All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling have come together to put on a first of its kind pay per view in Forbidden Door. The two companies have been working together in the past, but this is the first time the card has completely mixed their rosters. The card has been up in the air due to injuries and illnesses.
QT Marshall and Aaron Solo vs. Bishamon
Prediction: Bishamon
It’s no secret that The Factory has jobbed out to multiple stars. This feels like it’s definitely there to put over NJPW to avoid a lopsided show on AEW’s homefield.
Gunn Clubb and Max Caster vs. Yuya Uemura, Alex Coughlin, The DKC, and Kevin Knight
Prediction: Gunn Clubb and Max Caster
This one can probably go either way. The LA dojo guys aren’t in the same field as the NJPW main show guys. This match is most likely here to get the crowd laughing, especially with Caster’s rap.
Lance Archer vs. Nick Comoroto
Prediction: Lance Archer
This might be up in the air, but Lance definitely needs some wins going into the G1. This was a bit last minute, because Archer was supposed to cover for Minoru in the tag match, but that was remedied.
Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee vs. Suzuki-gun
Prediction: Suzuki-gun
With the current story between Swerve and Keith Lee, they can definitely take a loss. I can totally see them not cooperating with each other in the story in the ring. It will also strengthen Suzuki-gun’s image going into their match later on.
The Young Bucks and El Phantasmo vs. Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi
Prediction: Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi
They got Sting. Because this isn’t for the belts, the Bucks can definitely take a loss, while putting on a great show. Having the vet win is something all fans would like to see. There may be some cheating antics though, so it might be close.
Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, and Minoru Suzuki vs. Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta, and Shota Umino
Prediction: Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, and Minoru Suzuki
This one is tough. The star power of the bad guys might be the big factor. There might be a lot of JAS cheating. I think Eddie’s side can take a loss but make up for it at Blood & Guts.
AEW World Women’s Championship - Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Toni Storm
Prediction: Toni Storm
This could go either way. Thunder Rosa’s run hasn’t had many highlights, so it might be a good time to get the belt on someone new. Toni might not be the first contender to come to mind, but it’s worth a shot.
ROH and IWGP World Tag Team unification match - FTR (ROH) vs. United Empire (IWGP) vs. Roppongi Vice
Prediction: FTR
FTR is on a great run and this would help cement their spot as a great tag team. United Empire is heating up their run as well, so it could be close. Roppongi doesn’t really have stakes in this, but they’ll help pad out the field, especially being one of the original ones to be through said door.
IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship - Will Ospreay (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
Prediction: Will Ospreay
Will just got this belt, so I doubt that it’s over. It would be interesting to put the belt on OC though, to get one of the belts to cross over. This should be a fun match with the mix of styles.
AEW All-Atlantic Championship - Pac vs. Miro vs. Malakai Black vs. Clark Connors
Prediction: Pac
It’s time for Pac to get a belt. He’s been around for a while and continues to put on great matches. If a trio’s belt doesn’t debut soon, we may not see him with a belt anytime soon.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship - Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Adam Cole
Prediction: Jay White
Similar to Ospreay, this reign has just started. I don’t think either of the AEW guys are ready for this belt. Okada could get it, but Jay White has the star power to hold this and have an amazing run.
Interim AEW World Championship - Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
Prediction: Hiroshi Tanahashi
This is a big match that came in response to CM Punk’s injury news. If we’re thinking realistically, Mox most likely will win it. I just don’t think Tana has the availability to defend it. I kind of want Tana to win it because it would be a big surprise. Mox doesn’t really need it, especially if it’s just an interim title. This would be huge if Tana brings this back to Japan.
Leading into the show, there has been a string of bad news regarding talent. Injuries and illness have plagued the rosters, but even so, the current card still makes for a huge event. I really hope that this becomes a recurring show, because these are all dream matches for the fans.