Toni Storm’s influence on women’s wrestling cannot be overstated. As one of the top female wrestlers in the world, she has inspired a new generation of women to pursue their dreams in professional wrestling
Her work in multiple promotions, including WWE, AEW, and Stardom, has helped to elevate the status of women’s wrestling on a global scale.
Storm’s success is a testament to the fact that hard work, determination, and talent can lead to success, even in the face of adversity. She has become a role model for young wrestlers, proving that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
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Table of Contents
Toni Storm: Who Is She?
The Journey of a New Zealand-Australian Wrestling Sensation
Toni Rossall, more widely known as Toni Storm, has captured the hearts of wrestling fans around the globe.1
Hailing from New Zealand and Australia, Storm has become a significant figure in professional wrestling, rising through the ranks in multiple promotions and solidifying her position in the industry.
From her early beginnings to her current status as one of All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) brightest stars, Storm’s story is a compelling mix of resilience, talent, and hard work.
This article delves into her life, career, and the challenges she faced on her journey to becoming a top wrestler.
Sheamus https://t.co/fr7RwzkaYC
— Toni Storm (@WWEToniStorm) January 12, 2019
Early Life and Introduction to Wrestling
Toni Rossall was born on October 19, 1995, in Auckland, New Zealand.
However, her family relocated to Australia when she was young.
It was in Australia that she began nurturing her passion for wrestling. As a child, she was inspired by the world of professional wrestling and decided to pursue a career in the sport.
By the time she was 13, she was already determined to become a professional wrestler.
Her journey into the world of wrestling began at an early age, and she would train in various promotions across Australia and other countries, notably Japan.
Her natural athleticism, combined with her drive to succeed, made her stand out in a competitive environment. As a young woman in a male-dominated sport, Storm had to navigate the challenges of being an outsider but quickly found her place with her undeniable talent.
Toni Storm: Career
Early Career and Rise in Independent Promotions
Toni Storm’s wrestling career started in 2009 when she was only 13 years old.2
After training under veterans in Australia, she began working with small wrestling promotions.
Her first significant exposure came in the Australian wrestling scene, but her aspirations were always to perform on a global stage. Storm’s early career saw her competing in numerous independent circuits, honing her skills, and building a reputation for her technical prowess and in-ring charisma.
Storm’s versatility allowed her to make an impression wherever she wrestled, and soon, she gained recognition in various independent promotions across Europe and Japan.
In Japan, she competed in World Wonder Ring Stardom, a prestigious women’s wrestling promotion where she refined her wrestling techniques and adopted the Japanese strong style, characterized by high intensity and hard-hitting moves.
NXT UK and the Mae Young Classic
In 2017, Storm’s hard work paid off when she was invited to participate in WWE’s inaugural Mae Young Classic tournament. This was a significant moment in her career, as WWE provided a global platform for her talent.
Toni Storm reached the semifinals of the tournament, garnering attention from WWE executives and fans alike. Her performance in the tournament positioned her as one of the top female talents on the independent scene.
In 2018, she entered the second edition of the Mae Young Classic and went all the way to win the tournament, defeating Io Shirai in the finals. This victory cemented her as a rising star within WWE and led to her signing with the NXT UK brand.
Storm’s time in NXT UK was a period of immense growth. She was quickly positioned as one of the top female wrestlers in the division and won the NXT UK Women’s Championship in January 2019 by defeating Rhea Ripley.
As the champion, Storm was a dominant force and defended her title against various opponents, solidifying her status as one of WWE’s top female wrestlers outside of its main roster.
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Move to WWE’s SmackDown and Departure from WWE
In 2021, Toni Storm was moved to WWE’s main roster and began appearing on the SmackDown brand. The transition from NXT UK to the main roster is often challenging, and Storm’s time on SmackDown was marked by inconsistent booking and lackluster storylines.
While she was given opportunities to showcase her talent, many fans and critics felt that she was underutilized during this period.
One of her most high-profile feuds on SmackDown was against Charlotte Flair, one of WWE’s top stars. However, the feud did not lead to any long-term storyline development or significant push for Storm.
Frustrated by her position within the company, Storm requested her release from WWE in December 2021, which was granted.
Her departure from WWE was unexpected, but for Storm, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. After leaving WWE, she took some time away from the ring before making a highly anticipated return to professional wrestling in 2022.
Toni Storm: In-Ring Style and Persona
- Toni Storm’s in-ring style is a blend of technical wrestling, Japanese strong style, and high-impact moves.3
- Her time in Japan significantly influenced her wrestling approach, and she often incorporates strikes and suplexes into her repertoire.
- Her finishing move, the “Storm Zero” (a lifting sitout powerbomb), has become iconic and is a move she can execute against opponents of all sizes.
- Storm’s persona is that of a confident, no-nonsense wrestler who backs up her attitude with her in-ring performance.
- She has been praised for her ability to connect with the audience, whether as a face (good character) or a heel (villainous character). Her charisma, combined with her wrestling ability, makes her one of the most complete performers in the business today.
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Challenges Faced and Overcoming Adversity
- Storm’s journey to the top has not been without challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has had to fight for opportunities and prove her worth in every promotion she has worked in.
- Additionally, her time in WWE’s main roster was not as successful as many had hoped, and dealing with the pressures of being on the global stage took its toll.
- Storm has been open about the struggles she faced during her time in WWE, including the mental and emotional challenges of being in the public eye and the frustrations of not being utilized to her full potential.
- However, Storm has always been resilient. Rather than letting these challenges define her, she used them as motivation to continue improving and evolving as a performer.
- Her decision to leave WWE and join AEW was a bold move, but one that has paid off, as she has found a promotion that values her talents and allows her to shine.
Toni Storm: Net Worth 2024
Toni Storm’s journey from a young wrestling fan in Australia to an international star in WWE and AEW is a testament to her hard work, talent, and determination.
With an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2024, Storm has built a successful career both in and out of the ring.
Her earnings from wrestling, merchandise sales, endorsements, and pay-per-view bonuses continue to grow, making her one of the top earners in the industry.
Endorsements and Sponsorship Deals
Beyond wrestling, Toni Storm has expanded her earning potential through endorsements and sponsorship deals. Given her strong social media presence and marketability, Storm has partnered with various brands to promote their products. These endorsement deals can be highly lucrative, especially for athletes with a global following.
Storm’s image as a strong, independent, and stylish wrestler makes her an ideal candidate for sponsorships in industries like fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. As of 2023, her income from these deals has contributed significantly to her $2 million net worth.
Personal Life and Public Image
Toni Storm is known not only for her athletic prowess but also for her charismatic and approachable personality. She maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she connects with her fans and shares glimpses of her personal life.
Storm has often spoken about the importance of mental health and body positivity, using her platform to inspire and empower others.
In 2022, Storm married New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Juice Robinson, adding to her profile within the wrestling community. The couple’s high-profile relationship has made them a popular duo among fans, further boosting Storm’s public image and marketability.
Career Challenges and Resilience
Like many professional wrestlers, Toni Storm has faced her share of challenges. The physical demands of wrestling are immense, and injuries are common.
Storm has dealt with various injuries throughout her career, but her resilience and determination have always helped her bounce back.
In addition to physical challenges, Storm has had to navigate the intense pressure that comes with being in the spotlight.
Wrestling is a highly competitive industry, and staying at the top requires constant improvement and adaptation.
Storm has spoken openly about the mental and emotional toll that comes with the profession, particularly the pressure to maintain a certain image and performance level. Despite these challenges, she has consistently proven herself as a top-tier talent, earning the respect of her peers and fans alike.
Toni Storm’s Influence on Women’s Wrestling
Toni Storm has played a significant role in elevating women’s wrestling to new heights. Her in-ring ability, combined with her unique personality, has helped her stand out in a crowded field of talent.
Storm is part of a generation of female wrestlers who have redefined what it means to be a woman in professional wrestling. No longer relegated to secondary roles, women like Storm have proven that they can main event major shows and draw large audiences.
Her influence extends beyond the ring as well. Storm has been vocal about the need for equal opportunities for women in the wrestling industry, advocating for better pay and more prominent roles for female wrestlers. She has inspired a new generation of female athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
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