Toni Storm’s Return Sparks Backstage Outrage Over AEW Rampage Placement

Toni Storm’s in-ring return to AEW has sparked outrage backstage, with numerous sources reportedly “appalled” by the booking decision.

The former Women’s World Champion made her return during the December 11 episode of Dynamite, confronting Mariah May after her title defense against Mina Shirakawa. However, her first match back wasn’t on Dynamite—instead, it was relegated to a pre-taped Rampage episode set to air on December 13, leaving many in AEW scratching their heads.

The backlash from Storm’s return placement was explained by Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live. “Do you know how many people I talked to in AEW yesterday? Every last single one of them… ‘aghast’ may not even be the right word… ‘appalled’ that Toni Storm’s return is on Rampage,” Alvarez revealed.

He didn’t hold back on describing the behind-the-scenes chaos. “I swear to god this is true – you could have had 200 people lined up outside Tony Khan’s door last night, one by one, all 200 of them could have gone in there and said, ‘This idea is stupid,’ and do you wanna know what’d happen at the end of the night? He’d have still done it because that’s what happens.”

Alvarez added, “People argue things with him every single week, and at the end of the day, he does whatever he wants.”

Toni Storm’s Rampage return has stirred up major drama within AEW, with fans questioning why such a pivotal moment wasn’t showcased on Dynamite. Whether you side with Tony Khan’s vision or the backstage critics, one thing’s certain—Storm’s comeback has everyone talking. Will this booking choice impact her momentum moving forward? Only time will tell, but AEW’s decision-making is once again under the spotlight.