On October 18, 2024, the highly anticipated CMLL Viernes Espectacular took place in Arena Mexico, where the wrestling world witnessed a stunning showdown: Toni Storm made her CMLL debut but faced an unexpected setback. The former AEW Women’s World Champion, known for her charismatic persona as “Timeless” Toni Storm, entered the ring with high hopes but was ultimately defeated by La Catalina, marking a surprising turn of events.
The match was a critical moment for both competitors. Toni Storm, seemed poised to make a statement on her first night in Mexico. However, La Catalina had other plans, delivering a breathtaking diving splash from the top rope that secured her a decisive victory. The crowd erupted as La Catalina celebrated her win, a significant milestone in her career, while Storm was left to regroup.
Following the match, Storm did not hold back. In a backstage promo that quickly made waves, she boldly declared, “La Catalina! You were lucky this time because nobody… nobody beats Timeless Toni Storm. You got lucky! But unlucky for you, I will be back very soon!” Her fiery words hinted at a future rematch and demonstrated her determination to reclaim her spotlight in CMLL. Storm’s passionate declaration, laced with a hint of anger, left fans buzzing with anticipation for what’s next.
CMLL Viernes Espectacular Results
The night was packed with exciting matches beyond Storm’s debut. Here’s a summary of the complete results from the CMLL Viernes Espectacular:
- Pelón Encapuchado, Futuro, Max Star defeated Espanto Jr, Dark Magic, and Raider.
- Red Velvet, Viva Van, Alex Windsor, and Samantha Black won against Amapola, Sanely, Metálica, and Olympia in a thrilling two-out-of-three falls match.
- CMLL Women’s World Tag Team Titles: Tessa Blanchard and Lluvia (c) retained their titles against Sumika Yanagawa & Unagi Sayaka.
- Místico, Atlantis Jr, and Neón triumphed over Último Guerrero, Gran Guerrero, and Stuka Jr in another two-out-of-three falls match.
- La Catalina emerged victorious against Toni Storm.
- CMLL Women’s Universal Championship Tournament Finals: Persephone defeated Zeuxis to capture the championship.
Toni Storm: A Champion’s Journey
Toni Storm’s journey to success in professional wrestling has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born on October 19, 1995, in Auckland, New Zealand, and later relocating to Australia, she began her wrestling training at just 13 years old. Over the years, Storm has showcased her talent in various promotions, including WWE, Stardom, and AEW, earning multiple championships along the way. Known for her versatility in the ring and her ability to engage with fans, she has built a dedicated following worldwide. As of March 2022, she is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where she performs under the moniker “Timeless” Toni Storm and is a record-tying three-time former AEW Women’s World Champion.
Storm’s rise to fame included notable achievements in WWE, where she first gained recognition during the Mae Young Classic tournaments in 2017 and 2018. She became the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion and made significant contributions across multiple brands, including NXT and SmackDown, before her release in 2021. Beyond WWE, she has held prestigious titles in international promotions, such as the World of Stardom Championship and the Progress Women’s Championship. In 2023, she adopted a new persona, “Timeless” Toni Storm, drawing inspiration from Golden Age Hollywood, further enriching her character and storyline dynamics. As her career evolves, Storm continues to captivate audiences and shape her legacy in the wrestling world.
Despite this setback in CMLL, Storm’s reputation as a fierce competitor remains intact. Known for her innovative in-ring style and magnetic personality, fans are eager to see how she will bounce back from this loss. The intensity of her promo post-match shows that she is not someone to be counted out easily.
La Catalina: Rising Star
La Catalina’s victory over Toni Storm has significantly elevated her status within the wrestling community. This win is not just a personal milestone; it positions her as a formidable competitor in CMLL. With the 2024 Women’s Grand Prix approaching, La Catalina is primed to showcase her skills against a talented roster, including notable names like Willow Nightingale and Persephone. Born on May 4, 2000, in Chile, La Catalina has made waves in the wrestling world, previously performing in WWE as Katrina Cortez. Her signing at just 18 years old marked a historic moment for Chilean professional wrestling, as she became the First Female Wrestler from the country to compete at that level.
Before her stint in WWE from 2019 to 2021, La Catalina developed her skills at the RLL Wrestling Academy. After leaving WWE due to an expired work visa, she transitioned to the independent circuit in Mexico and became a prominent figure in Big Lucha. She made her CMLL debut on March 3, 2023, where she notably removed her mask, a rare move in lucha libre tradition that typically occurs only after a loss in a lucha de apuestas. Since joining CMLL, La Catalina has enjoyed a successful career, highlighted by her ongoing rivalry with fellow Chilean wrestler Stephanie Vaquer, who also wrestles for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
On a personal note, La Catalina is married to El Elemental, a Mexican wrestler from Mérida known for his work in Big Lucha and throughout the United States and Canada. The couple tied the knot in April 2024, and while El Elemental has begun training with CMLL, he has yet to make his debut there as of 2024. In July of the same year, Catalina announced her upcoming surgery for a cyst, revealing that she had been dealing with significant pain for the past year. Despite these challenges, her victory over Toni Storm marks a pivotal moment in her career, setting the stage for a promising future in wrestling.
What’s Next?
With Storm’s assertive promise to return, the stage is set for a potential rematch. Will La Catalina rise to the challenge once more, or will Toni Storm make the adjustments needed to reclaim her place in the ring? Wrestling fans can expect intense rivalries and compelling storylines as CMLL continues to unfold.
The dynamic atmosphere of CMLL, combined with the electrifying performances of both Storm and La Catalina, ensures that the world of luchador wrestling remains captivating. As we look ahead, all eyes will be on Toni Storm’s next move and how La Catalina will respond in what promises to be an exciting chapter in CMLL’s storied legacy.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think of Toni Storm’s comments after her loss? Are you excited to see more from her in CMLL? Let us know in the comments section below!
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