Wrestling fans, grab your popcorn and settle in, because AEW President Tony Khan just dropped some major news that’s juicier than a five-star match at the Tokyo Dome. As AEW gears up for the third annual Forbidden Door pay-per-view, the excitement isn’t just about AEW and NJPW locking horns. This year, we’re getting a special treat with talents from CMLL and NJPW’s sister promotion, STARDOM, stepping into the spotlight.
During the Forbidden Door media call, Khan was asked about the future of AEW’s partnership with STARDOM beyond the big event on June 30. His response was more enthusiastic than a Ric Flair “Woo!” on a Saturday night.
“Yes, absolutely,” Khan declared, probably with a grin that could light up the entire arena. “We have lots of plans with STARDOM, and I’m really excited about working so closely with the promotion this year. STARDOM has the same parent company as New Japan Pro Wrestling, Bushiroad, so I had been looking to work with STARDOM for a long time. This current management has been such a great pleasure to work with. I think it’s been great for the wrestlers in AEW and STARDOM, and also for the fans of either or both promotions. We’ve been working together so closely, putting together great matches, bringing the talent back and forth, and I look to bring STARDOM talent regularly to AEW.”
That’s right, folks. The collaboration isn’t just a one-off deal. It’s more like the start of a beautiful wrestling friendship that’s set to bring dream matches and inter-promotional feuds aplenty. Last year’s Forbidden Door might have been a bit of a letdown for STARDOM fans due to scheduling conflicts, but this year, they’re making up for lost time with a vengeance.
The Zero Hour pre-show will be a showcase of STARDOM talent, with Kris Statlander teaming up with former Artist of STARDOM Champion Momo Watanabe to face Willow Nightingale and former World of STARDOM Champion Tam Nakano. And if that doesn’t get your wrestling juices flowing, current Artist of STARDOM Champion Mina Shirakawa will challenge Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship. It’s the kind of card that makes you want to camp out in front of your TV just to make sure you don’t miss a single second.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your chants ready. AEW and STARDOM are just getting started, and the Forbidden Door is wide open for all the wrestling magic to come.