During the August 13, 2025, edition of AEW Dynamite, the AEW Women’s World Championship scene took center stage with a heated confrontation between “Timeless” Toni Storm and Athena that caught the attention of wrestling fans and industry insiders alike. While the segment, highlighted by Toni Storm’s promo and a sudden two-on-one assault by Athena and Billie Starkz, was well-received, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray recently voiced that although he enjoyed the moment, it could have benefited from a more impactful finish to truly leave the audience buzzing[5][2].

Toni Storm’s Promo and the Surprise Attack

Toni Storm opened the show with a confident and engaging promo that reaffirmed her stature as AEW Women’s World Champion. However, her celebration was abruptly cut short when Athena and Billie Starkz launched a surprise attack, teaming up to beat down the champion in a classic two-on-one assault. This attack raised the stakes in their ongoing storyline, intensifying the rivalry between the three women[1][3].

The chaotic segment nearly spiraled out of control until Mina Shirakawa made a timely save, chasing off the attackers and helping Storm regain her footing. This rescue added an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the rivalry, setting up future developments as AEW prepares for the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event, where Toni Storm and Athena are scheduled for a high-profile championship match[1][5].

Bully Ray’s Thoughts: Enjoys But Wants More

In a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray shared his thoughts on the segment, describing it as a “solid piece of television” that showcased the women’s division’s growing prominence in AEW. However, Ray noted that the segment lacked a definitive closing moment that could have elevated it from good to great.

According to a WWE insider familiar with Ray’s commentary, “Bully Ray appreciated the storytelling and the chemistry between Toni, Athena, and Billie, but he felt the attack needed a bigger exclamation point—maybe a more decisive finish or a shock twist to leave the fans screaming and talking long after the show ended.”

This insight into Bully Ray’s perspective highlights how even well-executed segments in AEW’s rapidly evolving women’s division can benefit from a stronger climax to maximize audience impact[5].

Setting the Stage for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

The timing of this segment is particularly important as AEW gears up for the Forbidden Door crossover event next weekend, where “Timeless” Toni Storm is set to defend the AEW Women’s World Championship against Athena. This build-up episode on Dynamite served as a key chapter in their storyline, bumping anticipation for the match.

Wrestling sources close to the AEW creative team reveal that the company intentionally staged the two-on-one attack to further vilify Athena and Billie Starkz while putting Storm in a sympathetic light as the resilient champion. The storyline aims to deepen fan investment by blurring lines between heroism and hostility within the women’s division[1][5].

Fan and Media Reaction

Reaction from fans and wrestling media has been generally positive, praising the segment for its pacing and the effective use of surprise elements. Fightful and Wrestling Inc. reported that the intensity between Toni Storm and Athena has become one of the must-watch rivalries in AEW, standing out in a crowded women’s wrestling scene.

However, echoed by Bully Ray’s comments, some critics feel AEW could push these moments further with more definitive climaxes that leave lasting impressions, similar to historic moments in WWE and other promotions[2][5].

Conclusion

The August 13, 2025 AEW Dynamite segment between Toni Storm, Athena, and Billie Starkz effectively set the stage for their upcoming clash at Forbidden Door while showcasing the potential of AEW’s women’s division. WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray’s feedback underscores the importance of not just compelling storytelling but also delivering a powerful closing moment to create memorable highlights.

As AEW continues to build its roster and storylines, incorporating feedback from veterans like Bully Ray could help sharpen the impact of key segments, making the women’s division’s spotlight moments even brighter in the eyes of fans and critics alike. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely when Toni Storm defends her title against Athena, eager to see if AEW can deliver the exclamation point this rivalry deserves[5].