AEW’s beloved Toni Storm made her dramatic comeback on Dynamite’s Winter Is Coming edition, but the celebration didn’t last long. After months away, the former AEW Women’s World Champion is slated for her return match—not on the grand stages of Dynamite or Collision, or even a pay-per-view like Worlds End, but on… Rampage.
This decision has left many scratching their heads—and not just fans. According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, AEW personnel were reportedly “appalled” by the move.
“Appalled” Isn’t Just a Word—It’s a Mood
Alvarez didn’t mince words: “Every last single one of them [was] appalled that Toni Storm’s return is on Rampage.”
While some fans tried to justify the booking choice, Alvarez made it clear that the decision felt like a missed opportunity. After all, Rampage is a show that has struggled to garner strong ratings and is set to conclude soon. Why not reserve Storm’s return for Collision, Dynamite, or even AEW’s upcoming Worlds End?
The issue, according to Alvarez, goes beyond creative choices. Even if an entire parade of wrestlers and staff voiced their disagreement, the final say rests with Tony Khan. “People argue things with him every single week,” Alvarez noted, “and at the end of the day he does whatever he wants.”
The Fallout of the Decision
Storm’s return match airs tonight on Rampage and a second bout is scheduled for Collision tomorrow night. However, Collision faces stiff competition, going head-to-head with WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Will this risky booking decision help elevate Rampage in its twilight hour, or will it simply squander the momentum of one of AEW’s most dynamic stars?