CMLL has confirmed that Toni Storm‘s highly anticipated debut will take place this Friday, October 18, at Arena Mexico. Storm is set to face La Catalina in what promises to be a thrilling match. This bout was originally scheduled for last Friday, October 11, but had to be postponed due to unforeseen travel issues resulting from Hurricane Milton.
The former AEW Women’s World Champion was grounded in Florida after her flight was canceled. CMLL quickly reassured fans that they were working to reschedule the match, and today, they announced that Storm’s debut would officially take place during this week’s Viernes Espectacular event.
La Catalina, formerly known as Catalina and Katrina Cortez during her WWE tenure, was left without an opponent when Toni Storm missed the October 11 show. However, she quickly bounced back, teaming up with Samantha Black to defeat Zeuxis and Dark Silueta in an action-packed match. With momentum on her side, her upcoming clash against Storm promises to be an intense and highly anticipated showdown.
Born Catalina García in 2000, La Catalina made history as the first female Chilean wrestler signed to WWE at just 18 years old. After departing WWE due to visa issues, she transitioned to Mexico’s wrestling scene, making waves in Big Lucha before debuting with CMLL in 2023. Her unmasking ahead of her CMLL debut, a rare move in lucha libre, marked a bold new chapter in her career, where she’s since enjoyed a successful run, including a fierce rivalry with Stephanie Vaquer and a prestigious victory in the CMLL Universal Amazons Championship.
- Watch La Catalina & Samantha Black Vs Zeuxis & Dark Silueta Here
AEW Hiatus and International Appearances
Toni Storm’s match against La Catalina comes at a unique time in her career, as she has been on a hiatus from AEW programming since losing her AEW Women’s World Championship to Mariah May at All In this past summer. Storm has expressed interest in a rematch against May, which she hopes to secure when AEW makes its debut in her homeland, Australia, in February 2025.
(2022–present)
Toni Storm has continued to make waves in the wrestling world, even after a few setbacks. Recently, she competed in Japan’s STARDOM promotion, where she teamed up with Mina Shirakawa to defeat AZM and Mayu Iwatani on September 28. Despite a subsequent loss to Iwatani in a challenge for the IWGP Women’s Championship at STARDOM’s Nagoya Golden Fight on October 5, Storm’s return to the ring has created excitement, particularly as she prepares for her upcoming match against La Catalina in CMLL.
Known by her ring name Toni Storm, New Zealand-Australian wrestler Toni Rossall has built an impressive career. Currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), she performs under the “Timeless” Toni Storm persona and has held the AEW Women’s World Championship a record–tying three times. Before AEW, Storm made her mark in WWE, where she won the NXT UK Women’s Championship and was a standout competitor in the Mae Young Classic tournament, which she won in 2018.
Storm’s career has also spanned international promotions, where she has captured multiple world championships, including in Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom and Germany’s wXw. Her signature style and persona have evolved throughout her career, with her current Golden Age of Hollywood-inspired “Timeless” character captivating fans. As she continues to compete globally, her impact on the wrestling industry remains undeniable.
CMLL Friday Night Lineup
The October 18 Viernes Espectacular lineup is packed with exciting matches. Fans in attendance will also witness the final of the 2024 CMLL Women’s Universal Championship Tournament, where Zeuxis faces Persephone. Other notable matches include a CMLL Women’s World Tag Team Championship defense by Tessa Blanchard & Lluvia against Sumika Yanagawa & Unagi Sayaka.
Storm vs. La Catalina is sure to be a highlight of the night, as both competitors are eager to prove themselves in the CMLL ring. With Storm’s reputation and Catalina’s fiery energy, it’s set to be a match that wrestling fans won’t want to miss.
For fans unable to attend live, the event will stream on CMLL’s YouTube channel for members starting at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Full Card for CMLL’s Viernes Espectacular – October 18, 2024
- Toni Storm vs. La Catalina
- Zeuxis vs. Persephone : CMLL Women’s Universal Championship Tournament Final
- Místico, Atlantis Jr. & Neón vs. Último Guerrero, Gran Guerrero & Stuka Jr.
- Tessa Blanchard & Lluvia vs. Unagi Sayaka & Sumika Yanagawa : CMLL Women’s Tag Team Titles
- Red Velvet, Viva Van, Alex Windsor & Samantha Black vs. Sanely, Olympia, Amapola & Metálica
- Espanto Jr., Dark Magic & Raider vs. Pelón Encapuchado, Futuro & Max Star
