The Unseen Battles Behind AEW Forbidden Door: A Deep Dive into What Could Have Been
If you’ve ever wondered how much goes on behind the scenes in professional wrestling, the recent AEW Forbidden Door pay-per-view is a masterclass in the unseen chaos that shapes these events. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how injuries and logistical hurdles can completely rewrite the script, turning what could have been a historic night into a game of high-stakes improvisation. Let’s unpack the original plans for NJPW wrestlers and explore what their absence really means for the industry.
The Missing Challengers: Callum Newman and Gabe Kidd
One thing that immediately stands out is the absence of Callum Newman, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. According to reports, he was slated to challenge Jon Moxley for the Continental Championship. But here’s the kicker: Newman dislocated his shoulder during his title loss to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Dominion. What many people don’t realize is that injuries like these aren’t just physical setbacks—they’re narrative disruptions. Moxley ended up defending against Bandido, a solid choice, but imagine the storytelling potential of Newman vs. Moxley. It would have been a clash of styles and legacies, a moment to elevate both men.
Similarly, Gabe Kidd was originally penciled in to challenge Shota Umino for the IWGP Global Championship. Visa issues and a lingering shoulder injury sidelined him, leaving PAC to step in. From my perspective, this is where the wrestling business gets brutally real. Kidd’s absence isn’t just a missed opportunity for him; it’s a missed opportunity for the audience. His rivalry with Umino has been simmering, and Forbidden Door could have been the perfect stage to ignite it. Instead, we’re left wondering what could have been—a feeling all too familiar for wrestling fans.
Tomohiro Ishii: The Silent Casualty
Tomohiro Ishii’s absence is another detail that I find especially interesting. He was reportedly slated for the event, possibly as part of the 12-man cage match, but a neck injury took him out of the picture. What this really suggests is how deeply injuries can ripple through a roster. Ishii’s absence wasn’t just a loss for the match; it was a loss for the Conglomeration’s momentum. If you take a step back and think about it, his presence could have added a layer of intensity and credibility to the faction’s storyline. Instead, his removal felt like a quiet acknowledgment of the physical toll this sport demands.
Sareee and the Women’s Division: A Missed Spotlight
While not an NJPW wrestler, Sareee’s absence is worth noting. She was reportedly set to challenge Willow Nightingale in the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament but was replaced due to medical clearance issues. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the precarious nature of women’s wrestling in a male-dominated industry. Sareee’s absence wasn’t just a missed match; it was a missed opportunity to showcase her talent on a global stage. Mercedes Mone ended up winning the tournament, but Sareee’s presence could have added a different dynamic—one that we’ll never get to see.
The Broader Implications: What This Says About Wrestling Today
This raises a deeper question: How much of what we see in wrestling is the result of careful planning, and how much is damage control? In my opinion, the Forbidden Door event is a perfect example of how the industry operates—a delicate balance of ambition and unpredictability. Injuries, visa issues, and medical clearances are the invisible forces that shape the narratives we consume. What this really suggests is that wrestling isn’t just about what happens in the ring; it’s about the stories that never get told.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for NJPW and AEW?
If there’s one thing this event has taught us, it’s that collaboration between promotions is both exciting and fragile. Personally, I think the partnership between NJPW and AEW has immense potential, but it’s clear that logistical challenges will always be a hurdle. The silver lining? These setbacks create opportunities for new stars to emerge. Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Drilla Moloney, and Zack Sabre Jr. carried the NJPW banner at Forbidden Door, and their performances were a reminder of the talent waiting in the wings.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty of What Could Have Been
As I reflect on the original plans for Forbidden Door, I’m struck by how much wrestling thrives on the unexpected. What many people don’t realize is that the matches we don’t see often shape the industry as much as the ones we do. Callum Newman vs. Jon Moxley, Gabe Kidd vs. Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii in the cage—these are the moments that live on in our imaginations. And maybe, just maybe, that’s where they belong.
In the end, Forbidden Door wasn’t just a pay-per-view; it was a reminder of the resilience and creativity that define professional wrestling. From my perspective, that’s what makes this sport so compelling. It’s not just about the matches we get—it’s about the stories we’ll always wonder about.
