News

Toni Storm Weathers Tough Challenge Versus Athena At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Aug 24, 2025 16:11 EDT
Toni Storm

Toni Storm faced a tough challenge at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.

Athena, who has been the Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion for nearly 1,000 days, came out firing on all cylinders. This was the first time both wrestlers contested in a singles match.

Not to forget, Athena had her minion, Billie Starkz, who was neutralized earlier in the match after Storm hit her with the Storm Zero outside the ring.

Athena earned the opportunity to challenge the Australian sensation after winning the Casino Gauntlet match at AEW All In: Texas.

For weeks, the two wrestlers had been exchanging words and physical confrontation.

On an episode of Collision in mid-August, Athena ambushed Storm, leaving her incapacitated and escalating their feud.

Toni Storm Forces Athena To Submit

Athena dominated her bout against AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm.

While Bille Starkz did not play a significant role in the match, her distraction almost led to Storm getting taken out by a steel chair.

However, Storm’s ally, Mina Shirakawa, prevented Starkz from carrying out the attack and removing her from the ringside.

While Storm hit Athena with the Storm Zero, she could not successfully pin her, although she managed to tap her opponent out by executing a Chickenwing submission.