The AEW Women’s Championship picture just got a lot more colorful—and chaotic. Toni Storm made her highly anticipated return on AEW Dynamite, ditching her “Timeless” persona and stepping out in her classic black-and-red era gear. Storm arrived moments after AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May retained her title against Mira Shirakawa, making it clear she’s back and aiming for gold.
May vs. Shirakawa: A Friendship in Shambles
The match between Mariah May and Mira Shirakawa wasn’t just about the title—it was personal. Shirakawa came out swinging, channeling the anger of a former friend betrayed. She dominated the early moments, locking May in a figure-four leg lock that sent both women tumbling out of the ring. May capitalized on her opponent’s momentum by targeting Shirakawa with brutal barricade shots and steel step collisions.
The drama wasn’t confined to the ring. Thunder Rosa, sitting in the crowd, held up signs proclaiming May was “not her champion,” adding fuel to an already fiery bout. Back in the ring, Shirakawa delivered a devastating spinning backfist, only for May to counter with a headbutt, leaving both competitors sprawled on the mat.
Despite Shirakawa’s resilience, kicking out of a May Day and countering a second attempt, Mariah sealed the deal with a Storm Zero for the victory.
The Return of Toni Storm
As May celebrated her hard-fought win, the arena erupted with Toni Storm’s original entrance music. The former champion appeared at the top of the stage, her classic black-and-red gear a stark contrast to her recent “Timeless” gimmick. Storm didn’t need words to make an impact—her presence alone electrified the crowd and sent shockwaves through the AEW Women’s Division.
From the ring, Mariah May looked both intrigued and unsettled, while Thunder Rosa’s pointed glares from the audience suggested there’s more trouble brewing. With Storm’s return, Rosa’s provocations, and Shirakawa refusing to fade into the background, Mariah May’s reign might be entering stormy waters.