As NJPW, CMLL, and STARDOM continue to solidify their partnerships with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), excitement builds for the third annual cross-promotional pay-per-view event, Forbidden Door. ECW legend Tommy Dreamer recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming event during an episode of “Busted Open Radio,” expressing a mix of excitement and concern.
Dreamer highlighted his enthusiasm for the main event, which features Swerve Strickland challenging Will Ospreay for the AEW World Championship. “I have a lot of interest basically in the main event with Swerve [Strickland] and Will Ospreay. That kind of had me sold,” Dreamer said. However, he voiced reservations about the rest of the card, acknowledging the challenges of introducing a diverse lineup to a broader audience.
Dreamer noted that while dedicated AEW fans often recognize talents from NJPW and other partner promotions, the wider audience might not be as familiar. “We have our AEW fans. I love them because when somebody’s music hits from New Japan or another company, they know who that person is,” Dreamer explained. “For me, actually I do follow New Japan, I know these people, but then some people, I’m like, ‘Wait, how and who?’ Then you have the announcers have to explain it… It’s hard to set up some of these matches because a lot of people don’t know who some of these guys are that are walking out.”
To illustrate his point, Dreamer referenced the supershows organized by WCW and NJPW between 1991 and 1993. He recalled how NJPW talents often received minimal reactions during their entrances, but their impressive in-ring performances eventually won over the crowd. Dreamer hopes for a similar outcome at Forbidden Door, where non-AEW talents can gain recognition and appreciation through their performances. This historical perspective underscores the potential for wrestlers from different promotions to win over fans through their skills and athleticism, despite initial unfamiliarity or lack of recognition.
Dreamer’s analogy highlights the transformative power of in-ring action in professional wrestling. He emphasizes that while entrances and initial reactions set the stage, it is ultimately the quality of the matches and the performances that leave a lasting impression. By referencing past supershows, Dreamer suggests that Forbidden Door has the potential to showcase diverse talents and foster cross-promotional appreciation among fans.
Dreamer’s optimism reflects a belief in the universal appeal of wrestling talent, regardless of promotion. His hope for non-AEW talents to shine at Forbidden Door underscores the event’s role in bridging gaps between different wrestling cultures and creating memorable moments that resonate across the industry. As Forbidden Door approaches, fans and wrestlers alike anticipate the opportunity for new stars to emerge and for alliances to strengthen, echoing the spirit of collaboration and excitement that defines modern professional wrestling.
