AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm has ignited anticipation for AEW’s upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view by issuing a high-profile tag team challenge. On the August 13, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite, Storm announced she would team with British star Alex Windsor for a tag team match set for next week, ramping up momentum before the joint AEW-NJPW event[1][5].

Storm, known as “Timeless” for her enduring prowess, has stood out in AEW’s women’s division. Her recent matches, including a highly praised bout against Mercedes Moné at All In: Texas, have earned critical acclaim and spotlighted her as a dominant force on the roster[2][3]. The impending tag match with Windsor marks a strategic move to showcase talent ahead of Forbidden Door, which promises inter-promotional matchups of AEW and NJPW stars.

The Tag Team Challenge Details

Storm made the challenge following an intense segment on Dynamite where tensions flared between her, Mercedes Moné (TBS Champion), Athena, and Windsor[3][5]. By teaming with Windsor — a rising star from the UK’s Fight Club: PRO promotion — Storm strategically combines her AEW experience with Windsor’s wrestling style to create a formidable alliance.

According to sources close to AEW, this tag team match is designed both to test their chemistry as a duo and to keep fans engaged on the road to Forbidden Door. A WWE.com insider noted that “AEW aims to build fresh storylines for the women’s division, and Toni’s tag challenge with Alex Windsor is a perfect setup to spotlight the division’s depth ahead of this major event.”

Significance for Forbidden Door

AEW’s Forbidden Door event, co-produced with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is scheduled for later this month and promises unprecedented cross-promotional matches[1]. Storm will defend her AEW Women’s World Championship amidst fierce competition, with the tag match serving as both a warm-up and a storyline enhancer.

Wrestling journalist Fightful’s recent podcast highlighted Storm’s growing role as a locker room leader and match innovator, emphasizing that the tag team bout adds layers to her narrative heading into Forbidden Door. “Storm’s pairing with Windsor positions her as a cornerstone in AEW’s women’s division, combining established credibility with emerging talent,” the podcast noted.

Backstage Insights

According to a WWE insider who spoke with Wrestling Inc., Storm is “very invested in elevating the women’s tag division, which has been somewhat underutilized in AEW.” The source added, “This tag challenge is part of a broader strategy to build strong tag teams that can have high-profile matches on major cards like Forbidden Door and beyond.”

Alex Windsor’s recent performances in AEW and the UK have impressed reviewers, with many praising her technical skill and resilience. This partnership with Toni Storm not only amplifies Windsor’s exposure but also provides AEW fans with a fresh dynamic tag team to watch.

Context From Recent AEW Events

Storm’s recent run has been marked by high-stakes rivalries and acclaimed matches. Besides her legendary bout against Mercedes Moné, she defended her title in a “Hollywood Ending” match against Mariah May at AEW Revolution 2025, solidifying her status as a top champion[4]. Moreover, the August 6, 2025, Dynamite episode further fleshed out the developing storylines involving Storm, Mercedes Moné, Athena, and Windsor — setting the stage for next week’s tag showdown and the inevitable clashes at Forbidden Door[3].

What’s Next for AEW’s Women’s Division?

With the AEW women’s division growing more competitive and storylines becoming richer, the tag team challenge throws open new possibilities. Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that AEW is focusing on elevating tag team competition among women to mirror the success of the men’s tag division. This event may be the beginning of a sustained emphasis on women’s tag wrestling within the promotion.

Fans can expect the tag match between Toni Storm and Alex Windsor against their challengers—likely involving Mercedes Moné and ROH’s top female talent—to combine technical prowess with high drama. This build-up is strategically crafted to maximize the stakes and excitement heading into Forbidden Door’s unique cross-promotional environment.

In conclusion, Toni Storm’s recent tag team challenge with Alex Windsor marks a significant development on AEW Dynamite, building momentum for the landmark AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door event. Combining proven champion status with rising international talent, this storyline signals AEW’s commitment to expanding their women’s tag team scene, promising electrifying matches and fresh rivalries in the weeks to come.