Save for a few exceptions, WWE’s romance angles usually end badly, helping no one, and in the process devaluing members of the roster. It’s never a positive sign to begin one of these storylines, but especially when the person entering it is Toni Storm. Having Storm enter a romantic story spells nothing but disaster and is a complete waste of her talents.
Toni Storm Has Been Quiet Since Her Call-Up
Since Toni Storm’s uneventful call up to WWE’s main roster in late July, she has done little to nothing of note. However, on a recent episode of Smackdown, she appeared in a backstage segment, approached by Dolph Ziggler, who tried to be flirtatious and invite her to watch his match. In response, she stated that she was actually interested in watching Rick Boogs. When Storm appeared on the TV screen, fans might’ve been excited about her finally entering a storyline. However, this is underwhelming and it’s also disrespectful to someone of Storm’s quality.
Toni Storm Has Shown Her Talent In WWE Already
Storm made her WWE debut during the first Mae Young Classic, impressing with her impactful in-ring style and unique look. Whilst she was unsuccessful in the initial tournament, Storm would become the winner of the second, defeating Io Shirai at WWE’s Evolution pay-per-view. Her victory on this big stage was a clear sign of her potential, and that she had the backing of WWE. Her matches impressed and she was over as a face.
Following this, Storm would find herself on the NXT UK brand, eventually winning the NXT UK Women’s Championship, defeating Rhea Ripley. She held the title for 231 days, having a spree of strong matches before losing the belt to Kay Lee Ray. From there, Storm would appear as part of the NXT Survivor Series team, once again showcasing her talents on a pay-per-view and was also a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match.
After a lengthy time away from the ring, Storm made the move to NXT in the US, becoming heel and moving her way up the card, once again putting on good matches against the likes of Ember Moon, Io Shirai, and Mercedes Martinez, whilst also appearing in a War Games match. During this stint in NXT, Storm acted as someone to help put over other talent. It was by no means a bad position, but it was clear by this point that Storm needed a change, and a call-up to the main roster was a positive-looking move.
Toni Storm Should Be Competing For Titles, Not Hearts
However, this role on Smackdown does not suit her one bit. Storm acting coy and being interested romantically with Rick Boogs, or potentially Dolph Ziggler down the line, contradicts everything about her character thus far. This once again showcases a continued issue with the booking of women in WWE. Whilst it’s certainly infinitely better than it once was, there are still problems, and entering women into needless romantic angles is not necessary in today’s WWE.
Storm has a high ceiling and should be presented as a serious competitor and someone to challenge for championships, not someone who wanders around backstage watching matches here and there. WWE’s women’s division in recent months has struggled with a thin roster that needs to be divided up into challenging for three different titles; Raw, Smackdown, and the Tag Team Championships, so not allowing Storm to be a part of these title pictures, or even feuding with other women, is detrimental to the whole division, not just Storm herself.
It Is A Waste Of Everyone Involved
This doesn’t just damage Storm, but it will no doubt impact the others involved too. Dolph Ziggler is someone with little momentum, so it’s unlikely that any involvement with Ziggler, despite his undeniable talent, will elevate Storm. It wasn’t even too long ago that Ziggler was involved in yet another romance storyline with Mandy Rose and Otis, and whilst that story was entertaining, it’s benefitted no one in the long run.
Storm involving herself with Rick Boogs will also likely get in the way of Shinsuke Nakamura’s Intercontinental Championship reign, due to his alignment with Boogs. Whilst it’s good to have intertwining stories through shows, this just isn’t the right one to go with.
Toni Storm has championship potential, she’s unique, and is great in the ring, so whilst this may allow her to express different parts of her personality, it just feels very tone-deaf from WWE booking, and doesn’t fall in line with how Storm has been presented on NXT and NXT UK. Changes in character tend to happen when superstars get called up to Raw or Smackdown, however this story will not bring out the better parts of Storm which fans love.