Toni Storm Claims the Crown: AEW Star Tops Pro Wrestling Illustrated Women’s 250, Dethroning Rhea Ripley
Toni Storm has formally staked her claim as one of the maximum dominant forces in girls’s expert wrestling. Announced through Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the AEW standout secured the distinguished quantity-one spot in the 2024 Women’s 250, cementing her location atop the industry. This monumental success places her in advance of Jordynne Grace, who landed in 2d, and last yr’s winner, WWE’s Rhea Ripley, who rounded out the pinnacle three.
The ratings, which cowl the evaluation period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, have been decided through a range of factors together with win-loss records, technical prowess, have an impact on inside the game, stage of pastime, and the nice and diversity of competition. During this span, Storm showcased her versatility and ability, embodying her “Timeless” persona even as captivating audiences with her performances each in the ring and on-display.
In her time beneath the highlight, Storm reigned as AEW Women’s Champion for the 0.33 time, with an outstanding 281-day title reign that noticed her vanquishing a string of bold combatants. She defended her title seven times, taking up names like Saraya, Serena Deeb, Thunder Rosa, and Deonna Purrazzo, each in shape fueling her developing legacy. The end result of this unforgettable reign got here at AEW’s All In, where she clashed with growing celebrity Mariah May, in the long run dropping the name however not before delivering one of the yr’s maximum talked-approximately rivalries.
What has genuinely set Storm apart, however, is the evolution of her character. Her transformation into “Timeless” Toni Storm has been nothing short of terrific. Leaning into an vintage Hollywood-inspired character, she has redefined herself, mixing nostalgia with cutting-edge wrestling prowess. It’s not just her in-ring abilities but her flair for storytelling that has left an indelible mark on the industry. Storm’s influence has been undeniable, her unique brand of charisma and attitude elevating her to new heights in the wrestling world.
Although Storm’s route to glory has been nicely-earned, her rise to the top wasn’t without its challenges. TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, some other powerhouse inside AEW, was significantly absent from the PWI list because of inaction in the course of the assessment period, leaving a full-size gap inside the competition. This left room for Storm to capture the instant and carve out her own legacy.
The pinnacle ten of the PWI Women’s 250 listing highlights a number of the fine lady skills in the enterprise nowadays, with AEW and WWE stars making up the majority. Following Storm, Jordynne Grace, and Rhea Ripley, the list includes standout competition like Maika (No. 4), Stephanie Vaquer (No. 5), Sareee (No. 6), and WWE’s Bayley (No. 7). AEW stars Willow Nightingale, Mariah May, and Athena additionally cracked the top ten, similarly underscoring the advertising’s deep expertise pool.
Despite the accolades and the success, Toni Storm’s journey has hit a temporary pause. After dropping her title to Mariah May at All In, she took a quick hiatus from AEW. During this smash, she ventured to Japan, where she wrestled Mayu Iwatani for the IWGP Women’s Title, including to her already wonderful international resume. This suit changed into part of her ongoing efforts to stay a international force in ladies’s wrestling, proving her reach extends far beyond AEW.
However, Storm’s plans to make her debut in CMLL have been currently delayed due to unexpected situations. A scheduled suit against La Catalina had to be postponed after Storm become stranded in Florida as Hurricane Milton ravaged the area. The suit has on the grounds that been rescheduled for October 18th, giving lovers some thing to stay up for as they look forward to Storm’s subsequent pass.
As 2024 rolls on, all eyes are on Toni Storm. Her ascent within the PWI rankings, coupled along with her simple celebrity energy, has solidified her place as one of the most compelling figures in professional wrestling today. With her “Timeless” persona in full force, there’s no doubt that Storm’s reign at the top is far from over.
