3 ways AEW could bring back Toni Storm after retirement announcement
Toni Storm's last AEW appearance came back in August 2024, when she lost her AEW World Championship against Mariah May. Since the end of her record-setting title reign, The Timeless One has stayed away from All Elite Wrestling.
While she has wrestled in other promotions outside AEW, including CMLL and STARDOM,
the 29-year-old star is yet to show up again in the Tony Khan-led company. In a recent interview, Storm opened up about how AEW and STARDOM continue to thrive despite her absence before revealing that she is retiring from the pro wrestling industry forever.
However, Storm's statement was quickly dismissed by Tony Khan, who called her claims of retirement "greatly exaggerated." The AEW women's division has taken a huge hit in the Timeless star's absence, which signifies her importance to the Jacksonville-based promotion.
Having stayed away from AEW for over three months, it is high time that the New Zealand-born star returns to uplift the women's division. In this article, let's look at three ways Toni Storm could make her comeback to All Elite Wrestling after announcing her retirement.
#3. Toni Storm could back Mina Shirakawa against Mariah May
Toni Storm wrestled Mina Shirakawa earlier this year at AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door. Mariah May's involvement was a key aspect of this contest, as she was forced to pick a side between two of her closest friends, Storm and Shirakawa.
Ultimately, The Glamour did not betray either of her allies, and all three women shared a kiss to end the Storm vs. Shirakawa rivalry on a memorable note. Following this moment, The Timeless One developed a close friendship with The Venus of pro wrestling.
Mina Shirakawa recently returned to the AEW television and instantly reunited with Mariah May. However, The Fighting Princess could turn her back on Shirakawa soon, perceiving her as a threat to her reign as the AEW Women's World Champion.
If May cuts her ties with her closest ally, Toni Storm could return to back Mina Shirakawa in her feud with The Glamour. Instead of opting for a predictable rematch, the former WWE star could decide to stand in the corner of Shirakawa, who would be heartbroken about being betrayed by the 26-year-old star.
It would be a logical way to bring back the New Zealand-born star, whose history with both May and Shirakawa could help create an intriguing dynamic.
#2. The Timeless could feud with Britt Baker
Since her debut, Toni Storm has gone back and forth with Britt Baker on numerous occasions. While Baker has been the face of the AEW women's division since day one, Storm has gradually established herself as an important entity on the roster.
After a long absence, The Doctor finally made her return to the Jacksonville-based promotion at Forbidden Door 2024. The D.M.D. went on to feud with TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, which resulted in an underwhelming singles bout at All In 2024.
Britt Baker currently finds herself in a rivalry with Serena Deeb on Dynamite. The D.M.D. has lost a lot of momentum due to her forgettable performances in recent times, and she desperately needs a memorable feud to help bring her career back on track.
Toni Storm could return in the upcoming weeks to reignite her rivalry with The Doctor. As two of the most influential stars in the women's division, Storm and Baker could bring the best out of each other.
It would be a compelling first rivalry for Toni Storm after her return and a chance for Britt Baker to cement herself as a top contender for the AEW Women's World Championship.
#1. Toni Storm could target Mercedes Mone's TBS Championship
Mercedes Mone has been on a roll since her arrival in All Elite Wrestling. The CEO captured the TBS Championship a few weeks after her AEW debut and continues to hold the prestigious belt to this day. The Boss' next title defense will take place at Full Gear 2024, where she will lock horns with Kris Statlander in a dream match.
If The CEO survives the threat of The Galaxy's Greatest Alien, she could end up crossing paths with Toni Storm next. While fans expect Storm to target Mariah May upon her return, The Timeless could set her sights on the TBS Champion instead.
The former NXT UK Women's Champion star held the AEW Women's World Championship for a long time and elevated it to new heights. The 29-year-old star may choose to add the TBS Championship to her collection when she eventually returns to AEW television.
A Storm vs. Mone storyline could become the focal point of AEW television in the upcoming months. As one of the most accomplished stars in the company, Toni Storm is a viable candidate to take the TBS Title off The CEO.