Tony Khan has the power to book historic AEW main event for Grand Slam: Australia 2025 - Why it matters
AEW will wrap up its calendar year with the Worlds End pay-per-view later this month. While the company is seemingly heavily invested in promoting next year's All In at the moment, it is also set to host a major international event prior to that. The show in question is Grand Slam Australia, scheduled for February 15, 2025.
Fans as well as talent from All Elite Wrestling, especially those with ties to the Land Down Under, will undoubtedly be very excited and eager to perform at the Tony Khan-led promotion's Australian debut. While the pay-per-view will surely feature a number of the company's top stars, the AEW CEO ought to consider making a historic booking decision regarding the show's main event - which is, to have Mariah May vs. Toni Storm close it out.
Toni Storm returned this week on Dynamite to confront Mariah May
This week on Dynamite: Winter is Coming, Mariah May successfully defended her AEW Women's World Title against her long-time ally and tag partner, Mina Shirakawa. After the match, however, The Glamour would be surprised by the return of her former mentor Toni Storm, whom May had dethroned for the belt at All In 2024.
The formerly Timeless One, who was betrayed and brutalized by Mariah earlier this year, likely has revenge on her mind, and she will most likely go after May in a bid to reclaim her world championship. While the blockbuster rematch could take place at Worlds End 2024, one could argue that Grand Slam Australia would serve as a worthier venue for the next saga of the acclaimed rivalry.
Toni Storm wants to face Mariah May at AEW Grand Slam 2025
Although Toni Storm was born in New Zealand, she later moved to the Gold Coast region of Australia when she was young. During her hiatus from All Elite Wrestling following her loss to Mariah May at Wembley Stadium, the former WWE Superstar made several media appearances in Australia to advertise AEW's arrival to the country for Grand Slam 2025.
In fact, during an interview with ESPN SportsCenter in September, Storm voiced the desire to lock horns with May once again on her turf in Australia, stating:
"I mean, I hope that's the case. I hope I get my rematch here against Mariah May. We did this on her turf last time in Wembley in London... I think it's time to bring it home for me." [H/T - Wrestling Headlines]
Considering the fans' investment the Jacksonville-based promotion has generated in the feud, giving it more time to develop for it to culminate at the Grand Slam PPV next year could make for a sound booking decision. That said, a compelling argument can be made that the aforementioned bout should main event the PPV.
May vs. Storm II should headline AEW Grand Slam Australia
Despite having one of the best women's rosters in pro wrestling currently, criticism is often aimed at All Elite Wrestling for not showcasing its women's division adequately. Fans have often pointed out online how most episodes of Dynamite or Collision feature generally one women's match. More notably, female talents have yet to headline an AEW pay-per-view.
Seeing how Toni Storm's rivalry with Mariah May is one of All Elite Wrestling's hottest and most intriguing storylines, and in light of The Illustrious One's roots in Australia, Tony Khan could make history by booking the two women to face off in the main event of Grand Slam next year.
Such a decision would not only bestow Storm's feud with May a much-deserved international platform but also set a major precedent for the women's division and its importance for the company's programming.