Brandi Lauren Pawelek (born September 26, 1996) is an American model and professional wrestler better known by her ring name Brandi Lauren. She has worked in the past for Impact Wrestling, having previously worked as Ava Storie between 2017 and 2018.[2] She is also known for her time with WWE, where she performed on the NXT brand under the ring name Skyler Story and for her time on the independent circuit, notable wrestling for Evolve and Shine Wrestling.[3]
On February 18, 2017, under the name Brandi Lauren, she defeated Lacey Lane at FTPW Fight Club Round 3 to become the inaugural Full Throttle Pro Wrestling Ladies Champion. On March 30 at OCW/FTPW Downtown Throwdown, she lost the title in a gauntlet match as Lindsey Snow become the eventual winner and new champion.
Lauren appeared on the April 20, 2017, episode of Impact Wrestling, under the new name of Ava Storie, challenging for the GFW Women's Championship but was defeated by champion Christina Von Eerie.[7] On April 21, she was defeated by Laurel Van Ness. On April 22 at One Night Only: Turning Point 2017, she lost a rematch against Van Ness. On October 1, Ava got her first victory in Impact against Amber Nova.[8]
On January 31, 2018, Storie's profile was officially moved to the alumni section of the official Impact Wrestling website, confirming her departure from the company.
Storie debuted during WWE's NXT May 2018 tapings, where she competed under the name of Brandi Lauren in a losing effort to Lacey Evans.[9] On August 31, 2020 it was reported that Lauren had signed with WWE for their NXTbrand. On October 7, 2020 WWE, in an official press release, announced that she had signed with the company in the NXT brand.[10] On May 19, 2021 Lauren was released by WWE.[11]
