AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2026 Preview

Sunday, June 28, 2026SAP Center – San Jose, California

The fifth annual AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view returns on Sunday, June 28, 2026, bringing together some of the biggest stars in professional wrestling from around the world. Hosted at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, Forbidden Door has become one of the most anticipated events on the wrestling calendar by showcasing dream matches that fans once thought would never happen.

What began in 2022 as a groundbreaking partnership between All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling has evolved into a global showcase featuring talent from Mexico’s legendary Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Japan’s premier women’s wrestling promotion, STARDOM. The event represents a celebration of professional wrestling without borders, where champions, legends, and rising stars from multiple organizations collide on one stage.

What Does “Forbidden Door” Mean?

The term “Forbidden Door” originated as a wrestling expression referring to the barriers that traditionally prevented wrestlers from different promotions from facing one another. For decades, major wrestling companies rarely cooperated, making dream matches between stars from competing organizations nearly impossible.

AEW and NJPW shattered those barriers when they announced their partnership, effectively opening the “Forbidden Door” between promotions. Today, the phrase symbolizes cooperation, crossover events, and fantasy matchups becoming reality. The annual pay-per-view has become wrestling’s equivalent of an all-star game, where fans witness encounters that previously existed only in their imaginations.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

Founded in 2019, AEW quickly emerged as one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations. Known for its athletic style, emphasis on in-ring competition, and willingness to collaborate with other promotions, AEW has established itself as a major force in North American wrestling. The company features a blend of established veterans, international stars, and homegrown talent while delivering some of the industry’s most acclaimed pay-per-view events.

Top AEW Stars

Kenny Omega Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation, Omega combines elite athleticism with storytelling ability inside the ring. His history in both AEW and Japan makes him one of the central figures of the Forbidden Door concept.

Will Ospreay One of the most spectacular performers in wrestling today, Ospreay is known for his breathtaking aerial offense and world-class matches. Since joining AEW, he has become one of the company’s premier attractions and biggest international stars.

MJF Maxwell Jacob Friedman remains one of wrestling’s most polarizing personalities. Equally talented on the microphone and in the ring, MJF has become synonymous with AEW’s modern era through his charisma, confidence, and championship success.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)

Founded in 1972, NJPW is Japan’s most prestigious wrestling promotion and has long been considered one of the premier organizations in the world. Known for its hard-hitting “Strong Style” approach, NJPW emphasizes athletic competition, tournament excellence, and championship prestige. The promotion has produced countless legendary wrestlers and remains a cornerstone of global professional wrestling.

Top NJPW Stars

Kazuchika Okada Often called “The Rainmaker,” Okada is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in history. His combination of athletic excellence, championship success, and legendary performances has made him a global icon.

Hiroshi Tanahashi A living legend and former multi-time world champion, Tanahashi helped guide NJPW through one of the most important periods in its history. His charisma and connection with fans have made him one of Japan’s most beloved wrestlers.

Shota Umino Representing NJPW’s next generation, Umino has emerged as one of the promotion’s brightest young stars. His passion, determination, and rapidly developing skill set have positioned him as a future main-event cornerstone.

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL)

Founded in 1933, CMLL is the oldest active professional wrestling promotion in the world. Based in Mexico City, the promotion is the birthplace of countless lucha libre traditions and legendary masked wrestlers. CMLL’s style emphasizes speed, aerial maneuvers, technical precision, and the rich cultural heritage of Mexican wrestling.

Top CMLL Stars

Místico One of the most famous luchadores of the modern era, Místico is known for his dazzling high-flying style and iconic mask. His popularity has made him one of Mexico’s biggest wrestling stars.

TitánA world-traveled performer known for incredible agility and creativity, Titán has become a standout representative of modern lucha libre. His exciting offense consistently makes him a fan favorite.

Hechicero Renowned for his technical mastery and innovative submission wrestling, Hechicero offers a unique blend of traditional lucha libre and mat-based grappling. He is widely respected as one of the most skilled wrestlers in Mexico.

STARDOM

Founded in 2010, STARDOM has become the premier women’s wrestling promotion in Japan. Known for its exceptional athleticism, intense rivalries, and world-class talent, STARDOM has helped redefine women’s wrestling on a global scale. Its wrestlers regularly produce some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed matches in the industry.

Top STARDOM Stars

Mayu Iwatani Often referred to as the “Icon of STARDOM,” Iwatani has been one of the faces of the promotion since its earliest days. Her resilience, skill, and emotional connection with fans have made her a legend.

AZMOne of the fastest and most technically gifted wrestlers in the world, AZM has developed into one of STARDOM’s biggest stars despite still being in the prime of her career. Her speed and precision are unmatched.

Sareee Known for her hard-hitting style and fierce intensity, Sareee has earned worldwide recognition through her performances in multiple promotions. She brings a unique blend of power, toughness, and technical excellence.

The Top 5 Matches in Forbidden Door History

1. Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (Forbidden Door 2023)

Many fans consider this the greatest match in Forbidden Door history. The contest combined elite athleticism, emotional storytelling, and incredible drama as two of the world’s best wrestlers delivered an instant classic that exceeded already sky-high expectations.

2. Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada (Forbidden Door 2023)

A dream match years in the making, Danielson and Okada showcased technical mastery and world-class storytelling. The bout brought together two generational talents and created one of the most memorable moments in crossover wrestling history.

3. Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (Forbidden Door 2024)

Their rematch somehow matched the brilliance of their first encounter while raising the stakes even higher. The physicality, emotion, and intensity produced another Match of the Year contender.

4. Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada (Forbidden Door 2024)

The rematch between two all-time greats delivered another masterpiece. Both competitors demonstrated why they are considered among the finest performers ever to step inside a wrestling ring.

5. Jon Moxley vs. Tetsuya Naito (Forbidden Door 2024)

With the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at stake, Moxley and Naito delivered a dramatic championship showdown that highlighted the prestige of New Japan’s top title while showcasing two of wrestling’s most charismatic stars.

What to Expect in 2026

As Forbidden Door enters its fifth year, the event has evolved beyond a simple crossover show into one of wrestling’s premier annual spectacles. The addition of CMLL and STARDOM talent has expanded the event’s global reach, creating opportunities for dream matches involving stars from North America, Japan, and Mexico.

Fans can expect championship bouts, inter-promotional rivalries, surprise appearances, and world-class wrestling from some of the best athletes in the sport. Whether it’s established legends facing longtime rivals or emerging stars creating new memories, Forbidden Door consistently delivers the type of matches that define wrestling history.

Conclusion

The fifth annual AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door promises to continue the tradition of breaking barriers and creating unforgettable moments. With AEW, NJPW, CMLL, and STARDOM all represented, the event stands as a celebration of professional wrestling’s global appeal and the power of collaboration between promotions.

What was once considered impossible has become an annual tradition. On June 28, 2026, the Forbidden Door will once again open, and wrestling fans around the world will witness dream matches become reality.