2024 is the year of collaboration is professional wrestling

2024 in professional wrestling will be known as the year of collaboration across professional wrestling. AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door III is on the horizon and WWE is partnering with several organizations in its own way. This is an interesting time for fans and performers alike. One that should be celebrated as it happens on this level.

The third iteration of Forbidden Door is once again a big deal. Not only will this card feature performers from AEW and NJPW, but performers from CMLL and Stardom, further bridging the gap across major promotions in wrestling. As this show continues, it only opens the door for more partnerships in the future – truly setting the stage for dream matches to occur.

What’s interesting about AEW is that several performers continue to hold championships from other organizations. Jon Moxley is the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, while Mercedes Mone is expected to pick up the NJPW Women’s Strong Championship at Forbidden Door. It will be interesting to see if AEW allows an individual from another company to hold one of its main titles, which has yet to happen.

WWE is taking on collaboration in its own way as well. Within 2024 alone, the company has worked with All Japan Pro-Wrestling, and GCW via Bloodsport. A major announcement came this week that Iyo Sky will take on Utami Hayashishita on July 13. There are also rumors of an incoming announcement with Pro Wrestling Noah.

During the June 11 episode of WWE NXT, Cody Rhodes announced a number one contender’s battle royal for the NXT Championship. The match will feature performers from within the company and “other locker rooms.” This comes on the heels of Jordynne Grace challenging for the NXT Women’s Championship, and expectations that a WWE performer will answer her upcoming open challenge.

There’s so much to celebrate with collaboration in professional wrestling. Whether you call it the Forbidden Door or disallowed entrance, seeing stars show up in other promotions has the potential to create interest that builds the industry. And as said so many times, a strong wrestling business is best for the fans and performers alike. When more organizations are growing, building a fanbase and increasing revenue/profits, that is what’s best for everyone involved.

Will AEW and WWE ever work together? Maybe, maybe not. However, seeing so many companies work together builds hope that the proverbial doors will open and lead to new opportunities for all.