The AEW women’s division is ablaze with drama following the bewildering return of former three-time champion Toni Storm, and at the center of the storm is her former protégé and current nemesis, Mariah May. May, who dethroned Storm in a shocking upset at All In, isn’t impressed with Storm’s recent comeback, dismissing it with a wave of her hand and a reiteration of her dominance. Storm’s return has been marked by erratic behavior and apparent amnesia, leading to a confusing storyline involving a sudden “retirement” and a subsequent reappearance as a supposed AEW rookie, harking back to her pre-Timeless persona. This dramatic shift has set the stage for a likely rematch with May, a prospect that May seems to relish.
May’s disdain for Storm stems from a deep-seated rivalry that began with a façade of admiration. Initially, May presented herself as a devoted fan, mimicking Storm’s in-ring style, attire, and even entrance music. This carefully crafted illusion created a sense of camaraderie, lulling Storm into a false sense of security. However, May’s true intentions were revealed after her victory in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup. In a brutal betrayal, she attacked Storm and her on-screen butler, Luther, solidifying her heel turn and adopting the moniker “The Glamour.” This act of aggression not only cemented May’s villainous persona but also marked the beginning of Storm’s downfall.
May’s recent interviews paint a clear picture of her unwavering confidence and her perception of Storm’s diminished status. She downplayed Storm’s return and interference during a Dynamite Winter is Coming match, focusing instead on her own dominant performance and her attempt to elevate her friend Mina. May dismissed Storm’s claims of being “All Elite” and her adoption of a familiar look, asserting ownership of the persona and expressing indifference towards Storm’s actions. She further emphasized her dominance by highlighting her victory over Storm, claiming to have destroyed the former face of the division and potentially even the company.
The contrast between the two wrestlers’ current trajectories is stark. While May basks in the glory of her championship reign and revels in her newfound power, Storm is navigating a confusing and uncertain path. Her apparent amnesia and regression to a previous persona have left fans and fellow wrestlers alike bewildered. This vulnerability, however unintentional, presents a unique opportunity for May to further solidify her dominance and inflict more psychological damage on her former mentor.
The seeds of a future clash between May and Storm have clearly been sown. Storm’s eventual rediscovery of her true identity and the inevitable confrontation with May promises to be a captivating storyline. May’s unwavering confidence and open disdain for Storm suggest a brutal and emotionally charged encounter. The history between the two, marked by betrayal and shifting power dynamics, adds layers of complexity to their rivalry, making their eventual rematch a highly anticipated event.
The ongoing saga between Toni Storm and Mariah May is a testament to the dynamic storytelling within AEW’s women’s division. The intricate web of betrayal, ambition, and shifting identities creates a compelling narrative that keeps fans engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys. As Storm navigates her current state of confusion and May asserts her dominance, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown that will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of the AEW women’s division.
