Toni Storm, the current AEW Women’s World Champion, is riding high on success, but few know about her tumultuous journey in WWE. Before making a name for herself in All Elite Wrestling, Storm was part of the WWE roster, where she faced a rollercoaster of emotions, experiencing both highs and lows.
Storm’s WWE career began in 2017 as part of the NXT brand, where she quickly made a name for herself. She gained momentum when she won the second edition of the Mae Young Classic at WWE Evolution, sharing the ring with top stars and delivering some incredible feuds. One of her major accomplishments came in January 2019, when she defeated Rhea Ripley to win the NXT UK Women’s Championship.
However, things took a turn for the worse when Storm made her main roster debut on SmackDown in July 2021. Despite receiving adequate screentime, Storm became a victim of lackluster booking, which eventually led to her frustration and departure from WWE. In various interviews, Storm revealed that she felt undervalued and unappreciated, stuck in lackluster storylines that crushed her love for wrestling.
The final straw came when she had a premonition that she would never succeed in WWE, fearing that she would soon be sent back to catering. The 28-year-old’s creative frustration reached a boiling point, and she requested her release from WWE in December 2021, which was immediately granted.
Storm’s departure from WWE was a blessing in disguise, as she made her debut in All Elite Wrestling in March 2022 and has been dominating the women’s division ever since. Her current reign as AEW Women’s World Champion is a testament to her talent and perseverance.
Storm’s story serves as a reminder that even the most talented performers can face creative frustration in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling. However, her rise to the top in AEW is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft. Toni Storm’s journey is a cautionary tale for wrestling promotions to appreciate and nurture their talent, lest they lose them to other opportunities.
