by AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm has captivated wrestling audiences with her transformation into a golden age Hollywood starlet. In a recent conversation with TV Insider ahead of All Out, the four-time champion shared insights into her creative process, her relationship with fans, and the unexpected challenges of performing without her beloved butler Luther.
A Bond Built Over Time
When asked about her connection with wrestling fans, Storm’s warmth shines through her theatrical persona. “I just have such an adoring public. The fans really appreciate me, and I have always felt that from them,” she shares. Having started wrestling at a young age, Storm views her fanbase as family. “The fans have become like family. It’s nice to just enjoy the ride with them.”
This connection extends beyond the arena. Storm speaks fondly of encountering fans in everyday life. “I love when I bump into them in the wild world. I feel a very strong connection to the fans, more than I ever have.” Whether attributing it to her performances or the genuine bond they’ve created, Storm acknowledges this relationship as something special in her career.
The Art of Being “Timeless”
Despite her clear old Hollywood aesthetic, Storm reveals her creative process is more organic than calculated. “I’m not really inspired by any one thing in particular. There is no real one film or particular actor I’m inspired by really,” she explains. “I’m just going out there and performing with all my heart and soul and doing what comes to me.”
This commitment to authentic artistic expression defines her approach. “I really am just letting go and creating some wonderful art. I try not to latch on to any one thing in particular because my purpose is just to make art. That is all.”
Pushing Creative Boundaries
Storm’s relationship with AEW President Tony Khan provides some of the interview’s most entertaining moments. She admits to having “a lot of wild ideas” that Khan has been “horrified and disgusted by.” Despite these creative clashes, she appreciates his leadership. “He really has to work hard to keep it all together, God bless him.”
The champion also playfully addresses misconceptions about her creative process, particularly regarding RJ City’s involvement. “There is this misconception that he is the brain behind this whole thing. I must put the rumors to rest. He does absolutely nothing.” She adds with characteristic wit, “I think they just keep him around so if something goes wrong, we have someone to blame.”
Balancing Art and Athletics
Storm emphasizes that her theatrical presentation never overshadows her in-ring ability. “I think people are captivated by my larger-than-life performances and the glamour side of things. They may forget that I’ve been wrestling for a very long time and happen to be a very skillful competitor.”
Having dedicated her life to the craft, she notes, “The match side is very important to me, and I’ve dedicated my life to being the best competitor I can be.”
Life on the Road
The demanding schedule of being champion takes its toll. Storm describes working Dynamite and Collision each week, meaning she “never really goes home or has any downtime.” She reframes this challenge through her artistic lens: “I’ve been focusing on creating films for All Elite Wrestling. That has been wonderful. I’ve created many films for them each week. Every week is a film.”
Having a husband who understands the wrestling lifestyle helps. Speaking about fellow AEW star Juice Robinson, she notes, “Wrestlers do tend to stick together in this business. It’s a very unique business.” She adds with affection, “I’m very lucky because he understands the madness I’m involved in. He is actually mad himself.”
Missing Luther
Perhaps the most heartfelt part of the interview comes when discussing Luther’s injury. Following Mercedes Moné breaking her butler at All In, Storm expresses genuine concern. “I feel a bit bad for Luther for the first time in my life,” she admits. “I genuinely don’t know when he will be back. It’s actually quite concerning.”
The absence clearly affects her preparation for All Out. “Times are tough without him, which is unfortunate because the stakes have never been higher with a four-way this weekend.” Her frustration and affection mix as she declares, “I just hope Luther can snap out of it. I’ve had enough of him. He needs to get back.”
Looking Ahead to All Out
Facing Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Thekla in a four-way match, Storm acknowledges the challenge ahead. She shows respect for Statlander while expressing disappointment in Hayter, who “didn’t thank me at all” for a title opportunity.
Despite the odds, Storm remains confident in her approach: “I just have to do what I do best, and that’s to be insanely strong and talented.”
The Wendi Richter Dream
The interview concludes with Storm’s ongoing campaign for a match with WWE Hall of Famer Wendi Richter. “I don’t know how many times I need to ask or phone calls I need to make,” she says, genuinely hoping to make this dream match happen.
Through it all, Toni Storm emerges as a performer fully committed to her craft, deeply connected to her audience, and unafraid to push creative boundaries. Whether she’s creating weekly “films” for AEW or missing her injured butler, Storm approaches everything with the same theatrical flair and genuine passion that has made her one of wrestling’s most compelling champions.
As she prepares to defend her title at All Out, one thing is certain: win or lose, Toni Storm will continue creating art, one performance at a time.
