Below are some top AEW news stories of the day, involving Toni Storm and Josh Alexander.
• Toni Storm’s evolution from her Toni Time persona to The Timeless One has been one of AEW’s most well-received character transformations. Her shift into an old-Hollywood-inspired personality has captivated fans, and her AEW Women’s World Title win at Grand Slam: Australia only added to her growing momentum.
During a Fightful Select Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp was asked about the writing process for Storm’s character, and it was revealed that RJ City plays a major role in developing her material. Given his deep appreciation for classic cinema and comedic storytelling, RJ City’s involvement makes perfect sense. He has frequently expressed admiration for vintage entertainment, including The Golden Girls and classic Hollywood films, making him a natural fit for shaping Timeless Toni Storm’s persona.
The report also highlighted the creative contributions of Jen Pepperman, who is responsible for much of Mercedes Moné’s material in AEW. Pepperman, who previously worked for WWE, played a key role in crafting Sasha Banks’ storylines before departing to collaborate with Moné once again.
Pepperman’s experience in television storytelling is extensive, including her 2007 Daytime Emmy Award win as part of the directing team for As the World Turns. Her departure from WWE was seen as a surprising loss for the company, but AEW has clearly benefited from her expertise. With both Toni Storm and Mercedes Moné thriving under strong creative direction, AEW continues to elevate its women’s division with compelling character work.
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• Josh Alexander has officially entered free agency, and after much speculation about whether he would sign with WWE or AEW, his decision appears to be made.
Reports indicate that AEW has secured the former TNA World Champion, and according to the Wrestling Observer, the choice was ultimately a straightforward one. Alexander prioritized the best financial deal available, ensuring stability for his family.
“His TNA contract is up, and obviously, he was going to go to AEW or WWE, and it looks like AEW. I do know two things. Number one, he has decided where he was going, and number two, it was to whoever the highest bidder was for him.”
At this stage in his career, Alexander wasn’t chasing dream matches or major spotlight moments—his primary concern was securing his future. “Providing the best for his family was key. And, you know, somebody offered a better deal than the other, and that’s the one he took.”
Although WWE expressed interest in Alexander last year, AEW reportedly made the stronger financial offer, ultimately winning him over. The Observer also addressed potential criticism of the move, saying, “You know, people go, ‘Oh, he made the wrong choice,’ blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. He made the right choice for him. I think he’s in his late 30s… so, it’s different when you’re 25 and you don’t have a family.”
