Folks, let me spin you a yarn about Toni Storm, the AEW Women’s World Champion, who decided to take a little detour on her way to Studio 7. Instead of her usual pit stop for a Philly cheesesteak, she ended up at STARDOM’s American Dream event in The Keystone State, making waves and turning heads in a way only Toni can.
Now, on this particular Thursday, Mariah May, Toni’s protégé and a Club Venus alum, found herself teaming up with her old pals Mina Shirakawa and Xia Brookside. They were up against a tough trio, Tam Nakano and the STARS – Mayu Iwatani and Momo Kogho. Despite their best efforts, Mariah and her team took a tumble, but that’s when things got interesting.
Out of nowhere, like a surprise guest at a birthday party, Toni Storm strutted into the ring, her eyes fixed on Shirakawa. It was a moment so tense, you could cut it with a knife – or a sharp-edged championship belt. Before Mariah and Mina could even dream of rekindling their old bond, Toni was there, reminding everyone who the “Timeless” champ really is.
Backstage, Toni and Mariah had a moment to reflect, with Toni tipping her hat to Mariah and hinting at the always open “Forbidden Door.” It seems Toni’s got a soft spot for her protégé but is keeping an eye on Shirakawa, who’s been causing quite the stir in both STARDOM and Ring of Honor.
With Shirakawa now officially under the AEW umbrella and Toni gearing up to defend her title against Thunder Rosa at AEW Dynasty, the wrestling world’s abuzz with speculation. Could we see Toni and Shirakawa face off in the squared circle? Only time will tell, but if I were a betting man – and let me tell you, I’ve placed a wager or two in my time – I’d say we’re in for one heck of a showdown.
So there you have it, a tale of mentorship, rivalry, and the unexpected journeys of wrestling. It’s a reminder that in the world of AEW, the path to glory is never straight, but it’s always exciting. And as for Toni Storm, she continues to prove that whether it’s in the ring or making surprise appearances, she’s always one step ahead, ready to open doors and take on whatever – or whoever – comes her way.