Every WWE Release Of 2021 - Where Are They Now? (Five Years Later)

Then: If Toni Storm was going to sum up her frustrations with WWE in a single sentence, it'd be one she told Renee Paquette after leaving in late-December 2021: "You're not even allowed to say wrestling!". That ridiculous Vince McMahon edict clashed with Toni's own concerns that she'd never be used properly on WWE's main roster.

Shortly before bringing the curtain (ahem) down on her run there, Storm had taken a pie to the face from Charlotte Flair on SmackDown. It was what it was; despite the criticism, it was no more or less silly than things Toni would subsequently do in her new home.

Now: Storm joined the AEW revolution in March 2022 and has since gone on to become one of the premier stars of Tony Khan's women's division. Her 'Timeless' gimmick has earned rave reviews since it debuted in 2023. Before that, Toni had been part of The Outcasts alongside Saraya and Ruby Soho, but splitting the spotlight didn't really work out well for her.

When Storm went back to the drawing board and pulled her distressed starlet from the golden age of Hollywood act out, things improved dramatically for her. People applauded the character's overt silliness and marvelled at her in-ring performances.

Latterly, a serious injury has robbed 'Timeless' of the chance to wrestle the debuting Ronda Rousey. Who knows what could've been there? Storm is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

What else do you remember about WWE's 2021 releases? For more wrestling, check out The WORST Moment From Every WWE WrestleMania and WWE Gimmicks That FAILED The HARDEST Every Year (1985-2025)!