Ex-WWE star teases returning to AEW after 8 months for blockbuster match against Toni Storm

The world of AEW was shocked earlier this month when Toni Storm made her return from hiatus. Amid another unique storyline for Storm, it seems like we could get a first-time-ever feud between two of Tony Khan's favorites as a certain record-breaking champion is once again ready to return to continue dominating. The fighting champion has just issued a boastful statement, and a shot at Storm.

Athena retained the ROH Women's World Championship over Billie Starkz at Final Battle on Friday, extending her historic reign to 744 days. She debuted for AEW in May 2022, but returned to ROH, with Khan as the new owner, that December, and has been champion ever since. The former Ember Moon of WWE has recently teased a return to All Elite action, but she did work several matches for the brand in 2023, and last April she retained over Red Velvet at AEW Battle of The Belts X.

Timeless Toni returned earlier this month from the hiatus she took after dropping the Women's World Championship to Mariah in late August at All In. The 29-year-old worked a few Stardom and CMLL matches while away from AEW and returned with a surprising new amnesia-like storyline to work her way back to the top.

The Forever Champion took to X today to tout Friday's successful title defense over Starkz. Athena warned Ring of Honor to get used to her dominance and included a post-match photo from Hammerstein:

"@ringofhonor Forever can be a long time... BWAHAHAH GET USED TO IT!!! #ForeverROHChamp #LongestReigningROHChamp #FallenGoddess #MinionOverlord #AmericanJoshi #TheInspiration," Athena wrote with the photo below.

A fan quickly responded and hyped up Toni vs. Athena, joking that the grappler from Down Under is currently just a young up-and-coming wrestler. The Booker T. student responded, and fueled rumors and speculation on a match by suggesting Storm for MIT or Minions In Training:

"I have to look up her stuff. This young kid might have what it takes to be in MIT," Athena wrote.

Timeless Toni and The War Goddess worked together for the first time in November 2020 on NXT TV, defeating Dakota Kai and Raquel Rodriguez less than one month before Storm's team beat Athena's team in WarGames. The ring veterans teamed on AEW Dynamite for a loss to Britt Baker and Serena Deeb in September 2022, and that same month Storm retained over Athena, Baker, and Deeb at Grand Slam. Two weeks later, the Dynamite Anniversary show saw Storm, Athena, and Willow Nightingale defeat Deeb, Penelope Ford, and Jamie Hayter.

Toni Storm set for AEW Dynamite special

The final AEW Dynamite of 2024 is set to air this Wednesday on TBS. The Miracle on 34th Street edition of Dynamite was taped on Sunday at the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, and Sportskeeda Wrestling has full spoilers available from the tapings. Below is the lineup:

Toni Storm vs. Deonna Purrazzo
Continental Classic Gold League: Will Ospreay vs. Brody King
Continental Classic Blue League: Ricochet vs. Darby Allin
Continental Classic Gold League: Komander vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Continental Classic Blue League: Shelton Benjamin vs. Kazuchika Okada
Continental Classic Blue League: Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia

The New Year's Smash Rampage was also taped, to air this Friday on TNT. The following matches were taped: Chris Jericho vs. Anthony Bowens, World Tag Team Champions Private Party vs. enhancement talents in a non-title match, Leila Grey vs. Thunder Rosa, and Hook vs. Nick Wayne.