Toni Storm was written off AEW television after a backstage attack. The change forced the promotion to alter a major women’s storyline that followed her AEW Revolution victory over Marina Shafir.
What happened
After winning at AEW Revolution against Marina Shafir, Toni Storm was set for a follow-up program. She had a one-off face-to-face with former UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey and was lined up to continue her feud with Shafir.
Before the next show, Storm was attacked backstage and removed from TV. AEW replaced her in the planned no holds barred rematch. Mina Shirakawa took Storm’s spot and defeated Marina Shafir on the following episode of AEW Dynamite.
Planned storyline with Thekla
Storm was supposed to begin a new program with AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla after the Dynamite rematch. That plan was shelved when Storm was written off television. The title feud has been delayed while AEW adjusts its creative direction.
AEW’s backstage reaction
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW immediately laid out a backstage attack angle when they learned Storm could not wrestle. The company set up a mystery tease, similar to a “Who Shot JR?” style clue trail. Promoters left hints in the dressing room where Storm was found.
Meltzer also reported that AEW President Tony Khan would not be commenting publicly about Storm. Storm did appear at an autograph signing over the weekend, but she did not sell the backstage attack at that appearance. It was also reported that Storm will be out of action for the entirety of 2026, though she did not suffer an actual injury.
Recent match results
Below are the recent results mentioned in this story.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Toni Storm | Defeated Marina Shafir at AEW Revolution; later written off TV after backstage attack |
| Marina Shafir | Lost to Toni Storm at AEW Revolution; lost to Mina Shirakawa on AEW Dynamite (no holds barred) |
| Mina Shirakawa | Replaced Toni Storm and defeated Marina Shafir on AEW Dynamite (no holds barred) |
| Thekla | AEW Women’s World Champion; was set to feud with Toni Storm |
| Ronda Rousey | Had a one-off face-to-face with Toni Storm after Storm’s Revolution win |
AEW has adjusted plans while Storm is absent. The company appears to be moving forward with the mystery attack storyline and will reveal more clues on future shows.
