LIFE CAN BE A drab and depressing place at times. We all endure hardships at some time or another. And it’s then that an escape like professional wrestling can really be a magical thing. Many of us became enamored with the sport thanks to the larger-than-life characters strutting their stuff and showing off a flamboyance or confidence that we have lived vicariously through.
With that as the backdrop, this edition of the PWI Weekly is a salute to those colorful characters who have helped brighten our fandom over the years.
WOMAN OF THE WEEK
Even though she is no longer the AEW Women’s World champion, Toni Storm deserves all the adulation and applause befitting a Hollywood starlet. Her unquestionable in-ring talent aside, Storm has been a revelation since taking up her role as “Timeless” Toni. With ring gear, robes, hair, and makeup that harkens back to Hollywood glamor from a century ago, Storm’s commitment to everything she does continues to be a joy to watch whenever she graces our screens.
TERRITORIAL DISSINGS
After more than a decade spent as the face of the National Wrestling Alliance and then WCW, Ric Flair did the unthinkable and appeared on the World Wrestling Federation’s Prime Time Wrestling on this day in 1991. Flair debuted on the show with the “Big Gold Belt” in his possession and proclaimed himself the real World champion—a shot across the bow of Hulk Hogan.
A QUICK WORD ABOUT …
If you caught the August 23 edition of Smackdown, you would have seen Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi team up to take on the witchy triumvirate of Blair Davenport, Alba Fyre, and Isla Dawn. And while all six of these women have the striking attires and appearances to make one take notice on any given day, that particular Friday night saw Cargill, Belair, and Naomi collaborate on a very unique look.
Inspired by competition outfits worn by multi-time Olympic gold medalist, Simone Biles, the three Smackdown women looked resplendent as they paid tribute to one of the greatest American athletes of all-time. While we can’t say that the aesthetic helped them earn the victory, having the gymnastics GOAT on their minds (and bodies) surely didn’t hurt.
FROM THE VAULT
Mina Shirakawa makes a grand entrance at the RevPro 12th Anniversary show, held at London’s Copper Box Arena on August 24 of this year. Minutes later, the Stardom stalwart would defeat Dani Luna, capturing the Undisputed British Women’s championship in the process.