The December 11th episode of AEW Dynamite witnessed the highly anticipated return of former AEW Women’s World Champion, Toni Storm, sending waves of excitement through the fanbase. Her appearance followed AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May’s successful title defense against Mina Shirakawa. As May celebrated her victory, Storm, sporting her classic ring gear rather than her recent “Timeless” persona, interrupted, igniting speculation and anticipation for a rematch between the two. The championship history between Storm and May, with May having dethroned Storm at All-In earlier in the year, further fueled the expectation of a high-profile clash.
However, instead of the anticipated title match, AEW announced Storm’s return bout would be against Harley Cameron on AEW Rampage. While both wrestlers are undeniably skilled and capable of delivering a compelling performance, the decision to place Storm’s return match on Rampage, rather than the flagship program Dynamite, sparked confusion and discontent among fans and, reportedly, within the AEW ranks. The perceived demotion of Storm’s comeback match to the less-viewed Rampage show raised questions about the strategic logic behind the booking decision.
Reports from backstage revealed that several personnel were reportedly “appalled” by the decision to relegate Storm’s return to Rampage. Wrestling Observer Live, as per PWMania, quoted Bryan Alvarez as stating that multiple individuals within AEW expressed their dismay at the choice, highlighting the perceived missed opportunity to capitalize on Storm’s popularity and the buzz surrounding her return on a larger platform like Dynamite. The consensus, according to Alvarez, was that Storm’s return warranted a more prominent showcase.
Alvarez’s report went further, shedding light on the decision-making process within AEW and the apparent influence of AEW President Tony Khan. He suggested that Khan often makes booking decisions irrespective of the advice and opinions of those around him. Even if numerous individuals express concerns or alternative suggestions, Khan reportedly remains steadfast in his vision, ultimately implementing his own choices regardless of dissenting opinions. This dynamic, according to Alvarez, creates a situation where constructive feedback can be overlooked and decisions may be made without fully considering the potential ramifications.
The incident underscores a broader discussion within professional wrestling regarding the balance between creative vision and collaborative decision-making. While a promoter’s individual vision is crucial for shaping the narrative and direction of a wrestling company, the ability to incorporate feedback and consider alternative perspectives is also essential for maximizing the potential of talent and delivering compelling storylines. In the case of Toni Storm’s return, the decision to place her on Rampage instead of Dynamite sparked debate about whether the opportunity to capitalize on her popularity and generate greater excitement was fully realized.
Despite the controversy surrounding the booking decision, the ultimate takeaway remains positive: Toni Storm has returned to AEW. Her presence strengthens the women’s division and brings a wealth of talent and experience to the roster. As one of the most skilled and respected performers in the industry, Storm’s contributions are guaranteed to elevate any program she is involved in, regardless of whether it’s Dynamite, Rampage, or any other AEW platform. Her return signifies a valuable asset for AEW and promises compelling matchups and storylines in the future.
