AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm has ignited excitement on the road to AEW Forbidden Door by issuing a tag team challenge. On the August 13, 2025 episode of AEW Dynamite, Storm announced she will team up with British wrestler Alex Windsor for a high-stakes tag match set for next week, directly building momentum for the upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view event[1][5].

Storm, known as “Timeless,” has been a dominant figure in AEW’s women’s division since capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship earlier this year. Her recent defenses, including a critically acclaimed match against Mercedes Moné at AEW All In: Texas, showcased her athleticism and storytelling ability[2][3]. Despite Moné’s impressive collection of titles and dominance within AEW and ROH, Storm’s resilience and technical skill have solidified her as a top star.

The Tag Team Challenge and Its Stakes

During AEW Dynamite, after an intense exchange involving Mercedes Moné and ROH talent, Toni Storm took to the mic to lay down a challenge. She revealed she would team with Alex Windsor, a respected talent outside AEW with a reputation for grappling and power. Their opponents for the tag match will be Mercedes Moné, AEW’s TBS Champion, and Ring of Honor standout Athena. This challenge intensifies the rivalry among AEW’s top women stars and sets up an explosive confrontation ahead of Forbidden Door[1][3][5].

Sources close to AEW insiders have indicated that the decision to pair Storm with Windsor is strategic, aiming to blend styles and draw international interest. WWE.com analysts and Fightful reports have noted Windsor’s rising profile in the UK independent scene and believe this pairing signifies the growing collaboration between AEW’s women’s division and overseas stars[1].

Why This Match Matters for AEW Forbidden Door

AEW’s Forbidden Door event is already shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest wrestling cross-promotional spectacles, bringing stars from AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and beyond under one roof. The women’s tag team challenge not only adds an extra layer of drama but also sets up potential storylines around the AEW and ROH women’s titles.

Toni Storm’s challenge is a statement that she is ready to defend her title against the toughest competition, including Mercedes Moné, who despite her recent loss, remains a formidable champion with multiple belts at stake. The tag match serves as a precursor to what fans can expect—hard-hitting, technical wrestling showcased by some of the best female athletes today[1][3][5].

Backstage Insights on the Build-Up

According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW’s booking room, “Toni Storm is being positioned as the cornerstone of AEW’s women’s division heading into Forbidden Door. Pairing her with Alex Windsor is not just about the tag match; it’s about elevating international talent and creating fresh narratives. The promotion sees this as a key moment to uplift the women’s tag scene, which will be a focus moving forward.”

Additionally, podcasts covering AEW’s weekly dynamics have highlighted Storm’s charisma and in-ring IQ as reasons why AEW trusts her with high-profile storylines. Analysts from wrestling factions such as the AEW Observer and Fightful emphasize that her chemistry with both Mercedes Moné and Athena will heighten interest leading into Forbidden Door, potentially creating a buzz equal to the men’s marquee bouts[2][3].

Toni Storm’s Road So Far and the Rising Competition

Since winning the title at AEW Revolution earlier this year, Toni Storm has successfully defended against a series of challengers, including Mariah May and Mercedes Moné. Her “Hollywood Ending” defense at Revolution 2025 cemented her status, delivering a satisfying conclusion to a long-standing feud[4]. With the women’s division gaining traction, the emergence of competitors like Athena and Alex Windsor has provided fresh matchups and rivalries.

Mercedes Moné’s recent confrontation segment on Dynamite brought additional heat, signaling a multi-layered rivalry that transcends simple title defenses. Moné, a decorated champion across multiple brands, has showcased aggression and determination, making her one of the most compelling challengers Storm must address on the path to Forbidden Door[3].

Anticipation for the Upcoming Tag Team Match

Fans and critics eagerly await the tag team bout next week that will feature Toni Storm and Alex Windsor facing Mercedes Moné and Athena. This match is expected to be a blend of striking, submission grappling, and high drama, with each wrestler bringing unique strengths to the ring.

Wrestling journalists from WWE.com and Fightful predict this could serve as a springboard for future title opportunities and a build toward possible triple threat or contender matches at Forbidden Door. The collaboration between AEW and ROH, in particular, will be highlighted, showcasing the depth of talent across the promotions[1][3].

What’s Next After the Tag Challenge?

Moving beyond the tag match, insiders suggest the focus will return to Storm’s AEW Women’s World Championship reign. Athena remains a declared challenger, and Mercedes Moné’s presence looms as a constant threat. With Forbidden Door positioned as a historic event, storyline threads from this tag match will likely lead to high-stakes singles and multi-woman bouts.

AEW officials have hinted at more surprise appearances and special stipulations for women’s matches at Forbidden Door, aiming to make the women’s division’s spotlight shine as brightly as the men’s contests. Toni Storm evidently is at the center of these plans, symbolizing the next generation of AEW’s top talent[1][3].

In summary, AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm’s recent tag team challenge, aligned with Alex Windsor, against Mercedes Moné and Athena, adds significant excitement and complexity to AEW’s storylines on the road to Forbidden Door. With top talent clashing across divisions and brands, this evolving narrative promises compelling matches and memorable moments as AEW continues to elevate its women’s roster in 2025.