Toni Storm Pledges Career to AEW and Rules out Ever Returning to WWE

Loyalty like Storm’s is a rarity in today’s wrestling landscape. For the first time since WCW’s closure in 2001, the business has opened up with multiple avenues for talent. Wrestlers now have the freedom to explore opportunities in AEW, try their hand in Japan with the ever-reliable NJPW, or even test the waters on the independent scene. Yet Storm has made her stance crystal clear: there will be no WWE return in her future.

And that’s no offense to them (WWE). I think they’re great. And I understand them for exactly what they are. They’re a machine. They’re a business and I just don’t fit in with their whole shtick….But realistically, in my life, like, that’s it. How long can I do this? I don’t know. But I could do another 20 years with AEW.

Toni Storm via Sandman podcast

The reigning Women’s World Champion made it clear that she holds respect for WWE and still has many friends within the company. However, her future lies entirely with AEW. Storm revealed she’s ready to dedicate her whole career to the Jacksonville-based promotion, even if that means staying for the next 20 years.

For the unversed, Storm spent four years in WWE before requesting her release in late 2021. During her time there, she became NXT UK Women’s Champion and won the 2018 Mae Young Classic Tournament. Since then, she’s carved out an incredible legacy in AEW, where her reign as AEW Women’s World Champion has been nothing short of dominant. 

Toni Storm welcomes WWE’s counter-programming against AEW with a bold challenge

Toni Storm has already defended her title in marquee matchups, including victories over Mercedes Mone at All In and Athena at Forbidden Door. This weekend, Storm faces another huge challenge at AEW All Out 2025. She will defend her championship in a high-stakes Fatal Four-Way against Kris Statlander, Jamie Hayter, and Thekla.

All Out takes place Saturday, September 20, live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The event carries extra weight this year, as it will go head-to-head with WWE’s Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis, WWE’s first main roster PLE to air on ESPN. 

Although Tony Khan has altered his event’s timings, this aggressive counter-programming from WWE has not gone unnoticed. And it is safe to say that Storm is excited for this prospect. In the same interview, the English star did not hesitate to accept WWE’s challenge head-on. 

I think it’s great. Come on, fight me! Come on! Be a bit weird of them as a large corporation to just do nothing. It’d be a silly business decision not to. It’s their job. We’re the ol’ hot ticket, we’re the talk of the town.

Toni Storm via Sandman podcast

Storm declared that AEW is the new boss in town and welcomed the challenge with open arms. She isn’t alone in speaking out as other AEW stars have also weighed in on WWE’s latest strategy. 

Mone admitted she no longer watches WWE programming and simply doesn’t care about what they do, while Bryan Danielson expressed genuine surprise that a giant like WWE would actively try to push a younger company like AEW out of business.

Moreover, with WWE officially moving its biggest event, WrestleMania 43, to Saudi Arabia in 2027, all eyes will be on how the Jacksonville-based promotion chooses to respond.