The highly anticipated AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door crossover event is set to deliver an action-packed spectacle with a record-breaking 14-match card, solidifying its place as one of the largest in AEW history.
Leading up to the event, excitement reached fever pitch as matches continued to be confirmed and surprises unfolded. During “AEW Collision,” tensions escalated dramatically when Katsuyori Shibata, HOOK, and Samoa Joe launched a surprise attack on “The Learning Tree” trio of Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith, who was nursing an injury. This confrontation set the stage for a heated six-man tag team showdown at Forbidden Door, with Jeff Cobb stepping in to replace the injured Keith after a chaotic brawl ensued.
In a strategic move to enhance the event’s lineup, AEW CEO Tony Khan announced a thrilling four-way tag team match for the Zero Hour pre-show. The clash features powerhouse teams including House of Black (Malakai Black and Brody King), Kyle O’Reilly and Tomohiro Ishii, Roderick Strong and Gabe Kidd, and Private Party, promising an explosive start to the evening.
With 14 matches on the card, Forbidden Door 2024 matches last year’s inaugural WrestleDream event for the second-highest number of matches in AEW history. The possibility of Cobb’s open challenge for the NJPW World Television Championship could potentially elevate the event to match All Out 2022’s record-setting 15-match card, further amplifying the anticipation and stakes for fans and competitors alike.
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Forbidden Door’s expanded card not only underscores AEW’s commitment to cross-promotional collaboration but also highlights the depth of talent and storytelling prowess driving the event. Each match promises to showcase the best of both AEW and NJPW, delivering unforgettable moments that resonate with fans of both promotions. This collaboration not only enhances the overall quality of the event but also opens doors for future alliances and rivalries that could shape the landscape of professional wrestling.
The inclusion of matches featuring top talent from AEW and NJPW reflects a strategic blend of styles and personalities, offering fans a diverse and compelling lineup. From high-flying aerial assaults to hard-hitting strong style encounters, each bout is poised to captivate audiences and demonstrate the global appeal of professional wrestling. The Forbidden Door initiative signifies a bold step towards fostering greater unity and cooperation within the wrestling community, celebrating the best that both AEW and NJPW have to offer.
As the event unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the potential for new storylines and unexpected alliances to emerge. The collaborative spirit behind Forbidden Door not only elevates the prestige of the matches but also reinforces the shared passion and creativity that define the wrestling industry. This cross-promotional extravaganza not only entertains but also sets the stage for future cross-promotional ventures, promising exciting developments and lasting impacts on the world of professional wrestling.
