasts. A few months later, Ruby Soho would join them.
The former WWE Superstar could try to increase her stock, as she believed she was an up-and-coming talent on the roster. She might run into several former allies and rivals and could have interesting interactions with them, as she has no recollection of the past.
This could once more push her towards Saraya, who is now with Harley Cameron, and she could reunite with The Outcasts as a nod to her past.
Now, it is unclear how things will go for Toni Storm moving forward, as there are many possibilities with her amnesia crisis. It also remains to be seen how the rest of the locker room will react to this information.