WWE and AEW star, 29, announces ‘retirement from wrestling’ in shock statement-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Toni Storm has claimed she’s retiring from wrestling (Picture: AEW/Lee South)

AEW star Toni Storm has insisted she is quitting wrestling aged just 29.

The former champion, who is also known for her time in WWE where she appeared on SmackDown, NXT and NXT UK between 2017 and 2021, has announced her in-ring retirement, although fans aren’t convinced.

Toni is known for her tongue in cheek promos and for staying in character at every opportunity, and she referenced recent losses in All Elite Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL.

Apologising for ‘being such a failure’, she told SB Nation: ‘I’m not used to being a loser. I’ve failed at everything.

‘I lost in AEW, I lost in Japan, I lost in Mexico. This is the last you’ll hear from me again. Enjoy Mariah May as your champion. You can all enjoy that.’

Toni lost the AEW Women’s World Title to Mariah May at Wembley Stadium during AEW All In London in August, and after each subsequent loss in other promotions, has claimed to be disappearing from the spotlight.

She hasn’t been seen on AEW TV since facing Mariah May at Wembley Stadium (Picture: AEW/Lee South)

She claimed she hasn’t told AEW boss Tony Khan about walking away from wrestling, and added that the promotion would cope without her.

‘AEW is just fine without me. Everything is going well for AEW. They don’t need Toni Storm,’ she said.

‘When I met Mariah May. I’d been on the top of the world for many, many years. I delivered. Then Mariah came onto the scene and everything went tits up.’

Her ‘Timeless’ character has taken the wrestling world by storm (Picture: AEW/Lee South)

Referencing her catchphrase, she teased: ‘Chin down. Tits in. Don’t bother watching for the shoe.’

Given Toni’s commitment to her character, fans aren’t convinced she is actually quitting wrestling for good, with everyone assuming she’s simply used the interview to develop her story.

‘Probably “retiring” the character who has been a smash hit. Just hope the next evolution of Toni Storm is just as big #aew,’ wrote @WMMANews on X.

‘What if the Timeless character is gone but she returns just as Toni Storm,’ pondered @TheRKPodcast, while @EddieFenix added: ‘She’s character retiring more than likely. Toni Storm is TIMELESS. Time for a new character for her.’

And @WrestlingCovers said: ‘Perfect way to get people talking. She’ll be back. Maybe she’s done with the “Timeless” character and this Toni Storm returns soon. 🤘🤘’

She worked her way up the UK scene and caught the attention of WWE (Picture: WWE)

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Toni moved to the UK aged 18 to start her wrestling journey, training with Dean Allmark and working around Europe for the likes of PROGRESS Wrestling, and later Stardom in Japan.

She appeared in the Mae Young Classic for WWE in 2017 and 2018 (winning the latter), and then signed a deal with the company before leaving three years ago.

She joined AEW in March 2022, and last year introduced the ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm character, heavily inspired by Sunset Boulevard and All About Eve.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More