Rhea Ripley on AEW Fan’s Toni Storm Cosplay

Rhea ripley Defends AEW Fan’s Toni Storm Cosplay, Magnus Celebrates AEW Dynamite Milestone

A vibrant display of fandom and wrestling camaraderie unfolded on social media this week, as WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley publicly defended an AEW fan’s impressive cosplay of Toni Storm. Together, CMLL wrestler Magnus is marking a notable achievement for AEW with a custom mask commemorating the 300th episode of Dynamite.

Ripley Stands Up for Cosplay Community

The exchange began when a user on X questioned the seriousness of the Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) while criticizing a photo of the Toni Storm cosplayer, writing, “How am I supposed to take the IWC seriously when this is what the people in my comment section look like.”

Rhea Ripley swiftly responded, directly addressing the original poster. “Meanwhile you hide behind a fake profile picture and name to mask your own insecurities,” she wrote on July 2, 2025. “This timeless Toni storm cosplay slaps and she absolutely slays that shit! Seems like jealously to me.”

Here is Rhea Ripley’s post:

Meanwhile you hide behind a fake profile picture and name to mask your own insecurities
This timeless Toni storm cosplay slaps and she absolutely slays that shit!
Seems like jealously to me. https://t.co/VQttBiKFri
– RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) July 2, 2025

Ripley’s vocal support highlights a growing trend of wrestlers embracing and celebrating the creativity of their fans. The incident underscores the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the wrestling community.

Reader question: What other examples have you seen of wrestlers supporting their fans in creative ways?

Magnus Commemorates 300 Episodes of AEW Dynamite

Across the wrestling landscape, CMLL wrestler Magnus is celebrating a milestone achievement for All Elite Wrestling. Tonight marks the 300th episode of AEW dynamite, and Magnus will be honoring the occasion with a specially designed mask.

He shared images of the new mask on social media,writing,”FELICIDADES! @AEW @AEWonTV Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite Episode 300 8pm ET/7pm CT,TBS + Max TONIGHT!📸. @Brainbuster__”

Did you know? CMLL,Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre,is the oldest professional wrestling promotion in the world,established in 1933.

Here is Magnus’ post:

FELICIDADES!@AEW @AEWonTV Wednesday Night #AEWDynamiteEpisode 3008pm ET/7pm CT, TBS + MaxTONIGHT!
📸. @Brainbuster__ pic.twitter.com/1TIYOSbzvr
– Magnus Romero (@Magnus_CMLL) July 2,2025

The custom mask serves as a visual testament to the sustained success of AEW Dynamite,which airs Wednesdays on TBS and Max. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness of the professional wrestling world, with talent from different promotions acknowledging and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.

Pro tip: Following wrestlers and promotions on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events in the wrestling world.

Both instances demonstrate the power of social media in connecting wrestlers and fans, and the ongoing vibrancy of the professional wrestling community.

The Evolving Role of Social Media in Wrestling

The recent display of support from Rhea Ripley and the celebratory gesture from Magnus highlight the increasingly meaningful role that social media plays in the modern wrestling landscape. Social media provides an immediate and direct connection between wrestlers, fans, and the industry.

Social media’s impact extends beyond just individual interactions. Promotions are now leveraging fan feedback in real-time to shape storylines and character progress [[1]]. This responsiveness creates a more dynamic and engaging experience for everyone involved. This participatory environment wasn’t as prevalent even a decade ago.

here’s a closer look at how the use of social media is impacting the wrestling world today:

Immediate Fan engagement

• Real-time Reactions: Social media platforms allow fans to express their opinions and reactions during and after matches, providing valuable data to wrestlers and promoters.
• Direct Communication: Wrestlers can speak directly to their fans, answering questions, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and building stronger relationships.
• Community Building: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok foster communities where fans can connect with each other, share their love for wrestling, and participate in discussions.

Shaping Storylines

Fan reactions and online buzz can influence the direction of storylines. Promotions may alter plans based on audience sentiment, creating a more organic and reactive narrative [[1]]. This can lead to unexpected turns and exciting developments that resonate with fans.

Enhancing the Fan Experience

• Personalized Content: Wrestlers can share more personal content, like training routines, daily life, and insights into their characters, deepening the connection with fans.
• Interactive Polls & Contests: Promotions may use social media to run polls, ask for match suggestions, or host contests, encouraging fan participation.
• Event Promotion: Social media is a crucial tool for promoting events, sharing ticket details, and building excitement.

The Power of Cosplay and Fan Art

As seen with Rhea Ripley,wrestlers frequently showcase fan-made creations,such as cosplay and fan art,as a sign of respect and recognition. This reciprocation further cements the bond between performers and their audience.

How has social media changed the way wrestling promotions interact with their audience? Social media allows for immediate, direct communication and feedback, enabling promotions to tailor storylines and events to fan preferences, creating a more engaging experience.

what’s the most significant benefit of wrestlers using social media? Wrestling stars can build personal brands,connect directly with fans,and get immediate feedback,fostering loyalty and enriching the fan experience.

Did you know? AEW has integrated cultural touchstones, including simple, high-stakes games, to engage younger audiences [[2]].

Looking Ahead

As technology advances, the role of social media in wrestling will continue to evolve. Virtual reality experiences, interactive live streams, and even the metaverse could change how fans experience the sport.

Wrestling promotions and wrestlers should continue embracing social media to build relationships, enhance the fan experience, and stay connected to the audience. Successful engagement will create a stronger, more vibrant wrestling community.

social media serves as a powerful tool that enhances fan engagement, helps shape storylines, and strengthens the connection between wrestlers and their audience. These interactions create a more dynamic and immersive experience for everyone involved [[1]].