Full Breakdown
AEW Forbidden Door 2026: Visa Hurdles, Injuries, and the Logistics Behind the Cross-Promotional PPV
6/26/2026, 2:19:30 AM
Event Overview – Date, Venue, and International Lineup
AEW’s fifth Forbidden Door PPV is scheduled for June 28, 2026 at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The card blends talent from AEW, NJPW, CMLL and STARDOM, featuring Zack Sabre Jr., Shota Umino, Mistico, Starlight Kid, Shingo Takagi, Titan, Olympia and a 6-on-6 steel-cage match headlined by MJF’s team versus Mark Briscoe’s team. The women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament final pits Maya World against Mercedes Mone.
Expansion of Forbidden Door – Background
Originally a partnership between AEW and NJPW, Forbidden Door now includes Mexico’s CMLL and Japan’s STARDOM, creating a recurring platform for inter-promotional matches.
Visa and Injury Obstacles – Data & Statistics
Visa complications prevented Gabe Kidd, Mark Davis, Hechicero, Komander and The Beast Mortos from traveling. STARDOM’s wrestlers faced few visa issues, allowing Starlight Kid to appear. Injuries sidelined Saree, Willow Nightingale, Toni Storm, Keith Lee, Jay White and Dr. Britt Baker, prompting roster reshuffles.
Official Statements & Responses
Khan said the visa hurdles are “massive” but praised the depth of AEW’s roster, noting the company can still deliver a “really strong” card. He highlighted STARDOM’s effective visa handling and expressed confidence that the absent wrestlers will return “very soon.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are a lot of logistics. Of course, securing the visas, sometimes there can be a great international wrestler that doesn’t have their work visa and you want to try to get those people in,” — Tony Khan, AEW President
- “And then you’re working with the other promoters to try to utilize the stars they want to use, and you might have different ideas from your counterparts in these other companies.” — Tony Khan
- “There are a number of wrestlers that were factored in, coming from countries all over the world, that I’m looking forward to their return, that are not here and available right now.” — Tony Khan
Card Adjustments and Impact
The visa gaps forced Gabe Kidd and Mark Davis to miss the show, while Beast Mortos’ absence led to Sammy Guevara defending CMLL tag titles in Mexico. Maya World replaced the injured Saree, advancing to the Owen Hart final against Mercedes Mone. Khan noted Thekla could defend the AEW Women’s World title at All In, depending on the outcome.
What’s Next
AEW’s calendar moves to All In at Wembley, Redemption in Montreal, and further MyAEW collaborations with NJPW, CMLL and STARDOM. Khan expressed interest in acquiring more video libraries and expanding into Puerto Rico, while using Forbidden Door as a template for future cross-promotional events.
