The Historic Collab: AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023 Results and Winners

AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2023 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction, Highlights

Welcome to Bleacher Report’s live coverage and recap of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This historic event marks the second collaboration between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Unlike last year, injuries did not prevent Gedo and Tony Khan from putting together an impressive lineup, featuring some dream matches.

The Full Lineup

Here is a look at the full lineup for AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2023:

• Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada
• Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay (IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship)
• Sanada vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry (IWGP World Heavyweight Championship)
• MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (AEW World Heavyweight Championship)
• Sting, Darby Allin and TBD vs. Chris Jericho, Minoru Suzuki and Sammy Guevara
• CM Punk vs. Satoshi Kojima (Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament)
• Orange Cassidy vs. Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Katsuyori Shibata (AEW International Championship)
• Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale (AEW Women’s World Championship)
• Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Konosuke Takeshita and Shota Umino vs. The Young Bucks, Adam Page, Eddie Kingston and Tomohiro Ishii
• The Mogul Embassy vs. El Desperado and Chaos
• Athena vs. Billie Starkz (Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament)
• Jeff Cobb, Kyle Fletcher and TJP vs. Shingo Takagi, Bushi and Hiromu Takahashi
• Stu Grayson vs. El Phantasmo
• Swerve Strickland, Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona vs. Trent Baretta, Rocky Romero and El Desperado

Now, let’s delve into the matches and their highlights.

Mogul Embassy vs. Chaos, Athena vs. Billie Starkz

The one-hour pre-show featured four matches. The first match saw Mogul Embassy take on Chaos in an eight-man tag match. Both teams showcased their skills, and the crowd was entertained. Mogul Embassy emerged victorious, with Swerve delivering a double stomp on Romero.

In the second match, Billie Starkz faced Athena in the ongoing Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament. The match was hard-hitting and allowed both women to shine. Despite a few missteps, Athena emerged victorious.

Notable Moments and Observations

• The inclusion of English and Japanese ring announcers added a great touch to the show.
• The ROH six-man titles might need to be retired, as management has barely utilized them.
• Billie Starkz showcased impressive kicking skills, making the match intense.
• The execution of moves, such as Athena’s headscissor, was impressive.

Stu Grayson vs. El Phantasmo

Stu Grayson faced off against El Phantasmo in the third match of the pre-show. Grayson controlled most of the match, highlighting his skills while still allowing Phantasmo to have standout moments. Surprisingly, ELP secured a clean win.

Notable Moments and Observations

• ELP’s jacket, reminiscent of Jericho’s old WWE jackets, added to his character.
• Phantasmo’s haircut bore a resemblance to Logan Paul’s hair.
• Phantasmo’s suicide dive and Grayson’s 450 were impressive.
• Cobb’s display of power during a suplex was awe-inspiring.

AEW World Heavyweight Championship: MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

The AEW World Heavyweight Championship match between MJF and Hiroshi Tanahashi kicked off the main show upon MJF’s request to get out of Toronto quickly. The match saw great storytelling, with both competitors engaging in technical precision. MJF used cheap tactics and his Dynamite Diamond ring to secure a win, although it may not be remembered as the match of the night.

Notable Moments and Observations

• MJF, known for his projection abilities, effectively projected his voice to reach the entire crowd.
• MJF’s use of the top rope for leverage during an abdominal stretch displayed classic heel tactics.
• Punk’s negative reception from the crowd hints at a potential heel turn, which could be exciting for his character’s development.

Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament: CM Punk vs. Satoshi Kojima

CM Punk faced Satoshi Kojima in a tournament match of the Men’s Owen Hart Cup. The crowd’s response to Punk was mixed, but he showed no signs of concern. The match was hard-hitting and longer than expected, with both men enjoying themselves while delivering a thrilling performance. Punk eventually secured the win with the GTS (Go to Sleep).

Notable Moments and Observations

• Punk’s boos during his entrance showcased the mixed reaction from the crowd.
• Kojima’s chop sending Punk over the barricade displayed excellent execution and selling.
• Punk’s vocalizations during corner clotheslines, shouting “Lariat” and “Kojima,” added an entertaining element.
• Kojima’s elbow drop, though slightly off-target, added intensity to the match.

AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Katsuyori Shibata vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

The AEW International Championship was on the line in a Fatal 4-Way match featuring Orange Cassidy, Daniel Garcia, Katsuyori Shibata, and Zack Sabre Jr. This match stood out as one of the best of the night, with all four competitors showcasing their unique styles and dynamics. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the match, and Orange Cassidy emerged as the winner by shoving Shibata out of the ring and making the cover.

Notable Moments and Observations

• Commentator Excalibur’s unexpected comment, referring to Tony Schiavone as a “dirtbag,” added a surprising element to the broadcast.
• Garcia’s hilarious antics, like flexing during submissions, added comedic moments to the match.
• Shibata’s smooth transitions between holds showcased his technical prowess.
• Sabre’s punishment of Cassidy’s hand added a brutal element to the match.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Sanada vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry

The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match between Sanada and Jungle Boy saw both competitors displaying their skills. The match became increasingly physical as it progressed. However, the ending surprised the crowd, leaving some questioning if it was the planned conclusion. Sanada emerged as the winner with a moonsault.

Notable Moments and Observations

• Perry’s slight size advantage in this match stood out.
• Jungle Boy’s suicide dive and standing pose entertained the crowd.
• The announcers’ explanation of the match rules, with the IWGP title at stake, added to the viewing experience.
• Red marks on both competitors’ chests demonstrated the intensity of their chops.

10-Man Tag Team Match: The Young Bucks, Adam Page, Eddie Kingston and Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Konosuke Takeshita and Shota Umino

The 10-man tag team match between Team Elite and Team Blackpool Combat Club showcased chaos, brawling, and individual standout moments. All ten wrestlers had their time to shine, creating an entertaining match for the audience. Team Elite secured the win after Ishii pinned Yuta with a brainbuster. Post-match, tension between Kingston and The Elite hinted at further developments.

Notable Moments and Observations

• Taz leaving the commentary booth to address Hook added an unexpected twist to the broadcast.
• Takeshita and Ishii’s exchange displayed their fierce competition.
• Adam Page’s moonsault execution impressed the crowd.
• Kingston and Moxley’s storylines hinted at unfinished business.

AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale

Toni Storm defended her AEW Women’s World Championship against Willow Nightingale, accompanied by Ruby Soho and Saraya at ringside. Storm benefited from interference during the match, ultimately winning by raking Nightingale’s eyes and hitting Storm Zero. While the interference contributed to the storyline, it would have been preferable to witness a clean match from the champion on pay-per-view.

Notable Moments and Observations

• An early exchange between Storm and Nightingale resulted in a balance loss, but both wrestlers quickly adjusted to maintain the flow of the match.
• Storm’s running hip strike almost missed entirely in one instance.
• The Death Valley Driver executed by Nightingale on the apron captured the crowd’s attention.
• The removal of Ruby and Saraya by the ref due to interference added to the narrative.

IWGP United States Championship: Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay

The highly anticipated IWGP United States Championship match between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay did not disappoint. Both competitors brought their A-game, with the match becoming a brutal display of their skills. The crowd fervently supported Omega, but Ospreay ultimately emerged as the victor, winning the title after a grueling battle.

Notable Moments and Observations

• Ospreay’s entrance accompanied by masked security guards added an element of intrigue.
• The crowd’s anticipation for the match was evident through their chants.
• The wrestlers’ hard-hitting moves, such as Omega slamming Ospreay’s head into the announce table, showcased their brutality.
• The usage of outside interference, with Callis passing Ospreay a screwdriver, created tension and added excitement to the match.

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

The main event of the evening showcased a dream match between Bryan Danielson and Kazuchika Okada. The crowd was electric from the start, recognizing the significance of this encounter. Both competitors delivered a technically sound performance, pacing themselves and saving the biggest spots for later in the match. After a hard-fought battle, Danielson emerged victorious, making Okada tap out.

Notable Moments and Observations

• The video package preceding the match captivated the audience, setting the stage for the clash.
• The surfboard hold, executed by Danielson, showcased technical skill.
• The crowd’s enthusiastic response further emphasized the significance of the match.
• Crowd favorites like Okada withstanding brutal chops and Danielson delivering harder hits added to the intensity of the match.

Overall Grade and Final Thoughts

The second edition of AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door was a resounding success. The event delivered intense matches, surprising outcomes, and memorable moments. While the match of the night could be debated, Ospreay vs. Omega stood out for its high-octane action. The entire card was well-executed, with each match showcasing the talents of the performers.

Notable storylines emerged, including the potential heel turn for CM Punk and the budding feud between Jungle Boy and Hook. Unfinished business between Kingston and Moxley, as well as Sting and Jericho, hints at intriguing developments in the future.

Overall, the show was presented excellently, and the performers left a lasting impression. AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door 2023 will certainly be remembered as a historic collaboration between two top wrestling promotions.