During the WrestleDream post-show media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan addressed the long-term absence of ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, stating she will eventually return to the company for payback following a mysterious backstage attack in March.
Tony Khan Addresses the Absence of Toni Storm
“Timeless” Toni Storm has been missing from All Elite Wrestling programming since a March 2026 episode of Dynamite, when an angle was filmed to write her off television after a backstage attack by an unidentified assailant. Speaking to reporters following the WrestleDream pay-per-view, Tony Khan noted that while the roster has stepped up in her absence, a return remains on the horizon.
The former World Champion ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm is certainly on a lot of our minds and I can’t say when or where, but I know ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm will be back in AEW and looking to get payback for whoever it was that took her out.
Tony Khan, AEW President
While Khan offered no specific date or timeframe for her comeback, earlier reporting from Fightful Select indicated that an in-ring return before 2027 is unlikely. Storm’s last verified match took place at AEW Revolution, where she defeated Marina Shafir inside the Crypto.com Arena before a surprise confrontation with Ronda Rousey.
Women’s Division Evolution Around Mercedes Moné
In the wake of Storm’s absence, the company’s women’s division underwent a significant reshuffling. Mercedes Moné currently holds the AEW Women’s World Championship, having secured a successful title defense against Thekla at WrestleDream. Khan praised the locker room for filling the gap left by the former champion, pointing to contributions from various competitors across the division.
Still trying to make her Toni Storm I see.Also “digital exclusive” means she ain’t even getting on the show. https://t.co/Hv6THBaOc3
The division also welcomed back Britt Baker, who has formed an alliance with TBS Champion and CMLL World Women’s Champion Persephone. Khan highlighted Persephone’s recent title defenses and the collaborative momentum within the roster during a transitional period for the company’s championship picture.
Corporate Transition Involving Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery
Beyond active ring storylines, Khan used the media appearances surrounding WrestleDream to address the broader business landscape, specifically the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Skydance. Despite industry speculation regarding potential programming shifts and competition with TKO Group properties like WWE and UFC, Khan expressed strong optimism about the new leadership under Skydance CEO David Ellison.
According to Khan, his conversations with Ellison confirmed a positive outlook for the wrestling promotion. Warner Bros. Discovery executives who have historically supported AEW, including Channing Dungey and J.B.
Additional WrestleDream Card Highlights and Media Call Updates
During his media session on Thursday, October 15, 2026, ahead of the WrestleDream pay-per-view, Khan also discussed several other high-profile matches and talent storylines scheduled for the event. He highlighted the anticipated AEW World Trios Championship Two-Out-Of-Three Falls match featuring Brody King, Bandido, and Hangman Adam Page in a rematch against Swerve Strickland and The New Level, pointing back to their previous encounter at All Out. The card also featured a brand-new Clockwork Carnage match for the AEW Men’s World Championship in the main event, alongside Jon Moxley defending the AEW Continental Championship against Mark Davis.
Khan took questions from various media members regarding roster updates and historical context. Addressing Adam Copeland, Khan confirmed he was aware of the announcement that 2027 would mark Copeland’s final year in professional wrestling, acknowledging a personal list of desired venues that included the Tokyo Dome. When asked about leadership within the locker room following the death of Pac and Andy “The Butcher” Williams, Khan praised Jon Moxley for serving as a consistent pillar and leader both inside and outside the ring from the very beginning of the promotion.
Reflecting on the overarching business strategy, Khan emphasized that AEW’s focus on targeted television broadcasts and major pay-per-view events rather than traditional house shows aligns with the physical demands of the product. Perrette remaining on board following the corporate transition, management anticipates maintaining strong distribution paths across Warner Bros. Discovery platforms while navigating the evolving media landscape under David Ellison.