In a captivating display of vigor and intent, Japanese wrestling sensation Riho made a momentous resurgence on the December 6 episode of AEW Dynamite after a hiatus that spanned over eight months. It was a night that shone a spotlight on the AEW Women’s Championship, with incumbent champ ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm defending her coveted title against the promising Skye Blue.
The atmosphere at Dynamite was electric, with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz gracing the event with a special introduction. This set the stage for the title clash, where Storm showcased her prowess and retained the AEW Women’s Championship in what turned out to be a testament to her ring supremacy. However, it was the unforeseen aftermath that has the wrestling world buzzing with anticipation.
Riho, who had become somewhat of a conspicuous absentee from AEW programming, seized her moment post-match. Surprising the live audience and viewers at home, she bolted to the ring immediately after Storm’s victory. In a symbolic gesture, Riho locked eyes with the title belt Storm had inadvertently left behind, blowing it a kiss in a clear challenge to Storm’s reign.
The narrative thickens when reflecting on Riho’s last televised encounter in April on AEW Dynamite, where she teamed with Skye Blue. Historically, they faced off against Toni Storm and Ruby Soho, who at that time were aligned with Saraya in the faction known as The Outcasts. Since that alliance’s dissolution, Storm has reinvented herself with a new character. This sets up a fresh and intriguing dynamic between Riho and the ‘Timeless’ champion.
Notably, Riho had participated in a non-televised dark match during a Dynamite taping in June. Still, her onscreen presence had been keenly missed by AEW fans until her thrilling return. As the storyline develops, we will continue to monitor Riho’s quest for the AEW Women’s World Championship and provide updates on this unfolding rivalry.
The wrestling community is certainly poised on the edge of their seats, watching the growing tension between Riho and Toni Storm unfold. Will Riho’s enthusiastic return culminate in her recapturing the championship gold? Only time and the squared circle will tell.
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Remember to catch all the live action on AEW Dynamite, now playing a consequential role in shaping up the landscape of women’s professional wrestling within All Elite Wrestling.
