In an electrifying turn of events, All Elite Wrestling(AEW) star“Timeless” Toni Storm will make a rare appearance outside of her home promotion at the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) Friday Spectacular on October 11, 2024. During CMLL’s Night of Champions on Friday, September 27, fans were treated to a surprise video announcement revealing that the former AEW Women’s World Champion will face Chilean rising star La Catalina in a singles match, promising a fierce battle between the two world-class luchadoras.
Storm’s appearance in CMLL comes at a time when her wrestling career is taking on a new dimension. Known for her impeccable skills and dynamic personality, she is no stranger to competing on a global level. Her upcoming bout at the October 5 Stardom event in Japan adds to a busy October for the New Zealand-Australian wrestler, who has proven to be one of the most sought-after talents in women’s professional wrestling.
But what’s behind this recent surge in international bookings for Toni Storm? And who exactly is her opponent, La Catalina? Let’s take a closer look at the factors that will shape this upcoming match at CMLL’s iconic Friday night event.
The rise of the “timeless” Toni Storm
Toni Storm (real name Toni Rossall) is no stranger to success in the world of professional wrestling. At just 28 years old, she has already carved out a remarkable career, being a three-time AEW Women’s World Champion, a record she shares with a select few. Her journey to stardom began at a young age, after moving from her native New Zealand to Australia’s Gold Coast after her parents separated. At the age of 10, she was captivated by the world of WWE, which sparked her lifelong passion for professional wrestling.
Storm’s path to the top of the industry began in the United Kingdom, where she trained extensively and honed her craft. Her time in WWE saw her capture the NXT UK Women’s Championship and win the Mae Young Classic in 2018, before joining AEW in 2022. Since then, she has cemented her status as one of the elite women in the sport, adopting the larger category. character extraordinaire of “Timeless” Toni Storm in 2023, a character inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. This personality change added dramatic flair to her already exceptional in-ring skills, making her a major attraction wherever she competes.
Storm’s rivalry with fellow AEW star Hikaru Shida, along with her involvement in the AEW group The Outcasts, helped her gain further popularity. However, it was her “timeless” personality that really catapulted her into the wrestling stratosphere. With her sharp wit, exaggerated mannerisms and over-the-top vignettes, she has become a fan favorite and now her star power is expanding beyond AEW’s borders.
La Catalina: Chilean star on the rise
On the other side of the ring will be La Catalina (born Catalina Garcia), a Chilean wrestler who has been making waves in CMLL since her debut earlier this year. At only 24 years old, La Catalina has already accumulated significant experience, including a stint in WWE under the name Katrina Cortez. Her time in WWE, although brief, was historic as she was the first Chilean wrestler to sign with the company at the age of 18.
After leaving WWE in 2021, La Catalina moved to Mexico, where she continued her wrestling career on the independent circuit. Her work in the Big Lucha promotion helped her develop a name for herself, leading to her eventual signing with CMLL in March 2023. A bold and unique decision saw her voluntarily remove her mask prior to her CMLL debut, a highly unusual move in the wrestling world, where unmasking is often considered the ultimate sign of defeat.
Since then, La Catalina has earned a reputation as one of CMLL’s top rising stars, with an impressive rivalry with fellow Chilean wrestler Stephanie Vaquer. Despite undergoing surgery in August 2024, she has returned with renewed vigor, ready to take the world stage once again.
What is at stake?
For Toni Storm, her appearance at CMLL’s Friday Spectacular is a statement of her dominance in the wrestling world. Competing outside of AEW shows her versatility and international appeal, reminding fans that she is more than just a big name in North America. With her October 5 bout at Stardom in Japan, Storm is ready to prove herself in multiple wrestling cultures.
As for La Catalina, this bout is a golden opportunity to solidify her status as one of the top talents, not only in CMLL but worldwide. Fighting a veteran like Storm, especially one as decorated and popular as her, will give La Catalina the platform to showcase her skills in front of a wider audience.
The October 11 showdown will likely be a test of Storm’s experience against La Catalina’s hunger for international recognition. The bout has all the makings of a classic: Storm’s technical prowess and in-ring charisma versus La Catalina’s wrestling style and determination. Wrestling fans around the world will have their eyes on CMLL’s Viernes Espectacular, eager to witness the outcome of this exciting bout.
Final thoughts
As Toni Storm continues her journey through wrestling promotions in Japan, Mexico and the United States, her match against La Catalina adds another chapter to her already storied career. For La Catalina, this match presents an opportunity to shine on a bigger stage and prove that she belongs among the best.
On October 11, 2024, CMLL’s Viernes Espectacular will host what promises to be one of the most talked-about bouts of the year. For now, wrestling fans can only look forward to what is sure to be an unforgettable clash between two incredible talents.
Stay tuned to Fajador.co for more updates and live coverage of this monumental event.
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