Full Breakdown
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025: Event Overview and Key Outcomes
8/25/2025, 11:02:02 AM
Event Summary
The AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 pay-per-view took place on August 24, 2025, at The O2 Arena in London, England. This marked the first time the event was held outside North America, featuring a stacked card that included high-stakes matches across various championships. The event was highlighted by a Lights Out Steel Cage match and saw both AEW World Champions retain their titles.
Key Matches and Results
The main event featured a 10-man Lights Out Steel Cage match, where the team of Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Darby Allin, and Hiroshi Tanahashi triumphed over Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd. Tanahashi secured the victory with a High Fly Flow, marking his final UK appearance as part of his retirement tour. However, post-match, Ospreay was attacked by the Death Riders, setting the stage for future storylines as he prepares for neck surgery.
In the AEW World Championship match, "Hangman" Adam Page defended his title against MJF. The match featured a controversial moment where MJF appeared to pin Page, but the referee did not see Page's foot on the ropes. After a restart, Page ultimately retained his title with a Dead Eye and Buckshot Lariat.
Toni Storm successfully defended her AEW Women's World Championship against Athena, forcing her to tap out after a competitive match. The bout showcased both competitors' skills, with Storm overcoming interference from Billie Starkz, who was chased off by Mina Shirakawa.
Kazuchika Okada retained the AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland, continuing his dominance in AEW. Following the match, Okada attacked Strickland's injured knee, leading to a surprise return of Wardlow, who joined the Don Callis Family.
Additional Championship Matches
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Nigel McGuinness to retain his title in a closely contested match.
- TNT Championship: Kyle Fletcher retained against Hiromu Takahashi, showcasing a hard-hitting battle that highlighted both wrestlers' abilities.
- AEW World Tag Team Championship: Brodido (Bandido and Brody King) won the titles in a three-way match against The Hurt Syndicate and FTR, aided by interference from Ricochet and Gates of Agony.
Official Statements & Responses
AEW CEO Tony Khan expressed satisfaction with the event's execution, noting the significance of hosting Forbidden Door in London. He emphasized the collaborative effort with NJPW and the importance of delivering high-quality matches to fans.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event was largely well-received, some fans expressed disappointment over the lack of NJPW talent featured in key matches compared to previous editions. Critics noted that the focus on AEW stars might have overshadowed the collaborative spirit intended for the Forbidden Door events.
What's Next
Following Forbidden Door, AEW is expected to build on the storylines established during the event, particularly the ongoing feuds involving the Death Riders and Will Ospreay, as well as the implications of MJF's loss to Page. Fans can anticipate further developments leading into the next major AEW pay-per-view, All Out, scheduled for September 2025.
The event concluded with an attendance of 18,992, marking a successful milestone for AEW and NJPW in their ongoing partnership.
