AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door: Main event-level dream matches

The crossover event between All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling caught the attention of many wrestling fans when it was formally announced a few days ago. While some argue over the idea of hardcore versus casual, the point remains that this is a major moment for the wrestling industry. None of the matches have been announced, but ideas of dream matches are flooding social media. With that in mind, Daily DDT will tackle some thoughts on dream matches that can happen at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, looking specifically at main event-level matches, midcard matches, and potential women’s matches if STARDOM gets involved.

Both AEW and NJPW can boast some of the best performers in the world. With names like Adam Cole, Kota Ibushi, CM Punk, Kazuchika Okada, Jon Moxley, and more, fans will want to see their favorites go up against each other in wild singles matches. These three are ideas for matches that can close out the show, leaving fans happy when the night is over and talking for years to come.

CM Punk vs Kazuchika Okada

This match is every bit about legacy. Punk and Okada can be considered two of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Okada and Punk are two of the most important wrestlers in the industry of this and last generation.

As AEW was gaining steam, Punk’s return truly pushed that organization over the top and led to much of the success the company is seeing today. Okada’s growth into the champion that defines NJPW is one of the current, longest-running storylines that continues to engage fans along the way.

Putting them in the ring together would be a moment worth seeing, even before they touch. Much like the stare-downs between Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan, or The Rock and Hogan, those moments generated the proverbial goosebumps. Okada and Punk staring at each other would do the same. It’s such a big moment that it would be the beginning, but not the end of that storyline.

The Bullet Club (Jay White, The Good Brothers, KENTA, Evil) vs The Elite (Adam Cole, The Young Bucks, reDRagon)

Everyone may say The Bullet Club is “fine” but there’s been trouble brewing in that group for a while. The Japan and US-based branches are a bit different and leadership fluctuates depending on who is asked when. Plus, they are still under the shadow of The Elite, the group that splintered off from the original Bullet Club and took much of that excitement with them when the group left for AEW pastures.

That brings the two power groups face to face at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.  Jay White has appeared on AEW television and he acts like he’s friends with The Young Bucks but there’s clearly some animosity there. With NJPW Strong growing in the United States, a big 5-on-5 tag match could not only close out this show but set the stage for further collaboration between the two groups across promotions after the showcase.

“Hangman” Adam Page vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

One of the main layers of “Hangman” Adam Page’s story ark to becoming AEW World Champion is his growth. In the storyline, he went from someone that didn’t have confidence in his abilities to be the top guy, leaning on drinking to help him cope, to becoming the top guy, winning big matches along the way. Now, he’s capable of slapping Adam Cole in the face or staring down CM Punk on the ramp. Nothing phases him.

But he and Hiroshi Tanahashi have some past that may come up at Forbidden Door. Back when Page was in NJPW and a part of The Bullet Club, he and Tanahashi had their fair share of matches. Tanahashi singled out Page as someone who wasn’t living up to their talent by being a part of said club. In many ways, The Bullet Club led to The Elite, another group Page had to overcome to reach where he is today. Imagine Tanahashi calling him out to see who he’s become at this point in his career and whether his prediction was correct.

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door is a big event that professional wrestling fans should not miss. Check back with Daily DDT as we build out the rest of this dream card in the coming days.