A Love Letter to Women’s Wrestling

Art by Neon Ghost

"What makes you think that I've forgotten? What makes you think our dance is done?" were the words uttered by “Timeless” Toni Storm on AEW Collision Saturday after Mariah May belittled her and hit her repeatedly with the AEW Women's Title.

When Mariah told Toni that she was nothing and that she had been forgotten by the fans, I was sold by this face-off in the ring. However, to my pleasant surprise, what came after “Rock Star” Toni's burial was one of the best moments in wrestling history. I didn't expect Timeless Toni Storm's resurgence until AEW Grand Slam. Fortunately, I was wrong! 

Our favorite version of Toni Storm, TIMELESS, reemerged and confessed that she was playing mind games with Mariah since her return to AEW at the end of December. Most of us predicted this revelation, however, I don't think we expected it to be one of the best performances that we've ever witnessed in professional wrestling. I've watched this segment several times in awe and gratitude for what transpired between these two extraordinary women.

They left me inspired and validated what I’ve been saying all along - when you give women the time and support that they need to succeed, magic happens. This segment wasn't only the best part of the show, but also one of the best-acted segments I've ever seen.

Toni Storm is unquestionably the greatest female character to have ever stepped foot in a wrestling ring. Let's keep things in perspective for a moment: she wasn't always this interesting, entertaining, and over with the crowd. She found a gimmick that she could excel at and perfected it in every conceivable way. Who would have thought that she would eventually become this successful?

Nonetheless, this type of growth doesn't need to be exclusive to Toni Storm.

I am vocal about the need for more women to be on television. Not only in matches, but also in segments to work on their gimmick and to become the huge stars that I know many of them have the potential to be. As a female, I know how some in society view us. The perception is that we're inferior to men, we're told what to do with our bodies. If we're outspoken we're labeled "difficult" or “bitches" and if we're too soft, we're "prudes."

If we have a high level position, we must have slept our way to the top, right? If we show off our bodies, we're sluts and "we’re asking for it", if we don't show enough skin, we’re undesirable hence, we're never going to get a man. You can’t be too thin or on the thicker side, you have to perfect.

What are these unrealistic expectations of how a woman should look and act? We’re all different and special in our own way. I can go on, but I won't as I'm sure you catch my drift. It's exhausting to continuously have to justify our behavior and hide our emotions.

Although I am in Canada where things aren't as gloomy, it disappoints me that we're living in a time where people, specifically old white men, continue to control our bodies. Wrestling is my escape from this bullshit. When I see female wrestlers get the time that they rightfully deserve and when I hear fans praise these wonderful ladies, I feel I've succeeded in a way as well. No, I'm not winning championships, taking bumps, and getting rated by Dave Meltzer, but I feel hope and take pride in being a woman. The more they see us in prominent positions, the louder we are, the more money we make, etc., the more we can be taken seriously and feel empowered. When we feel inspired and empowered, we are resilient and we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

I truly do wish that women's wrestling in North America had never been sexualized. I wish that it could have been honored the same way as it was in Japan from the beginning.

Perhaps then we wouldn't have to read toxic comments such as "time for a bathroom break", "women's wrestling sucks", and "women should only be sexy." When I see a lack of women's matches, segments, and storytelling in AEW, I get concerned and discouraged. I tell myself that the only way I'll feel fulfilled is if I watch my beloved Joshis. Believe me, I do watch them and love them. However, I know that AEW has a women's roster that can be considered the best in North America if we allow them to soar. It isn't too late for North America to get women's wrestling right and resemble the brilliance of the Joshis from the Rising Sun. Let's keep taking steps forward, no steps back. When one woman succeeds, we all succeed.



Cover art by Neon Ghost