AEW Forbidden Door 2024: Strickland & Ospreay Steal the Show, New Champions Crowned!

The 2024 Forbidden Door PPV delivered on its promise of high-octane action and thrilling storylines, with a stacked card showcasing the best of both AEW and NJPW. Here’s a recap of the event’s key moments, along with grades for each match:

Main Event: Will Ospreay vs. “The Machine” Brian Cage (AEW World Championship) 🤯

This was a brutal, hard-hitting affair that lived up to the hype. Cage, the reigning champion, came in confident and focused on his power advantage, but Ospreay countered with his signature speed and agility. The match featured a series of high-impact moves, including Ospreay’s signature “Stormbreaker” and Cage’s devastating “F-5.” In a stunning upset, Ospreay pinned Cage after a brutal “Hidden Blade,” claiming his first AEW World Championship.

Grade: A+

The Golden Ticket: Athena vs. Toni Storm (AEW Women’s World Championship) 🏆

This championship bout was a showcase of two of the best women’s wrestlers in the world. Storm, the champion, was confident and calculated, while Athena brought the fire and aggression. Both women exchanged blows, showcasing their technical prowess and a high level of athleticism. After a hard-fought battle, Athena used her signature “The Eclipse” to pin Storm, becoming the new AEW Women’s World Champion.

Grade: A

Tag Team Mayhem: FTR vs. The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions (Aussie Open) 💥

This tag team match was a fast-paced, chaotic affair. Aussie Open, the champions, came in with a hard-hitting, aggressive style, while FTR relied on their technical skill and experience. The match was filled with high-flying moves, impactful slams, and a thrilling back-and-forth exchange between the teams. FTR, after a grueling battle, emerged victorious, becoming the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.

Grade: A-

The “Big Boot” Challenge: Ethan Page vs. “The Switchblade” Jay White 🦵

This matchup was a clash of styles, with Page’s power and White’s technical prowess on display. Page, the challenger, attempted to overwhelm White with his size and strength, while White countered with his agility and technical wrestling skills. The match was filled with powerful strikes, near-falls, and a dramatic finish. White ultimately emerged victorious, retaining his title with his signature “Blade Runner” finisher.

Grade: B+

The “Fresh” Face of NJPW: Shota Umino vs. “The Final Boss” Claudio Castagnoli 😤

This was a battle between experience and youth. Castagnoli, the veteran, came in with his signature power and technical skill, while Umino, the young challenger, brought his raw athleticism and relentless aggression. The match showcased Umino’s incredible potential, as he pushed Castagnoli to his limits. Castagnoli ultimately proved to be too strong, winning the match with his devastating “Alps Blizzard” finisher.

Grade: B

Other Highlights:

• “The Bad Boy” Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara vs. “The Young Bucks” (Matt & Nick Jackson) – This was a fast-paced, action-packed match filled with high-flying maneuvers, impressive tag team work, and a memorable finish. Jericho and Guevara emerged victorious, continuing their reign as AEW World Tag Team Champions.
• “The Ace” Hikaru Shida vs. “The Fallen Angel” Willow Nightingale – This women’s match showcased both competitor’s unique style, with Shida’s technical prowess and Nightingale’s powerful offense. Shida emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle, showcasing her skills and resilience.

Overall:

AEW Forbidden Door 2024 delivered on its promise, showcasing incredible talent, exciting storylines, and unforgettable moments. With new champions crowned and exciting rivalries reignited, the future of both AEW and NJPW seems brighter than ever.