8 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Worlds End 2023

Downs...

4. A Predictably Flat Title Defence

Toni Storm vs. Riho was one of those matches up against it from the start.

The title bout didn't have much juice to it going in, and the whole match was a bit of a struggle to watch. It wasn't technically bad by any means, but the live crowd were more into 'Timeless' than the supposed underdog babyface Riho. That hurt proceedings, and meant it was a blessing when the finish came.

Storm deserves better than this, being honest. Also, yours truly personally has zero desire to see Riho in the title mix again. Leave that in AEW's past, please. The fans in Uniondale seemed to agree too, because they weren't behind the challenger when she rallied midway through. That says it all, really.

Riho's usual underdog act failed to land, and there was never any true threat to the Women's Title at all. Unfortunately, almost the exact same could be said for the other female championship bout on the night. Speaking of champions who deserve a lot better...