
WWE is reportedly unlikely to make a play for Toni Storm should she become a free agent, primarily due to the massive success of her “Timeless” character in All Elite Wrestling. The sentiment within WWE is that they would not want to recreate a gimmick so closely associated with a rival promotion.
During a discussion on Wrestling Observer Radio about expiring AEW contracts, Dave Meltzer noted that WWE’s standard practice of rebranding talent arriving from other companies presents a major obstacle. Storm’s current value is intrinsically linked to her old-Hollywood persona, an act WWE would probably discard. “WWE may not want to recreate her AEW gimmick,” Meltzer stated. “That’s not usually how they operate.”
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Beyond the creative hurdle, a significant financial barrier exists. Tony Khan views the four-time AEW Women’s World Champion as one of his top stars and would be prepared to outbid WWE to retain her. “Tony Khan would likely outbid them anyway,” Meltzer added. “She’s one of his top stars right now.” Since arriving in AEW in March 2022, Storm has become a cornerstone of the women’s division, with her “Timeless” gimmick, developed in 2023, elevating her to main-event status.
While Meltzer suggested that other AEW talents like Wardlow and Ricky Starks could be on WWE’s radar due to their look and potential, Storm is seen as a unique case where her specific character is both her greatest asset and the biggest deterrent for a move.
Storm’s last appearance for WWE was in December 2021 before her release. Prior to her main roster run on SmackDown, she was a standout in NXT UK, where she won the 2018 Mae Young Classic and held the NXT UK Women’s Championship.
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