Full Breakdown
Wardlow's Surprise Return at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025
8/25/2025, 9:53:38 PM
Wardlow's Impactful Comeback
At the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 event held on August 24 at The O2 Arena in London, former TNT Champion Wardlow made a significant return after more than a year away from the ring. His comeback came during the aftermath of the AEW Unified Championship match between Kazuchika Okada and Swerve Strickland. Following Okada's victory, he continued to assault Strickland, targeting his already injured knee with a steel chair. As Strickland's manager, Prince Nana, attempted to intervene, Wardlow stormed the ring, attacking Nana and several security personnel before aligning himself with The Don Callis Family.
Wardlow's return was particularly notable as he had been absent from AEW programming since March 2024, following a loss to Samoa Joe and subsequent recovery from a labrum injury. His reappearance not only marked a personal comeback but also hinted at a new direction for his character, as he embraced Don Callis and joined a faction that includes notable wrestlers like Okada and Konosuke Takeshita.
Match Highlights and Title Retentions
The Forbidden Door event featured several high-stakes matches, with both AEW and NJPW championships on the line. Kazuchika Okada successfully defended his AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland, who is expected to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus following the match. Okada's post-match attack on Strickland was a pivotal moment, setting the stage for Wardlow's return.
In addition to Okada's title defense, other champions retained their titles, including Toni Storm, who defeated Athena to maintain the AEW Women's World Championship, and Kyle Fletcher, who successfully defended the TNT Championship against Hiromu Takahashi. Adam Page also retained his AEW World Championship against MJF, who still holds a Casino Gauntlet contract for a future title shot.
The Broader Context of Forbidden Door
Forbidden Door 2025 was significant not only for the matches but also for the attendance, with a record-breaking crowd of 18,992 fans. The event showcased a blend of talent from AEW, NJPW, and other promotions, including CMLL and Stardom. The night was marked by intense rivalries, particularly in the main event, a Lights Out Steel Cage match where Will Ospreay and his team faced off against Jon Moxley and the Death Riders. Ospreay's team emerged victorious, but he suffered a brutal post-match attack, further complicating his storyline as he prepares for neck surgery.
Criticism and Future Implications
While the event was largely successful, some critics noted that the focus on AEW's internal storylines overshadowed the international collaboration aspect of Forbidden Door. The implications of Wardlow's return and his alignment with The Don Callis Family could lead to new rivalries and story arcs in the coming months, particularly as AEW heads towards its next major events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wardlow is back and has joined The Don Callis Family, marking a new chapter in his AEW career.” — Wrestling News
- “Kazuchika Okada retained his title but continued to attack Swerve Strickland, setting the stage for Wardlow's impactful return.” — 411 Mania
The Forbidden Door event not only highlighted the athleticism and storytelling prowess of its participants but also set the stage for future developments in AEW's evolving narrative landscape.
