Young Bucks and Mistico Added to AEW Forbidden Door, While Talent Concerns Emerge
AEW has confirmed the addition of the Young Bucks and Mistico to the roster for the AEW Forbidden Door event, according to an official announcement on the promotion’s website. The move signals a strategic effort to bolster the card ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between AEW and NJPW, which is set for June 23, 2024, at the Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida.
What Happens Next for AEW Forbidden Door?
The inclusion of the Young Bucks, a cornerstone of AEW’s tag team division, and Mistico, a veteran luchador from CMLL, underscores AEW’s focus on cross-promotional appeal. “This event is about uniting the best talent from across the globe,” said AEW President Tony Khan in a statement. “The Young Bucks and Mistico bring unique skills that will elevate the competition.”
However, reports from *Fightful* suggest that some wrestlers from AEW, NJPW, and CMLL were not fully briefed on their roles ahead of the event. “There’s a lack of communication from the top,” one anonymous insider told *Fightful*, adding that several talents were “left in the dark” about their match assignments. AEW has not publicly addressed these claims, but a spokesperson stated, “We are working to ensure all participants are fully prepared for the event.”
Why Are Some Talent Concerns Rising?
The discrepancy between AEW’s public announcements and internal coordination highlights ongoing challenges in managing a multi-promotional event. Mistico, who has previously competed in AEW, is expected to face a NJPW representative, while the Young Bucks will likely team with CMLL’s Dragon Lee. However, the lack of clarity for other participants has raised questions about the event’s execution.
Historically, cross-promotional events like AEW’s All In and NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom have faced similar logistical hurdles. In 2022, AEW’s collaboration with Okada and Kenny Omega drew record viewership but also faced criticism for uneven match planning. Industry analysts suggest that transparent communication is critical for maintaining fan trust. “When talent isn’t informed, it can lead to underwhelming matches and disappointed fans,” said wrestling journalist Chris Jericho in a recent interview.
How Does This Impact the Broader Wrestling Landscape?
The AEW Forbidden Door event is part of a broader trend of wrestling promotions seeking to expand their reach through international partnerships. AEW’s collaboration with NJPW and CMLL follows similar efforts by WWE and Impact Wrestling to globalize their rosters. However, the current confusion around talent assignments may test AEW’s ability to manage such complex ventures.
For fans, the event remains a high-profile opportunity to see stars from different promotions clash. The Young Bucks’ inclusion, in particular, is expected to draw significant attention, given their popularity in both AEW and the global independent circuit. As the June date approaches, the focus will shift to whether AEW can deliver on its promise of a “unified” showcase or if internal missteps will overshadow the spectacle.
AEW Official Site | Fightful Report