Kris Statlander defeated ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship at WrestleDream on Saturday.
Storm gained an early advantage with a hip attack that knocked Statlander from the apron to the floor. Statlander recovered, catapulted Storm into the apron, and then performed a moonsault onto Storm on the floor.
Statlander controlled the next phase of the match, hitting a Vader Bomb for a near fall. Storm eventually countered with a suplex and a Tiger Driver 97, which also resulted in a two-count.
The crowd was reportedly quiet but attentive during the first half of the match. Dueling chants emerged later as the two exchanged submission holds.
The pace quickened as Statlander hit an Area 450 splash for a near fall. Storm responded with a Storm Zero, but Statlander kicked out. Storm expressed frustration after the failed pin attempt.
After trading German suplexes, Statlander connected with a discus lariat and a Saturday Night Fever. She followed with a submission, but Storm refused to tap. Statlander released the hold, hit a second Saturday Night Fever, and got the three-count.
After the match, Statlander and Storm hugged.
As Statlander celebrated, AEW TBS Champion “The CEO” Mercedes Moné made her entrance. Moné was accompanied by The Frat House. In the ring, Moné congratulated Statlander before telling her to “get the hell out of her ring”.
