AEW fans were left stunned last week on Dynamite when “Timeless” Toni Storm was written off television in a dramatic backstage segment that quickly sparked speculation. The former champion was discovered laid out and bloodied in her dressing room, surrounded by cryptic clues pointing toward multiple potential suspects on the roster—clearly setting the stage for a mystery-driven storyline.
Given the timing, many initially assumed the angle may have been covering for an injury, especially following Storm’s recent match against Marina Shafir at Revolution, where she also had a notable interaction with Ronda Rousey. However, according to Dave Meltzer, that’s not the case.
Speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer indicated that Storm’s absence is not tied to any physical issue. Instead, he noted that the situation developed suddenly behind the scenes.
According to Meltzer, Storm was originally scheduled to compete on last week’s Dynamite, but plans changed the day of the show. AEW reportedly had to pivot quickly, creating the backstage attack angle to explain her sudden removal from television. Mina Shirakawa ultimately stepped in as her replacement and picked up a win over Shafir.
While the storyline explanation is already unfolding on-screen, the real-life timeline may be even more significant. A report from Fightful Select suggests that Storm could be out of action for an extended period, potentially missing all of 2026.
That leaves AEW in an interesting position creatively. The “whodunnit” angle offers a built-in way to keep Storm relevant during her absence, while also elevating other names in the women’s division as suspects or key players in the unfolding story.
For now, fans can expect the mystery surrounding Toni Storm’s “attack” to continue developing on television—even if the real reason behind her hiatus remains outside the ring.
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