AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door
June 25, 2023
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Tony Schiavone and Excalibur welcome us to the proceedings as the early arriving crowd is already in a frenzy. Let Scott Keith, Dave Meltzer, and everyone else run out of stars before the night is over! But before the main show kicks off, we have Zero Hour!
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Zero Hour - ROH Pure Championship: "Red Death" Daniel Garcia vs. "The Wrestler" Katsuyori Shibata
As the lights dimmed in the jam-packed arena, the thrilling anticipation rippled through the crowd. The stage was set for a brutal clash of two renowned wrestlers, Daniel Garcia, the defending ROH Pure Champion, and the challenger, Katsuyori Shibata. Known for their hard-hitting styles and relentless grappling skills, both wrestlers promised a match that would leave the audience on the edge of their seats.
The bell rang, and the match got underway. Garcia, calm and focused, circled Shibata, analyzing his opponent's movements, ready to seize any hint of vulnerability. Shibata, on the other hand, exuded an air of relentless determination. The intensity in the ring was palpable.
The first part of the match was a grappling masterclass. Garcia, known for his remarkable technical wrestling skills, locked Shibata in a series of innovative submissions, trying to force the challenger to tap out early. However, Shibata's endurance and resilience shone through, as he tenaciously wriggled free from each hold, much to the crowd's astonishment.
Shibata, renowned for his striking prowess, retaliated with a series of stiff elbow strikes, each blow resonating through the arena like a gunshot. Garcia absorbed the punishment, gritting his teeth, refusing to stay down. Back-and-forth they went, exchanging punishing blows and complex submission holds, each wrestler looking to gain the upper hand.
The end came after an exhausting, high-intensity encounter. Shibata, summoning his last ounces of strength, struck Garcia with his feared finisher, the Penalty Kick. The sound of his boot connecting with Garcia echoed throughout the arena, followed by a gasp from the crowd. Garcia fell to the mat, unable to rise, and the referee counted the pin. 1...2...3!
With that, Katsuyori Shibata was declared the new ROH Pure Champion. The crowd erupted, acknowledging the amazing display of technical mastery and brutal toughness. Despite the loss, Garcia's stock had only risen after the incredible match. Both warriors had pushed each other to their limits, creating a contest that would perfectly set the tone for the show ahead.
Winner and NEW ROH Pure Champion: Katsuyori Shibata
***
73% overall rating
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Match 1 - Title for Title: ROH Television Champion "The Samoan Submission Machine" Samoa Joe vs. IWGP Television Champion Zack Sabre Jr.
The crowd is still buzzing from the opening pyro detonations as Samoa Joe's music hits. The arena darkened once again to herald the arrival of Joe, smugly and confidently walking to the ring after his impromptu title defense not even 24 hours ago. Samoa Joe, the ROH Television Champion, squared off against IWGP Television Champion, Zack Sabre Jr. This encounter promised to be a submission spectacle.
The bell tolled, and both champions eyed each other, circling around the ring with the gaze of eagles. The initial few minutes of the match were a slow, meticulous dance, a chess match where each participant was sizing the other up, looking for a chink in their armor to exploit.
Joe, the embodiment of power and intensity, swiftly gained momentum with a flurry of high-impact moves. His explosive chops echoed through the arena, each landing with resounding thuds on Sabre's chest. The ROH Champion's goal was clear: wear Sabre down, sap his strength, and lock in the feared Coquina Clutch.
But Sabre was not to be underestimated. The IWGP Champion, known for his unparalleled technical skills, parried Joe's onslaught with an impressive array of submission holds. Arm-bars, leg-locks, and intricate choke holds were dished out with surgical precision, turning the match into a masterclass of grappling artistry.
The climax came in a stunning and unexpected sequence. Joe, sensing victory, managed to lock Sabre in a headlock and seemed poised to transition into his signature Coquina Clutch. The crowd held its breath, anticipating Sabre's imminent defeat. But the resilient Brit had one final trick up his sleeve.
Demonstrating his agility and quick-thinking, Sabre used the ring to his advantage and maneuvered towards the turnbuckle, using his feet to jump off and flip over Joe's head, turning it into a flash pin. The referee hit the mat. 1...2...3! Against all odds, Sabre had reversed the tide and emerged victorious.
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Sabre was declared the winner, now holding both the ROH and IWGP Television Championships. The match proved to be a technical spectacle and a testament to the cunning and guile of Zack Sabre Jr. As Sabre leaves with his two championships, Joe is left gob-smacked in the ring, pounding the mat in frustration.
Winner, still IWGP Television Champion and NEW ROH Television Champion: Zack Sabre Jr.
****
83% overall rating
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Match 2 - Jon Moxley vs. "Stone Pitbull" Tomohiro Ishii
As the dust settled from the prior contest, a sense of foreboding and raw energy filled the air. This was no ordinary match. It was a clash of titans. Two men known for their brutality, their tenacity, and their complete disregard for their own wellbeing: Jon Moxley and Tomohiro Ishii.
The match began with a roaring bell, and the audience could immediately feel the visceral tension between the two gladiators. It was evident that this would not be a contest of finesse or high-flying acrobatics, but a brutal, punishing display of sheer willpower and resilience.
Their hard-hitting strong style approach was evident from the get-go. Each punch, each knee, each stinging chop was met with a defiant retort from the other. Neither was willing to back down, their attacks echoing throughout the arena like war drums.
The action soon spilled out of the ring, as both Moxley and Ishii began brawling with unchained ferocity amongst the ringside area. Ishii, ever the bruiser, relentlessly assaulted Moxley, his blows pushing Moxley into the barricade landing with brutal precision. But Moxley absorbed the punishment, his bloodied face a testament to his indomitable spirit.
The match eventually made its way back into the ring, with Moxley's bleeding getting worse. Blood trickled down his face, his battle-scarred visage the personification of his warrior spirit. Yet, he continued to fight, his resilience further cementing his reputation as one of the toughest men in professional wrestling.
The climax of the match came when Moxley, his face a mask of crimson, managed to hook Ishii under his arms. With a roar that echoed through the arena, he drove Ishii into the mat with the Paradigm Shift. The impact shook the ring, and the audience watched with bated breath as the referee counted. 1...2...3!
Despite the grueling brutality of the match, Moxley had emerged victorious. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, acknowledging the breathtaking spectacle they had just witnessed. It was a match that embodied the spirit of wrestling: raw, intense, and completely unforgettable. A testament to the tenacity of both men, it was a reminder of why Jon Moxley and Tomohiro Ishii are regarded as two of the toughest men in the business.
Winner: Jon Moxley
****1/2
89% overall rating
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Match 3 - AEW International Championship: "Freshly Squeezed" Orange Cassidy (C) vs. "The King" Minoru Suzuki
After the sheer brutality of the prior bout, the tone shifted as the ever-enigmatic Orange Cassidy, the AEW International Champion, sauntered out to the ring, his casual nonchalance a stark contrast to the storm about to break. The storm had a name: Minoru Suzuki, a name synonymous with brutality and a reputation that commanded fear and respect in equal measure.
From the outset, the juxtaposition of styles was as stark as night and day. Cassidy, renowned for his laid-back approach, and Suzuki, the embodiment of relentless aggression. Cassidy left his signature sunglasses on, kept his hands in his pockets, and started with his signature slow kick spot, trying to offset the rhythm of the match. But Suzuki was not to be swayed.
Ignoring the mind games, Suzuki retaliated with a resounding forearm that rocked Cassidy to the ground, a shocking exclamation point that even broke Cassidy's glasses. This brutal awakening seemed to flip a switch in Cassidy. The comedic antics vanished, replaced by a determination that surprised the crowd and perhaps even Suzuki himself.
The rest of the match saw Cassidy, usually the master of minimal effort, take the fight to Suzuki in earnest. The man known for his sloth-like approach now moved with purpose, utilizing a mix of unorthodox offense and technical wrestling that kept Suzuki on the back foot.
The end came when Cassidy, with a surge of adrenaline, hit Suzuki with his finisher, the Beach Blast. The audience counted along with the referee, their voices echoing in unison. 1...2...3! Cassidy had defended his championship, once again proving that he could get serious when needed and continuing his run of maintaining the gold even in the face of brutal punishment.
In the aftermath of the match, a shocking development unfolded. Suzuki, known for his lack of respect for his defeated opponents, extended his hand to Cassidy. The crowd hushed in disbelief as Cassidy, equally surprised, accepted the gesture. This unexpected display of sportsmanship from Suzuki was the perfect end to a match that proved the mettle of both men and showcased the unpredictable and diverse nature of professional wrestling.
Winner and STILL AEW International Champion: Orange Cassidy
***1/4
81% overall rating
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Match 4: CM Punk vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
There's no rest for the crowd in this one. Onto a dream match between two legends of the wrestling world, CM Punk and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The Best in the World vs. The Ace of New Japan. The match was a year in the making, initially slated for the previous year's Forbidden Door event. However, an injury to Punk had derailed their encounter, turning the dream match into a 'what could have been'.
Both Punk and Tanahashi entered the ring to an explosive ovation. There were no titles at stake like there would have been a year ago, but the prestige of victory in this battle of titans was reward enough. From the opening bell, both men showed why they are considered among the best in the business, putting on a spectacular display of athleticism and in-ring psychology.
The crowd was thoroughly engaged, every near-fall, every reversal met with a chorus of cheers and gasps. Tanahashi and Punk fought tooth and nail, each landing their signature moves to the delight of the audience. But the turning point came as Tanahashi went for his signature High Fly Flow.
As Tanahashi launched himself from the top rope, Punk managed to get his knees up at the last second, causing Tanahashi to crash and burn. Capitalizing on the situation, Punk quickly hit his Go To Sleep (GTS) finisher on the fallen Tanahashi. The referee's count followed: 1...2...3! Punk was declared the winner of this highly-anticipated bout.
Following the match, a show of respect was seen as the two icons shook hands in the center of the ring. Tanahashi exited, leaving Punk alone to soak up the applause. But the moment was shattered when Samoa Joe, still seething from his earlier loss, stormed the ring and blindsided Punk.
Joe's assault was brutal, and it took multiple officials to pull him off Punk. The turn of events left the crowd booing, a stark contrast to the loud cheers just moments before. Despite the tumultuous ending, the showdown between Punk and Tanahashi would undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable matches of the evening, a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Winner: CM Punk
****1/4
92% overall rating
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Match 5 - IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Kenny Omega vs. "The Aerial Assassin" Will Ospreay
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the fifth match of the night was set to commence. In this battle, Canada's very own Kenny Omega, the IWGP United States Champion, prepared to defend his title against the spectacular high-flyer, Will Ospreay. The stakes were high, the tension palpable, as this was a rematch of their epic clash at Wrestle Kingdom earlier in the year - a match hailed as one of the best in recent memory.
Before proceedings could begin, Don Callis made his way out from behind the apron to massive boos and even chants of "fuck you Callis" from the crowd. Callis took a seat on the commentary desk, seemingly disowning his own Canadian brethren, calling them classless heathens. He's here for one reason and one reason only - to insult Omega on commentary.
Omega, the hometown hero, was received with thunderous applause as he made his entrance, his every move accompanied by the roar of the excited crowd. Across the ring, Ospreay, a human highlight reel, accepted the challenge, his steely gaze fixed on the championship he so eagerly desired.
Once the bell rang, the ring came alive with an awe-inspiring blend of jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers and hard-hitting blows. Ospreay demonstrated his mastery of high-flying offense, his every leap and flip defying gravity, while Omega showcased his potent mix of powerful strikes and exceptional technical prowess.
The decisive moment came when Omega hoisted Ospreay onto his shoulders, ready to deliver his infamous One Winged Angel. The crowd held its breath, fully expecting to see Omega seal his victory. However, Ospreay proved his mettle by fighting his way out of the precarious position and landing a precise strike that sent Omega staggering into the ropes. Ospreay lands awkwardly, on landing, forcing the referee to check on him.
All of a sudden, one of the New Japan cameramen, wearing a COVID mask, clocked Omega with his camera! What in the world? Ospreay, seeing what transpired, quickly waved off the ref and regained his composure. Seizing the opportunity, Ospreay capitalized on the distraction and landed the Stormbreaker, his signature move. The referee counted - 1...2...3! Will Ospreay has won back the IWGP United States title, in Omega's home country!
But the surprises weren't over. As Ospreay celebrated his victory, the masked cameraman revealed himself to be none other than Konosuke Takeshita. Of course it was Takeshita! He has ensured Ospreay steals the title from Omega.
Takeshita continues to put the boots to Omega as the crowd boos. Ospreay joins in, making it a 2-on-1 situation. All of a sudden, a golden star appears on the video board. HOLY FUCK, IT'S KOTA IBUSHI!!!!!!!
The crowd loses its collective shit as Kenny Omega's long-time tag team partner from Japan rushes the ring and sends the heels packing with a mixture of lariats and knees. He helps to bring Kenny to his feet as they embrace. The Golden Lovers have reunited!
Winner and NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion: Will Ospreay
****
86% overall rating
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Match 6 - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Adam Cole vs. "Cold Skull" SANADA (C)
It's weird to imagine a World title match being something of a cooldown bout, but boy do the crowd ever need a collective cigarette after that moment. But we must press on! Adam Cole, a charismatic force of energy, sought to challenge the icy composure of the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, SANADA. The stakes were enormous, the tension thick, as both wrestlers prepared for a match that could define their careers.
Cole started the match by firing up the crowd, his every gesture and word drawing them in. His infectious energy was a stark contrast to SANADA's icy calm. SANADA, despite being cast as the heel, opted to fight a clean match, seeking to unequivocally prove his superiority through pure wrestling skill and strategy.
The bell rang, and the battle for supremacy began in earnest. It was a contest of equal matches, with neither wrestler gaining a decisive upper hand. Each move, each counter, seemed to be met with an equally powerful response. Cole's fiery passion clashed with SANADA's cool determination, creating a riveting spectacle of athleticism and strategy.
The match swung back and forth, a brutal ballet of power moves, technical finesse, and high-flying stunts. However, the end came when SANADA managed to lock Cole into his dreaded submission move, the Skull End. Despite his best efforts, Cole found himself unable to escape. After a valiant struggle, Cole had no choice but to tap out, awarding the match and title retention to SANADA.
The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the fantastic display of wrestling they had just witnessed. While Cole's quest for the championship fell short, his performance against SANADA only solidified his reputation as one of the best in the business. As for SANADA, he proved that he was a champion who could defend his title with honor and skill, standing tall in the ring as the true IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and proving that his run to the top of the New Japan ranks was no fluke.
Winner and STILL IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: SANADA
****
84% overall rating
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Match 7 - AEW World Championship: MJF (C) vs. Tetsuya Naito
We continue on to the second of our World Title matches. This was a clash of personalities as the AEW World Champion, MJF, defended his title against Tetsuya Naito. MJF had made it clear before the match that he saw himself above this event, expressing disdain for having to defend his title against a New Japan Pro-Wrestling star. In contrast, Naito remained unphased, using his own brand of mind games to rile up the self-proclaimed "salt of the earth".
From the moment the bell rang, it was clear this was going to be a unique encounter. MJF's usual cocky demeanor was shaken by Naito's nonchalant attitude. The champion struggled to understand Naito's unorthodox approach, his every taunt met with a tranquil smirk or a dismissive gesture.
For as much as SANADA proved in the previous match that you can win a clean match even when you're not a fan favorite, MJF went for the complete opposite approach and opted to employ every underhanded tactic in the book. From distractions to attempted cheap shots, MJF did everything he could to retain his title, but Naito managed to thwart him at every turn.
The match reached its climax when Naito prepared to hit his finisher, Destino. However, MJF managed to shove Naito into the referee. The ref bump served to create the chaos he needed. With the official down, MJF took the opportunity to retrieve his Dynamite Diamond Ring hidden in his trunks.
MJF landed a punishing blow on Naito with the ring, sending him sprawling on the canvas. As the referee regained consciousness, MJF disposed of his illicit weapon. MJF covered Naito for the pin as the referee, unaware of the deceit, counted - 1...2...3!
Despite the boos from the crowd, MJF celebrated his underhanded victory, clutching his championship with a smug satisfaction. The match, while tainted by MJF's tactics, had still been an exciting back-and-forth affair, showcasing the diverse personalities and styles of AEW and NJPW's finest. The night was not over yet, but the controversy surrounding MJF's win would undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions long after the event's end.
Winner and STILL AEW World Champion: MJF
****1/2
93% overall rating
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Main Event - "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson vs. "Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada
The final bout of the night was a dream match that had fans buzzing with anticipation since the inception of the AEW-NJPW partnership. Bryan Danielson, known worldwide as "The American Dragon", would face Kazuchika Okada, the "Rainmaker" and unquestionably the top NJPW star for over the past decade. Although there were no titles at stake, the magnitude of this encounter was so significant that both promotions agreed it deserved to close the show.
Before the match, Okada extended a hand in a show of sportsmanship. Danielson, however, dismissed him, setting the tone for the intense clash that was about to unfold. The ring was their battleground, and the crowd could not contain their excitement.
The match was a showcase of Danielson's ruthless aggression against Okada's unwavering resilience. Each move was delivered with precision and strength, with Danielson seeming to take a perverse joy in pushing Okada to his limits. Yet, Okada, who had battled against the very best in his illustrious career, remained undeterred. His every counter and offensive move resonated with the promise of a fightback.
The closing moments of the match were nothing short of dramatic. Danielson aimed for his Busaiku Knee, but Okada evaded it, retaliating with a massive running version of his infamous Rainmaker lariat. The crowd was on their feet as Okada proceeded to land not one, not two, but three consecutive Rainmakers on Danielson, an emphatic statement that silenced even the most skeptical of observers.
The referee's count followed: 1...2...3! Okada emerged victorious from the epic battle. The final image of the night was of golden streamers cascading from the ceiling, bathing the triumphant Okada in a sea of gold. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating the victorious Rainmaker and the fantastic night of wrestling they had witnessed.
AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door 2023 concluded on this high note, and the fans knew they had witnessed a night that would be etched in the annals of wrestling history.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada
****
89% overall rating
87% overall show rating