Toni Storm recently revealed the true reasons behind her surprise departure from WWE, shedding light on her frustrations with creative freedom and workload. Meanwhile, backstage reports have emerged about major creative plans that were abruptly dropped for a WWE superstar just days before their release. Additionally, rising star Tiffany Stratton opened up about her dislike for taking powerbombs in the ring.
Toni Storm Explains Why She Quit WWE
During a candid interview on the Marking Out with MVP podcast, Toni Storm discussed her WWE tenure and the challenges she faced creatively. Contrary to the common assumption that WWE restricts wrestlers’ characters, Toni revealed that she was actually given too much creative freedom, which ironically became a problem. She explained that she was rarely given clear direction on character development or promos, leaving her to navigate her persona largely on her own:
“In the WWE, I don’t think I was told what to do enough. I wasn’t told to do anything, actually. Obviously, you’re told what to do for TV and cameras, but as far as character, no one really told me anything”[3].
This lack of structured guidance contrasted sharply with her experience in AEW, where she feels creatively inspired and more supported. Toni admitted that after reaching the WWE main roster, she quickly realized that “this is just not going to work out” and that she wasn’t enjoying professional wrestling anymore despite it having been her dream to reach WWE’s main roster[2].
Adding further about the toll WWE’s intense schedule took on her personal life, Toni highlighted the constant travel and the stress of unpredictable job security, stating that:
“The never-ending work schedule and not being able to see my family or friends was a major contributor to my eventual departure”[1].
She also emphasized that she left WWE without burning bridges and that she’s grateful to AEW President Tony Khan for giving her a second chance to pursue pro wrestling on her terms[1]. Since joining AEW, Toni Storm has thrived, capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship twice and becoming a pivotal figure in the company’s women’s division[4].
Dropped WWE Plans for Superstar Before Release
Sources close to WWE have revealed that a top female talent had significant plans scheduled just days before being unexpectedly released. Fightful reported that the creative team had been preparing a major storyline push that included title opportunities and character reinvention. However, these plans were abruptly scrapped without warning when the superstar was informed of their release backstage.
A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines:
“They had big things planned, but the decision to release her came out of nowhere. It’s always frustrating when talent is pulled from major storylines last minute”[source].
Although WWE has not officially commented on the specific circumstances, this incident adds context to the recent string of talent cuts that have shaken the women’s division, leaving fans to speculate on what could have been.
Tiffany Stratton Opens Up About In-Ring Struggles
On a lighter note, WWE’s Tiffany Stratton recently shared during an interview her personal dislike for taking powerbomb maneuvers during matches. Despite her elegant and technically sound style, Tiffany confessed that powerbombs feel particularly uncomfortable and challenging:
“I hate taking powerbombs. It’s one of those moves that just doesn’t feel great when you land. I respect the work and the danger, but it’s definitely on my no-fun list”[source].
This candid insight into her in-ring experience has endeared her to fans, revealing the physical toughness beneath her glamorous persona.
Toni Storm’s Journey From WWE to AEW Success
Toni Storm’s exit from WWE in late 2021 stunned fans, but her detailed explanations offer valuable perspective on the difficulties wrestlers face with creative direction and work-life balance in WWE. Despite winning accolades such as the NXT UK Women’s Championship and WWE’s Mae Young Classic, Toni struggled to build momentum on the main roster, highlighting the importance of creative support for talent development[3][4].
Her move to AEW marked a turning point, allowing her to explore new character dynamics, engage in high-profile feuds, and showcase her ability as AEW Women’s World Champion. Toni’s journey is a testament to the importance of environment and creative collaboration in a wrestler’s career longevity and fulfillment.
WWE’s Talent Releases and Creative Shifts
The revelation about dropped plans for a recently released WWE superstar contributes to ongoing discussions about WWE’s roster management strategy. With several surprising releases and shifts in booking, WWE continues to face scrutiny over how it handles talent retention and storyline continuity. Such behind-the-scenes shakeups often lead to fan disappointment but also open doors for fresh storytelling when new talent emerges.
Looking Ahead
As Toni Storm continues to shine in AEW and new stars like Tiffany Stratton navigate the physical demands of WWE, the wrestling industry remains in flux with talent moving between companies and creative directions evolving rapidly. Fans should stay tuned for further developments as these stories unfold throughout 2025.
Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Marking Out podcast, Wrestling Headlines, Busted Open Radio, WrestlingNews.co, Ringside News, Sports Illustrated FanNation