AEW Forbidden Door

A Collision of Titans: AEW Versus New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Well, I must say, it’s about bloomin’ time. Here we are again, the AEW and NJPW got their collective acts together for another co-branded extravaganza of wrestling madness, or as I like to call it, “blokes and sheilas in spandex playing a vigorous game of human chess.” And would you believe it, this year, nobody had the temerity to injure themselves before the first bell, a right result for Gedo and Tony Khan.

Before I meander further into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out this tantalising menu of testosterone and spandex that is the full lineup: AEW Forbidden Door

The Spandex Spectacle: The Line-up

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

Oh, look, two blokes who clearly forgot the first rule of wrestling – don’t use your real name.

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship)

Two fellows with monikers that sound like they were pulled from an 80s sci-fi novel, battling for a championship with an excessively long title.

Sanada vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry (IWGP World Heavyweight Championship)

Oh, don’t get me started on “Jungle Boy”. That’s a whole other piece.

MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (AEW World Heavyweight Championship)

A match only made interesting by the fact that both participants’ names combined barely constitute an acronym.

Sting, Darby Allin, and Tetsuya Naito vs. Chris Jericho, Minoru Suzuki and Sammy Guevara

My favourite. A motley crew of six blokes, who, in an alternate universe, could very well be a rather eccentric boyband.

And the list goes on, boasting such luminaries as CM Punk, Orange Cassidy, and Toni Storm. Not to mention a rather riveting tournament for the Owen Hart Cup, featuring Athena and Billie Starkz. AEW Forbidden Door!!

Pre-Show Antics

Mogul Embassy vs. Chaos, Athena vs. Billie Starkz

To kickstart this festival of spandex, we had a one-hour pre-show that included four matches. High stakes, eh? The grading, they say, might be a bit stricter. Because nothing screams ‘serious business’ like wrestling.

Renee Young and RJ City, with all the exuberance of two squirrels on Red Bull, welcomed us to the show and trotted out the card. We kicked off with Chaos vs. Mogul Embassy on AEW Forbidden Door – I swear, they name these things like they’re trying to pitch a new Marvel franchise.

A Pattern Emerges: Six- and Eight-Man Tag Matches

And how did the Chaos vs. Mogul Embassy affair pan out? Well, like every six- and eight-man tag match you’ve ever seen in AEW. Control traded hands more times than a relay baton, everyone got a turn to be the villain and the hero, and frankly, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.

But credit where credit’s due, everyone did a bang-up job getting the crowd riled up. And that’s what we’re here for, after all. Not that you’d think it, seeing as the biggest cheer of the night went to the bloke selling the hot dogs.

To no one’s surprise, the Mogul Embassy took the win. Well done, chaps.

Starkz vs. Athena: Who Knew High Schoolers Could Be So Vicious? AEW Forbidden Door

On to the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament, where high school grad Starkz faced off with ROH women’s champ Athena. The two managed a largely hard-hitting affair despite a few hiccups, like Athena falling over without Starkz landing a kick. But we’ll forgive that; I’ve seen worse on a night out in Doncaster.

What can you take away from this day of delightfully choreographed violence? English and Japanese announcers were a nice touch, and the six-man titles desperately need retirement. Starkz has a mean kick, and Athena, while predictable, was still the right choice for the win.

I’ll say this – it was an evening well spent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to see if I can take on “Jungle Boy” in a thumb wrestling match.

Stu Grayson vs. El Phantasmo

The Sky Dance: Stu Grayson vs. El Phantasmo

Our third pre-show scrap found Grayson, with Vincent and Dutch in his corner, squaring off with El Phantasmo – a man so dazzling, they decided to name him twice in Spanish. A right lark, this one.

From the word go, Grayson was laying into El Phantasmo as though he’d nicked his last pint. For a moment there, it looked as though the high-flying Spaniard might be grounded for good. But you can’t keep a good luchador down. Before you could say ‘cor blimey,’ El Phantasmo was back on his feet.

Sure, the match was designed to make Grayson look good, which isn’t hard when your opponent’s outfit is busier than the M25 at rush hour. But credit to Phantasmo – he got his moments to shine and, lo and behold, took a clean win.

A Battle Royale: United Empire vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon

Following this spectacular, the final pre-show contest took a turn for the dramatic. United Empire, represented by Kyle Fletcher, TJP, and Jeff Cobb, clashed with LIJ’s Bushi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Shingo Takagi in what can only be described as controlled chaos.

The moment the bell rang, all six men flew at each other like seagulls on a chip, resulting in a spectacle that would put a bank holiday bar fight to shame. Eventually, the dust settled with TJP and Bushi remaining as the legal blokes, while the others probably went off to catch their breaths. AEW Forbidden Door is amazing so far.

After a showdown that had the energy of a caffeinated toddler, Takagi slammed his finisher onto TJP and claimed the victory. Short, sweet, and a rollicking good time for the crowd.

The Sideshow Highlights

Amidst all the hullabaloo, there were some notable titbits. El Phantasmo’s jacket, for instance, was a sight to behold, a real throwback to Jericho’s WWE days of illuminated couture. And his haircut? Straight out of the Logan Paul playbook – make of that what you will.

Then there was the suicide dive from Phantasmo, an impressive manoeuvre complemented by a jaw-dropping 450 from Grayson. And let’s not forget Jeff Cobb’s herculean strength, which let him hoist Bushi into a suplex with all the effort of lifting a pint.

So there you have it, folks, a veritable feast of fun and frolics in the world of wrestling. Stay tuned for more body slams, backbreakers, and blokes in sparkly jackets on tonights show – AEW Forbidden Door.

MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Beating a Hasty Retreat: MJF vs. Tanahashi

The evening got kicked off in rather bizarre fashion. Our friend MJF, in a rush to escape the delights of Toronto, requested his match against Tanahashi to be the opening act. Clever bloke, I guess nothing really matches the charm of a Long Island kebab shop.

MJF was all high spirits, taunting Tanahashi with a mocking strut before they squared off. The Japanese star, cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce, retaliated with an air guitar solo that would’ve made Hendrix proud.

In a surprising twist, our champ MJF seemed to develop cold feet, or perhaps he remembered a hot date back in Long Island. The crowd however, aren’t fools and lured him back into the ring with a rousing chorus of “Coward.” Oh, the joys of public persuasion.

Once back in the ring, MJF resorted to some less-than-sporting tactics to gain the upper hand. I mean, why tire yourself out with wrestling when you can just take the mick out of the audience and slow dance the match?

The storytelling in the ring was more elaborate than your average soap opera, full of technical finesse and veering off from a traditional work-rate bout. Sure, this wasn’t going to be the match of the night but who needs another round of the same old, same old?

Tanahashi gave it his best shot, hitting his signature dragon screw leg whip and locking in a cloverleaf. Unfortunately for him, MJF wriggled his way to the bottom rope to force a break. In a display of remarkable sporting spirit, MJF used his Dynamite Diamond ring for a cheap shot, seizing the pin and a hasty exit out of Toronto.

The Ring-side Whispers

Tanahashi was having another pop at the AEW Forbidden Door title after a face-off with Jon Moxley last year. MJF, meanwhile, put on a show of his vocal talents, making sure everyone in the crowd got an earful. Resurrecting the classic heel move, he used the top rope for leverage during an abdominal stretch. And let’s not forget his theatrics. If the wrestling gig doesn’t pan out, he could have a promising career in soap operas, selling an injured knee with more conviction than a politician in an election year.

CM Punk vs. Satoshi Kojima

A Right Royal Rumble: CM Punk vs. Satoshi Kojima

Next up, we had the men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament where CM Punk squared up to Satoshi Kojima, because who doesn’t enjoy watching grown men pretend to break each other’s bones? AEW Forbidden Door continues.

The bout kicked off with some good old-fashioned chain wrestling, as wholesome as a Sunday roast. The faint chorus of “CM Punk” was snuffed out faster than a candle in a gale as the boos rained down. Punk, clearly chuffed, took control.

The pair found themselves at ringside, where Kojima sent Punk flying over the barricade and into the timekeeper’s area with a chop that would’ve made a butcher proud. It was clear, whenever Punk tried to trade blows, Kojima would make him rue the day.

The match, like a mother-in-law’s visit, ended up being longer than anticipated. But surprisingly, it wasn’t a bore. Both men seemed to thoroughly enjoy battering each other, and who are we to question their hobbies?

An elbow drop from the top rope saw both men unable to score a pin. Punk then pulled out the Anaconda Vice, and just as we were settling in for a submission, Kojima slipped away. He dodged the GTS twice before Punk, not taking no for an answer, nailed it and took the win.

The Nitty Gritty

The crowd seemed to be in a bit of a mood, greeting Punk with boos rather than cheers during his entrance. Punk, unflappable as ever, took it in stride. Maybe he’s gone deaf, or perhaps he’s just immune to public sentiment.

Kojima’s chop that sent Punk over the barricade was a work of art, sold to perfection by Punk. And then we had Punk shouting “Lariat” and “Kojima” as he delivered a series of corner clotheslines, a touch as hilarious as a comedian in a wrestling ring. Finally, Kojima’s elbow drop – it looked suspiciously like it hit below the belt. But who are we to argue the finer points of wrestling etiquette?

When Four’s a Crowd: Orange Cassidy, Daniel Garcia, Katsuyori Shibata, and Zack Sabre Jr.

The AEW Forbidden Door International Championship title, hanging like a tantalising carrot, sparked a four-way scramble between the reigning champ Orange Cassidy and his challengers, Daniel Garcia, Katsuyori Shibata and Zack Sabre Jr.

The quartet eyed each other like hungry dogs around a juicy steak. Cassidy, mustering up all his enthusiasm, hit all three rivals with the most lethargic kicks on record. They responded by volleying his leg back and forth as if they were bored children playing catch in a park.

Shibata and Sabre, like a couple of grumpy old men, kept swatting Garcia aside so they could trade their own blows. When Garcia started dancing around like a sugar-rush toddler, the other two promptly floored him. Whenever a gap appeared, Shibata and Sabre eagerly lunged at each other.

Garcia, no doubt feeling left out, tried and failed to snatch victory by hitting Shibata with the title. The fight morphed into a dynamic showcase of every possible pair of opponents, akin to a lively dance of strategy and strength.

The crowd lapped up every second of this wrestling buffet. Everyone showcased their unique skills and teamwork, making this the stand-out event of the night. In a cheeky twist, Cassidy shoved Shibata out of the ring after the latter had floored Garcia. Cassidy swiftly pinned Garcia and claimed the victory, to the chagrin of his competitors.

The Aftermath and Shenanigans

After the dust had settled, the three champs got into a heated debate over whose title was the most prestigious. Perhaps they’ll settle it with a game of rock, paper, scissors.

Excalibur’s out-of-the-blue insult towards Tony Schiavone on the commentary caught my ear. Daniel Garcia, the man’s comedy gold. Whether it’s flexing during submissions or simply being a nuisance, he knows how to get a laugh. Shibata’s transitions between holds were as smooth as a greased weasel. And finally, the brutal way Sabre attacked Cassidy’s hand made me wince from my cosy spot behind the screen.

Sanada vs. Jack Perry

Jungle Boy vs Sanada: A Championship Clash with a Twist

The mighty IWGP Heavyweight Championship title beckoned like a glittering siren as Sanada defended his crown against Jungle Boy. His trusty sidekick, Hook, was at ringside, presumably to offer moral support and potential tag-team high jinks.

Perry wasted no time locking Sanada in the Snare Trap, but like a well-oiled eel, Sanada wriggled to the ropes, unscathed and unimpressed.

As the clock ticked, the fight turned feral. A particularly gnarly exchange led to both men crashing to the mat and engaging in a mid-ground chop fest. It was like watching two lumberjacks having a very personal disagreement about forestry.

Perry pulled a cheeky move by trapping Sanada in his own signature hold. However, much like trying to tickle a grizzly bear with its own paw, it didn’t end well. This led to a game of ‘Can You Top This?’ with the wrestlers flinging out moves like darts at a pub championship.

Sanada claimed victory with a moonsault, though it felt like the audience, expecting a plot twist, were caught off-guard. It was an odd ending, almost like the director shouted ‘cut!’ halfway through the climax. AEW Forbidden Door is really doing its business tonight.

The drama was far from over, though. On their way off stage, Perry turned on his faithful companion, Hook, and hit him with a clothesline. The crowd erupted with boos and chants as a crestfallen Hook cradled his head in his hands.

Hitting the Highlights

Perry having a slight size advantage for the second match running was akin to a chihuahua finding itself taller than a bulldog. Sanada might’ve won the arm-wrestling contest, though.

Jungle Boy executing a smooth suicide dive, landing on his feet like a gymnast, and posing for the crowd had more style than a catwalk model.

The announcers deserve credit for outlining the rules of this match and the peculiarities of the IWGP title. It was like a quick crash course for newbies or those of us with goldfish memory.

Lastly, the fight’s toll was visible on both wrestlers – their chests bore red tributes to the chop fest they’d indulged in. Let’s just hope they’ve got a good ice pack supplier on speed dial.

Winner: Sanada on AEW Forbidden Door

Grade: B

Team Elite vs. Team BCC

A Royal Rumble: Team Elite vs. Blackpool Combat Club

In a classic case of “the more, the merrier,” we witnessed a colossal 10-man tag match that brought together Kingston, Ishii, Page, and The Young Bucks to face off against Takeshita and Umino of the Blackpool Combat Club. And, of course, no wrestling event would be complete without Don Callis lurking around Takeshita like a shadow.

Kingston and Castagnoli were slated to kick off the festivities, but when Umino tagged in instead, Kingston, being the charmer that he is, swiftly tagged out to Page. Why bother with anyone else when you’re solely focused on a dance with The Swiss Superman?

For the initial few minutes, we witnessed a rather respectful display of wrestling, with occasional glimpses of double-team moves. It was mostly a series of one-on-one exchanges with frequent tags to keep the momentum rolling.

But oh, when Kingston and Moxley locked eyes in the ring, it was as if time stood still. Moxley took the first shot, urging Kingston to hit him back. The two went at it, exchanging blows like it was a furious contest of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. The chaos reached its peak as all ten men stormed the ring, launching into a full-blown brawl.

For a glorious few minutes, mayhem reigned supreme. Bodies flew, fists swung, and chaos ensued in every corner of the squared circle. Eventually, order was restored, and the teams retreated to their respective corners, only for the Blackpool Combat Club to dismantle The Mad King with ruthless precision.

This match was a whirlwind of action, with each wrestler delivering standout moments. A sight to behold, really, as wrangling this many people in the ring usually results in a confused mess akin to untangling Christmas lights.

In a climactic final sequence, Ishii sealed the deal for his team, pinning Yuta with a brainbuster. Kingston, true to his volatile nature, engaged in a heated argument with The Elite but surprisingly walked off without further incident.

Memorable Moments and Musings

In a surprising twist, Taz abandoned the commentary booth between matches to attend to Hook. Tony Schiavone stepped in to fill the void, proving once again that wrestling commentary is like a revolving door of witty banter.

Moxley’s deliberate avoidance of eye contact with Kingston before the match was a nice touch, adding a subtle layer of tension. Takeshita and Ishii duking it out was an absolute spectacle. They held nothing back, throwing caution to the wind. Page’s moonsault, a thing of beauty, always managed to dazzle the crowd. And the spot where Hangman countered Takeshita’s diving clothesline with a spinning forearm was nothing short of awesome.

Ah, Takeshita. His commitment to selling every move as if he were being subjected to repeated near-death experiences was simply delightful. A true thespian in the ring, I must say.

The grand spectacle of this match truly deserves your attention, dear readers. It’s an experience that words cannot fully capture.

Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale

Storm’s Title Defense: A Topsy-Turvy Showdown

On that fateful Sunday night, Toni Storm valiantly put her AEW Women’s World Championship on the line against Willow Nightingale. But oh no, the champion didn’t march into the ring alone. Ruby Soho and Saraya, like her trusty sidekicks, stood by her side at ringside, ready to unleash their wrestling prowess.

In a display of tactical genius, Storm rolled out of the ring after their initial exchange, as if she needed a quick breather to recalibrate her awesomeness. Once they regrouped and got down to business, the real action began.

But alas, the rest of the Outcasts, as sneaky as a fox in a henhouse, pounced on Nightingale while the referee was conveniently distracted. It was a dastardly move, giving Storm a head start in the match.

However, the NJPW Strong women’s champion had other plans and mounted an impressive comeback, unleashing a thunderous Death Valley Driver on the unforgiving apron. Not content with just one, she slammed Storm with a second in the ring, only managing a two-count.

The referee finally saw reason and kicked Soho and Saraya out of ringside after their failed attempt at slipping Storm some green spray. Oh, the lengths some people will go to gain an advantage!

Sure, the interference was predictable and a tad excessive, but what’s a wrestling event without some predictability and over-the-top dramatics? It seems AEW has quite the feud brewing for The Outcasts. Still, it would’ve been nice to witness at least one clean match from the champion on a pay-per-view, but who are we to complain?

All in all, the match had its moments, with both women delivering small doses of comedy gold through their minor mishaps. But fear not, dear readers, the overall performance was a commendable one. The champ retained her title, resorting to some eye-raking shenanigans and finishing off Nightingale with the mighty Storm Zero.

Winner: Toni Storm

Grade: B-

Memorable Moments and Musings

Who could forget that brilliant display of coordination when Storm and Nightingale stumbled and fell during their first lockup? They covered it up like seasoned professionals, but oh, the amusement of witnessing balance gone awry.

Storm’s running hip strike almost missed its target entirely, proving that even the best can have their off days. And let’s not overlook the Death Valley Driver that nearly turned into a top-of-the-head drop. A moment that had us clutching our own heads in sympathy.

Ah, Nightingale’s moonsault, a thing of beauty that made us appreciate the wonders of gravity-defying acrobatics. And to top it off, her Pounce move, executed with finesse and power, truly stole the show. It seems Nightingale knows her strengths.

So there you have it, folks – a match filled with unpredictability, interference, and a champion determined to keep her title at any cost. What more could we ask for in the world of wrestling?

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay

Clash of the Titans: Omega vs. Ospreay Round Two

In a battle of epic proportions, Ospreay sought to reclaim the IWGP United States Championship he lost at Wrestle Kingdom 17 when he stepped back into the ring with the mighty Omega. This would only be their second singles encounter, and the anticipation was palpable.

As both men made their grand entrances, the crowd erupted with thunderous applause, but it was clear that Omega had the lion’s share of support. After all, he was not only the beloved babyface champion but also fighting in his home country. Talk about home-field advantage!

From the moment they locked eyes, you could tell they meant business. Their postures and facial expressions screamed seriousness. This was a battle to be remembered.

At first, it seemed like they were cautiously pacing themselves, but that illusion shattered after a mere minute. They unleashed a flurry of their most devastating moves on each other, like kids in a candy store who just couldn’t resist sampling everything.

But wait, the plot thickened! Callis, always eager to stir the pot, attempted to grab Omega’s leg. The referee, wise to his shenanigans, swiftly banished him from ringside. From that point forward, it was a pure, unadulterated showdown between the two warriors in the ring.

Now, any wrestling aficionado worth their salt knows that Omega and Ospreay possess unparalleled abilities, and they didn’t disappoint. Determining if they surpassed their previous match is no easy task, as the two bouts felt like entirely different beasts. The first was all about the tension of their inaugural singles clash, while this one focused on their relentless pursuit to inflict pain upon each other.

Blood flowed as freely as the River Thames when Ospreay ruthlessly slammed Omega’s head into the announce table not once, but several times. In retaliation, Omega returned the favor, introducing Ospreay’s skull to the unforgiving steel steps. The result? A gruesome sight as both men became bloody messes upon their return to the ring.

Near-falls galore ensued as the wear and tear began to show on their battered bodies. With each fall, it took a little more effort to rise to their feet again. Callis, ever the recurring antagonist, couldn’t resist another appearance. He hid behind his security guards in the aisle as Omega unleashed a vicious knee strike upon Ospreay.

In a moment of cunning, Callis passed Ospreay a screwdriver while keeping the referee blissfully unaware. Ospreay seized the opportunity to escape the clutches of the One-Winged Angel and delivered the Stormbreaker. Alas, Omega managed to get his foot on the rope, breaking the pin.

Ospreay, crafty as ever, turned the tables by using Omega’s own V-Trigger and One-Winged Angel against him. The crowd erupted as Omega defiantly kicked out at one, displaying the heart of a warrior. Undeterred, the challenger punished Omega with a bone-jarring Tiger Driver 91, but even that couldn’t secure the victory. It took another Stormbreaker to finally claim the three-count, crowning Ospreay as the new IWGP United States Champion. AEW Forbidden Door first 5 star match?

Winner: Will Ospreay

Grade: A+

Memorable Moments and Musings

Picture this: Callis, flanked by a pair of masked security guards, accompanying Ospreay for his entrance. Talk about a regal procession!

The crowd, so enthralled by the impending clash, began chanting even before the wrestlers had embarked on anything particularly interesting. Now that’s the kind of hype that could power a small village!

Ospreay exhibited a thing of beauty with a counter for a hip toss, transforming it seamlessly into an abdominal stretch. Pure poetry in motion.

Let’s not forget the jaw-dropping moment when Ospreay unceremoniously slammed Omega’s head into the announce table. It was a sight that defied logic and made us question the limits of human endurance.

Ospreay, in a display of dubious sportsmanship, disrespected the Canadian flag in various ways. However, Omega, ever the patriot, taught him a lesson by turning him inside out with a mighty clothesline. Take that, disrespect!

The match was brimming with so many cool spots that listing them all would require a tome of its own. Suffice it to say, dear readers, this clash of titans was a spectacle that left us breathless and in awe of the sheer athleticism and determination displayed by both Omega and Ospreay.

Sting, Darby Allin, Tetsuya Naito vs. Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Minoru Suzuki

Chaos and Taunting: The Battle of the Six-Man Tag Teams

Ah, the penultimate match of the night, featuring the star-studded lineup of Jericho, Guevara, and Suzuki going head-to-head against the formidable trio of Sting, Allin, and Naito. Now, even though our heels were none other than Jericho, Guevara, and Suzuki, the crowd couldn’t resist serenading them with both “Judas” and “Kaze Ni Nare.” Talk about a melodious way to express their disdain!

The match kicked off with Naito and Guevara taking their sweet time, casually teasing each other with dodges and kicks. Naito, clearly not amused, retaliated with a swift gut kick. Both men took a moment to strike their signature poses, taunting each other before diving into the serious business of wrestling.

When Sting tagged in, Jericho wasted no time in urging Suzuki to join the fray. Oh, the anticipation! The former WCW stars were about to face off in a match for the very first time. But hold on, Suzuki had other plans. He launched a surprise attack on The Icon from behind, giving Jericho the upper hand. The chaos ensued, and all six men found themselves embroiled in an all-out brawl.

Positioned perfectly between the highly anticipated clashes of Ospreay vs. Omega and Danielson vs. Okada, this match served as a delightful breather. It was never meant to be a contender for Match of the Year, but rather a well-timed interlude to allow the audience to catch their breath between the two most hyped bouts of the evening.

While this match may not have stolen the show, it still delivered its fair share of entertainment, particularly when Suzuki graced the ring with his presence. After a back-and-forth exchange, Naito managed to keep Suzuki down for the count, securing the victory for his team. AEW Forbidden Door!

Winners: Sting, Darby Allin, and Tetsuya Naito

Grade: B-

Memorable Moments and Musings

Jericho and Suzuki, the unlikeliest of friends, always manage to make their partnership work, despite the perplexing nature of their alliance. Ah, the wonders of professional wrestling logic.

The announcers, in a stroke of comedic genius, warned viewers not to gaze directly into Suzuki’s eyes for their own safety. Oh, the hazards of looking too deeply into the soul of a fierce warrior!

Sting sported a unique rendition of his iconic face paint this time around, giving off distinct “Joker” vibes, but with a twist that harkened back to his TNA days. A true enigma, that Stinger.

A chant of “Murder Grandpa” for Suzuki elicited raucous laughter. And let’s not forget the sight of Suzuki effortlessly slapping Allin to the mat with one powerful strike. Ah, the beauty of slapstick comedy in the squared circle.

Ah, Guevara’s botched cutter from the top rope, inadvertently connecting with Sting’s head instead of his intended target. Thankfully, The Stinger emerged unscathed, but oh, the potential for disaster! It was a near miss that had our hearts skipping a beat.

Lastly, the Judas Effect counter to a suicide dive, a move that caught everyone off guard. A true testament to the element of surprise in wrestling.

In the end, dear readers, this six-man tag match may not have reached the dizzying heights of perfection, but it did offer its fair share of entertainment, allowing us to revel in the chaotic brilliance of the wrestling world.

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

Clash of Titans: Danielson vs. Okada Unleashed!

Oh, dear readers, prepare yourselves, for we have reached the climax of the night, the main event on AEW Forbidden Door that has been brewing with feverish anticipation. As Danielson made his entrance to the melodious tune of “The Final Countdown” by Europe, the crowd erupted in a frenzy, fully aware that they were about to witness a historic showdown against Okada, a clash that had never graced the squared circle before.

The fans, unable to contain their excitement, wasted no time in chanting “This is awesome” before a single blow had been struck. Oh, the enthusiasm of wrestling aficionados!

The moment they locked up, it was as if time stood still. Holds, counters, and takedowns were exchanged in a whirlwind of technical prowess, all while the crowd transitioned from their initial chants to a more, shall we say, colorful expression of their enthusiasm. Ah, the beauty of a passionate audience.

Despite their brisk pace and impeccable execution, it was evident that both men were strategically pacing themselves, reserving the grand spectacle for later in the match. A true display of calculated brilliance.

Danielson soon discovered the iron will of Okada, enduring a series of bone-crushing chops with a smile, even daring The American Dragon to hit harder. And, oh, did Danielson oblige, relishing the opportunity to unleash his full fury.

Signature moves were avoided time and time again, showcasing the extraordinary ring awareness of both competitors. The battle eventually spilled outside the ring, with Okada delivering a tombstone piledriver on the unforgiving ramp, turning the tides dramatically in his favor. As Okada soared through the air with a flying elbow drop, a shocking turn of events unfolded—Danielson convulsed, prompting the concerned referee to summon medical attention.

But wait, dear readers, it was all a ruse! The American Dragon sprang back to life, unleashing his Flying Knee upon his unsuspecting foe. Alas, the toll of the match had taken its toll, hindering Danielson’s ability to secure the victory. Nevertheless, he countered a German suplex and struck Okada with a second knee, only for a two-count. Determined, Danielson declared his intent to “kick Okada’s f–king head in.”

After an arduous struggle, Danielson locked in his submission hold, forcing Okada to tap out, leaving the crowd utterly flabbergasted. While many were caught off guard by this unexpected outcome, once the reality sank in, applause reverberated throughout the arena, acknowledging the incredible efforts of both men.

Now, dear readers, while this match may not have achieved the same level of excitement as Ospreay vs. Omega, it was a technical masterpiece in its own right. And let us not forget, this is likely not the last encounter between these two titans of the ring.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

Grade: A

Memorable Moments and Musings

A moment of appreciation must be bestowed upon the awe-inspiring video package that preceded this monumental match. Kudos to the mastermind behind its creation!

The surfboard, a move that often appears forced and unnatural, took on a new level of elegance when executed by Danielson. A testament to his exceptional skills.

Oh, the audacity of Okada, daring to execute a crossbody over the barricade near the eager fans. He must count his lucky stars that no feet were accidentally entangled in the chaos. A close call indeed!

Danielson, ever the maestro of intensity, added an extra kick of spice to his strikes during this match. A touch of flavor that kept us on the edge of our seats.

In the end, dear readers, we have borne witness to a match that will surely go down in the annals of wrestling history. A technical spectacle that captivated our senses and left us craving for more.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear readers, a night of electrifying action, breathtaking maneuvers, and unexpected twists. From the moment the first bell rang to the final triumphant victory, the event delivered a rollercoaster ride of emotions that left us begging for an encore.

From Ospreay’s daredevil antics to Danielson and Okada’s clash of titans, each match showcased the incredible talent and determination of these wrestling superstars. The forbidden doors were flung wide open, allowing dream matchups and unforgettable moments to unfold before our eyes. AEW Forbidden Door was more and more of a true wrestling pay per view.

But let us not forget the entertaining chaos of the multi-man tag matches, where alliances were tested, betrayals unfolded, and the crowd reveled in every unexpected turn. The audience played their part, their chants and cheers echoing throughout the arena, adding to the electric atmosphere that can only be experienced in the world of professional wrestling.

So, as we bid farewell to this remarkable event, we are left with a hunger for more. More battles, more surprises, and more unforgettable moments that only the world of wrestling can provide. Until the next thrilling encounter, dear readers, stay tuned and let the anticipation build for the next chapter in this wild and exhilarating journey.

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