Toni Storm has cemented herself as one of the most exciting and talented wrestlers in the world. Known for her fierce in-ring style, dynamic charisma, and ability to adapt to any wrestling promotion she competes in, Storm has become a fan favorite in both independent circuits and major promotions like WWE, NXT UK, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
In this article, we’ll explore Toni Storm’s top matches and rivalries that have defined her career, showcasing why she has become a force to be reckoned with in professional wrestling.
The Rise of Toni Storm in Professional Wrestling
Before diving into her most notable matches and rivalries, it’s important to understand Toni Storm’s journey. Hailing from New Zealand, Storm began wrestling at the age of 13 in Australia, before taking her talents to Europe and Japan. Her unique blend of British strong style, Japanese puroresu, and American flair has made her a standout performer.
Major Achievements in Wrestling
- WWE Mae Young Classic Winner (2018)
- NXT UK Women’s Champion
- World of Stardom Champion
- AEW Women’s World Champion
These accolades alone showcase the diverse experience and skillset Storm brings to the ring, making her one of the most versatile wrestlers today.
1. Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai (WWE Evolution 2018)
One of Toni Storm’s career-defining matches took place at WWE Evolution, WWE’s first all-women’s pay-per-view. Storm faced off against the incredibly talented Io Shirai in the Mae Young Classic 2018 Final. This match was a perfect blend of technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and storytelling.
The chemistry between the two competitors was evident from the start, with Shirai’s high-risk offense being countered by Storm’s powerful strikes and grappling techniques. In a hard-fought battle, Storm emerged victorious, winning the Mae Young Classic and solidifying herself as a future star.
- Why it stands out: The match helped elevate Storm as one of the top prospects in WWE and was a showcase of her ability to perform on a big stage against world-class competition.
2. Toni Storm vs. Rhea Ripley (NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool 2019)
In what became one of the most significant rivalries of her career, Toni Storm faced off against Rhea Ripley at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool for the NXT UK Women’s Championship. This match had the perfect mix of personal animosity and high stakes, as both women had a history dating back to their early days in NXT UK.
Ripley had been a dominant champion, using her size and strength to overpower opponents, but Storm entered the match with fire and determination. In a hard-hitting contest that saw both competitors exchange brutal strikes and technical counters, Storm ultimately pinned Ripley to capture the NXT UK Women’s Championship, marking one of the biggest wins of her career.
- Why it stands out: This rivalry helped define the early days of NXT UK’s women’s division, with Storm playing the role of the resilient babyface overcoming the seemingly unstoppable Ripley.
3. Toni Storm vs. Mayu Iwatani (Stardom World Championship Match 2017)
Storm’s time in Stardom (one of Japan’s premier women’s wrestling promotions) was crucial to her development as an international wrestling star. Her matches with top Japanese wrestlers helped showcase her versatility and toughness. One of her standout performances came in 2017 when she faced off against Mayu Iwatani for the World of Stardom Championship.
This match was a physical and emotional rollercoaster, with both competitors pushing each other to the limit. Iwatani’s speed and agility were matched by Storm’s brute strength and technical prowess. The bout ended with Storm capturing the prestigious World of Stardom Championship, marking her as one of the top gaijin (foreign) wrestlers in Japan.
- Why it stands out: Competing in Japan and winning the Stardom World Championship added international prestige to Storm’s career, proving she could compete at the highest level in different wrestling cultures.
4. Toni Storm vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Britt Baker (AEW Dynamite, 2023)
Storm’s move to AEW brought new opportunities, and one of the most exciting matches of her AEW career came in 2023 when she faced two of the biggest names in wrestling, Charlotte Flair and Britt Baker, in a triple threat match on AEW Dynamite.
This match was notable not just for the star power but for the in-ring storytelling. Flair, Baker, and Storm all brought their unique styles, creating a fast-paced, unpredictable match. Storm’s technical ability and striking skills shined as she battled against the powerful Flair and the crafty Baker. Storm ultimately emerged victorious, asserting her dominance as a key player in AEW’s women’s division.
- Why it stands out: This match demonstrated Storm’s ability to perform against top-tier talent in AEW and solidified her status as one of the company’s leading women.
5. Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter (AEW Full Gear 2022)
In 2022, Toni Storm faced Jamie Hayter at AEW Full Gear in one of the most physical matches of her AEW career. The bout was for the AEW Interim Women’s World Championship, and both competitors went all out in their attempt to capture the gold.
Hayter’s brutal, stiff style meshed well with Storm’s aggressive offense, creating a hard-hitting match that captivated the audience. The crowd was electric as Storm and Hayter exchanged punishing blows, with Hayter ultimately securing the victory. Though Storm lost the match, her performance was widely praised for her toughness and grit.
- Why it stands out: This match was a major milestone in Storm’s AEW career, as it showcased her ability to excel in high-pressure environments and further solidified her status in AEW’s competitive women’s division.
6. Toni Storm vs. Kay Lee Ray (NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff 2019)
Following her championship win against Rhea Ripley, Storm entered into a heated rivalry with Kay Lee Ray, one of the most dangerous women in NXT UK. The two clashed at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff, where Storm’s NXT UK Women’s Championship was on the line.
The match was an intense back-and-forth affair, with Ray’s vicious tactics and Storm’s resilience taking center stage. The bout told a compelling story of Ray’s relentless pursuit of the title and Storm’s determination to hold onto it. However, in the end, Ray dethroned Storm, ending her championship reign.
- Why it stands out: This match marked a turning point in Storm’s NXT UK career and set the stage for Ray’s dominance in the division. It also highlighted Storm’s versatility as a performer, capable of delivering both technical matches and dramatic storytelling.
7. Toni Storm vs. Thunder Rosa (AEW Women’s Championship, Forbidden Door 2023)
One of the most anticipated rivalries in AEW’s women’s division was between Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa, both of whom are regarded as two of the best female wrestlers in the world. They faced off for the AEW Women’s Championship at AEW Forbidden Door 2023, an event that saw top talent from AEW and NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) clash.
The match was a technical masterpiece, with both women showcasing their wrestling IQ and physical toughness. Storm’s powerful strikes and Thunder Rosa’s high-energy offense created an exciting dynamic. Ultimately, Storm secured the win, capturing the AEW Women’s Championship and solidifying her place at the top of the division.
- Why it stands out: This match was a major moment in Storm’s AEW career, marking her as one of the top women’s champions in the company.
Conclusion
Toni Storm has delivered some of the most memorable matches and rivalries in women’s wrestling across multiple promotions. From her breakthrough win at the Mae Young Classic to her championship reigns in NXT UK and AEW, Storm has proven herself to be a versatile, world-class competitor. Whether facing legends like Charlotte Flair and Io Shirai or rising stars like Jamie Hayter, Toni Storm continues to build an impressive legacy in professional wrestling.
FAQs
- When did Toni Storm debut in AEW?
- Toni Storm debuted in AEW in 2022 and quickly became a major player in the women’s division.
- Has Toni Storm won any championships in AEW?
- Yes, Toni Storm has held the AEW Women’s World Championship.
- Who was Toni Storm’s biggest rival in NXT UK?
- One of Toni Storm’s biggest rivals in NXT UK was Rhea Ripley, whom she defeated to win the NXT UK Women’s Championship.
- What style of wrestling does Toni Storm use?
- Toni Storm uses a combination of British strong style, Japanese puroresu, and traditional American pro-wrestling, making her a versatile competitor.
- Has Toni Storm wrestled internationally?
- Yes, Toni Storm has competed internationally in countries like Japan, the UK, Australia, and the United States, including her time with Stardom and WWE.
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