Toni Storm is now expected to remain away from All Elite Wrestling programming until 2027, according to new details revealed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The report states that Storm’s absence led to a significant shift in AEW’s creative direction. As of the afternoon of the March 18 episode of AEW Dynamite in Fresno, California, the original plan was for Storm to defeat Marina Shafir in a No Holds Barred match. That victory was intended to set up a championship program against reigning AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla.

However, plans changed abruptly on the day of the show when it became clear Storm would not be able to compete. AEW quickly pivoted, introducing an angle where Mina Shirakawa found Storm unconscious backstage before stepping in as her replacement against Shafir.

Dave Meltzer reported that Storm’s absence is not due to an injury and that the situation is being kept tightly under wraps.

“Toni Storm has been reported as being out of action until 2027. There are a number of stories floating around but it is obviously something that they want to keep under wraps. It is not an injury situation and it came up on 3/18, the day of the show, as all plans until the afternoon were for Storm to beat Marina Shafir to lead to the start of a Thekla vs. Toni Storm program for the title. When they found out she could not wrestle, they laid out the injury angle and will be doing a tease akin to Who Shot JR? with clues and such and multiple potential assailants,” Meltzer wrote.

The company is now reportedly moving forward with a mystery attacker storyline inspired by the famous “Who Shot JR?” angle from Dallas, featuring multiple potential suspects and ongoing clues.

Meltzer also pointed out a contrast between Storm’s on-screen portrayal and her real-life appearances. Despite being written off television through an injury angle, Storm attended an autograph signing over the weekend without showing any signs of being hurt.

Tony Khan has declined to comment publicly on the situation. Meltzer previously noted that Storm is one of only two topics Khan is currently unwilling to address.

Storm, who joined AEW in 2022, has established herself as one of the company’s top stars. She is a four-time AEW Women’s World Champion, with a combined reign totaling 640 days. If the current timeline holds, her absence will extend well beyond a year, leaving a notable gap at the top of the women’s division.

Toni Storm Expected Out Until 2027 As AEW Adjusts Creative Plans

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