The Unseen Battles Behind AEW Forbidden Door: A Deep Dive into What Could Have Been
If you’ve ever watched a wrestling event and thought, ‘This is seamless,’ think again. Behind the glitz and the body slams lies a labyrinth of logistics, injuries, and visa dramas that could rival any soap opera. AEW’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view was no exception. What we saw on screen was a masterclass in improvisation, but what we didn’t see? A completely different show that could have reshaped narratives. Let’s unpack the unseen battles and what they reveal about the wrestling world.
The Missing Champions: Callum Newman’s Lost Opportunity
One thing that immediately stands out is the absence of Callum Newman, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Personally, I think his planned challenge against Jon Moxley for the Continental Championship could have been a game-changer. Newman’s loss to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Dominion—coupled with a dislocated shoulder—was a double blow. But here’s the kicker: Moxley ended up defending against Bandido, a match that felt almost like a consolation prize.
What many people don’t realize is that Newman’s absence wasn’t just a missed opportunity for him; it was a missed opportunity for the audience. His storyline with Moxley could have added layers of complexity to both characters. Instead, we got a solid but somewhat predictable match. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a perfect example of how injuries can derail not just a wrestler’s career but the entire narrative arc of an event.
Gabe Kidd’s Visa Woes: A Tale of What-Ifs
Another detail that I find especially interesting is Gabe Kidd’s situation. Originally slated to challenge Shota Umino for the IWGP Global Championship, Kidd was sidelined by both a shoulder injury and visa issues. PAC stepped in, but let’s be honest—Kidd vs. Umino had a different kind of energy.
From my perspective, Kidd’s absence highlights a broader issue in the wrestling industry: the unpredictability of international talent. Visa problems are the silent killer of dream matches. What this really suggests is that promoters need to build in more flexibility when booking cross-promotional events. Kidd will face Umino on July 6 in Tokyo, but it’s not the same as having that match on a stage like Forbidden Door.
Tomohiro Ishii’s Silent Exit
Tomohiro Ishii’s absence was another blow, though less discussed. Taken out in storyline weeks before the event due to a neck injury, Ishii was likely destined for the 12-man cage match. What makes this particularly fascinating is how seamlessly AEW covered his absence. But here’s the thing: Ishii’s presence would have added a layer of grit and intensity to the match.
In my opinion, his absence is a reminder of how much we take for granted when it comes to veteran wrestlers. Ishii isn’t just a performer; he’s a storyteller. His absence wasn’t just a physical gap—it was a narrative one. This raises a deeper question: How much do we rely on certain wrestlers to carry the emotional weight of an event?
Sareee’s Medical Hold: The Women’s Division’s Missed Moment
While not an NJPW wrestler, Sareee’s absence is worth mentioning. She was reportedly set to challenge Willow Nightingale in the finals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. Neither made it to the finals due to injuries, with Mercedes Mone ultimately winning.
What this really suggests is that the women’s division is still navigating its own set of challenges. Sareee’s medical hold and Nightingale’s injury highlight the physical toll of the sport. But it also shows how quickly promotions can pivot. Maya World stepped in, and the tournament still delivered. Yet, I can’t help but wonder what a Sareee vs. Nightingale match could have meant for both wrestlers’ trajectories.
The Bigger Picture: What Forbidden Door Tells Us About Wrestling
If you take a step back and think about it, Forbidden Door wasn’t just an event—it was a case study in resilience. The show went on, and it was great. But the behind-the-scenes chaos reveals a larger truth: wrestling is as much about adaptability as it is about athleticism.
Personally, I think this event underscores the need for better contingency planning in cross-promotional events. Injuries and visa issues are inevitable, but how promotions handle them can make or break an event. What many people don’t realize is that these challenges are often what separate a good show from a legendary one.
Final Thoughts: The Show Must Go On
Forbidden Door was a testament to the wrestling industry’s ability to roll with the punches. But it also left me wondering: What if? What if Newman had faced Moxley? What if Kidd had challenged Umino? What if Ishii had been in that cage match?
In the end, the event was a success, but it’s the unseen battles that make it truly fascinating. From my perspective, these what-ifs aren’t just missed opportunities—they’re reminders of the fragility and brilliance of professional wrestling. The show must go on, but it’s the stories we don’t see that often shape the ones we do.
