Many fans who have recently joined the AEW community may only recognize Toni Storm from her "Timeless" persona. Understanding the origins of this character is crucial, as it all began with Storm experiencing a mental breakdown.
In August 2023, during the 200th episode of "AEW Dynamite," Storm lost the AEW Women’s World Championship to Hikaru Shida, tying Shida’s record as a two-time champion. Following this defeat, Storm’s behavior grew erratic; she often lashed out by throwing shoes at interviewers like Renee Paquette and Lexi Nair, although I don’t recall any interviews featuring the latter. This chaotic phase seemed poised to end at the inaugural AEW All In event in London, where Storm promised to reclaim the title with the help of her friend Saraya.
Storm and Saraya, along with Ruby Soho, make up the Outcast faction. At All In, they were expected to dominate in a four-way match against champion Shida and Dr. Britt Baker (DMD). However, it was Saraya who ended up victorious, leading to increasing tension within the Outcast. Following the event, Storm appeared deeply unsettled, and her instability became even more pronounced when she inadvertently cost Ruby the AEW TBS Championship against Kris Statlander at All Out in September 2023, further straining their group dynamic.
Storm later had the opportunity to redeem herself in a match for the AEW Women’s World Championship during the Grand Slam edition of "Dynamite," but her situation only deteriorated. Saraya defeated Storm to retain the title, resulting in Storm’s expulsion from the Outcast, leaving her to navigate AEW alone. In an effort to assist her, RJ City held a sit-down interview titled ‘Portrait of a Star.’ While the initial results seemed minimal, a significant breakthrough occurred during the 4th anniversary episode of "Dynamite" in October.
During the interview, Storm reacted angrily when RJ suggested that the pressure to perform as a star weighed heavily on her. However, when he remarked, "I’m not even that old," it sparked something in Storm. She came to the realization that she was neither old nor young, but "timeless." This new persona emerged as Storm grappled with her identity after being away from the championship scene for an extended period. Once she recognized her true self, her path to the top of AEW became clearer.
Fan Take: This evolution of Toni Storm’s character is significant for wrestling fans as it showcases the depth and complexity that can enrich storytelling in professional wrestling. Her journey illustrates the ongoing battle for identity and relevance in a sport where high stakes and pressure can lead to compelling narratives.
