AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) will host the third annual Forbidden Door pay-per-view on June 30, 2024, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The event features a cross-promotional card, highlighted by high-stakes championship matches and the integration of talent from both promotions, as confirmed by official announcements from All Elite Wrestling.
Confirmed Matches for Forbidden Door 2024
The card for the 2024 iteration of Forbidden Door continues the tradition of pitting AEW roster members against NJPW stars. According to official announcements from AEW, the event will feature several championship bouts.
A primary attraction for this year’s event is the AEW World Championship match between Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. This encounter follows Ospreay’s victory in a qualifying match at Double or Nothing, positioning him as the top contender for the title. Additionally, the event card includes a mix of tournament-style matches and inter-promotional rivalries that serve to bridge the two distinct wrestling styles of the American and Japanese promotions.
The History of AEW and NJPW Collaboration
The Forbidden Door event series began in 2022 as a strategic partnership between Tony Khan’s AEW and the long-standing Japanese promotion, NJPW. The collaboration was designed to allow fans to see dream matches that were previously impossible due to organizational boundaries.
Historically, the events have been marked by high-profile title defenses and the crossover of legendary Japanese talent like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. Unlike standard pay-per-view events, Forbidden Door relies on the existing synergy between the two companies’ creative teams to build storylines that span across the Pacific. This year’s event follows the NJPW Dominion event, which often serves as a precursor to the matchups seen at the Forbidden Door card.
Strategic Importance for the Wrestling Industry
The Forbidden Door series represents a shift in modern professional wrestling, moving away from the “territorial” model where companies rarely shared talent. By hosting this event, AEW and NJPW generate significant international interest, drawing viewers from both the North American market and the established NJPW fanbase in Japan.
Industry analysts note that these events provide a platform for talent to gain exposure in new markets. For AEW, the partnership strengthens its brand identity as a global wrestling hub. For NJPW, the event offers a high-visibility platform to showcase its technical wrestling style to a broader, mainstream audience that primarily consumes AEW programming.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: Sunday, June 30, 2024.
- Venue: UBS Arena, Elmont, New York.
- Main Event: AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland defends against Will Ospreay.
- Broadcasting: Available via traditional pay-per-view providers and streaming platforms like Bleacher Report and TrillerTV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can fans watch Forbidden Door 2024?
The event is available on major cable pay-per-view providers, the Bleacher Report app, and internationally through TrillerTV.
Are tickets still available for the event?
As of late June, ticket availability remains subject to the UBS Arena box office inventory. Fans are encouraged to check official AEW ticket portals for real-time updates.
Will there be wrestlers from other promotions?
While the event is primarily a collaboration between AEW and NJPW, the card often features guest appearances or talent from affiliated promotions like CMLL, depending on current storylines.