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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of Forbidden Door 2025, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. We’ve got a fairly dense card this time around, as most AEW cards tend to be. A Lights Out Steel Cage match to continue, or nearly conclude depending on how things go, the Death Riders and Young Bucks story should feature rather prominently. The AEW tag team titles are up for grabs in a triple threat match with the Hurt Syndicate defending against Brodido and FTR, Kazuchika Okada defends the Unified title against Swerve Strickland as well and the Swerve and Okada pairing could be interesting. Toni Storm defends the AEW women’s title against Athena, Mercedes Mone will waste a bunch of time in a Fatal 4-Way that’s about as forgone a conclusion as this card has. The TNT title is up for grabs, Zack Sabre Jr. defends the IWGP world title against Nigel McGuinness which is the only other match on this card with more of a foregone conclusion than Mone’s. Edge, I mean Adam Copeland, and Christian Cage will team up for the first time in quite a while to take on Kip Sabian and Killswitch. The presumptive main event will be for the AEW world title as “Hangman” Adam Page defends against Maxwell Jacob Friedman. MJF got baited by Page into using his Money in the- I mean his Casino Gauntlet contract for this event, but then the writers didn’t like that so they retconned it next week with MJF threatening Mark Briscoe until Page agreed that his contract isn’t being used and that the title will change hands on a DQ or a count out finish so I fully expect some shenanigans to be in play. Alright folks, that’s the preamble so lets get to the action.

Preshow results:
Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, El Desperado, and Yuya Uemura defeated Action Andretti, Lio Rush, Hechicero, and Josh Alexander
Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona, and Ricochet defeated Kevin Knight, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, and Michael Oku
Megan Bayne, Julia Hart, Skye Blue, and Thekla defeated Harley Cameron, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata, and Willow Nightingale
The Opps (Samoan Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata) retained the AEW Trios titles against Drilla Moloney, Clark Connors, and Robbie X

Match #1 – Tag Team Match: Adam Copeland and Christian Cage vs. Killswitch and Kip Sabian w/ Mama Wayne

Cope and Sabian start things off, Cope with a quick snapdown then Sabian goes to striking. A little misdirection and running around on the floor then Cope lands a clothesline. Back in the ring Cage tags in and Sabian takes some double team moves. Cage goes for a 10 punch and gets more than that. Killswitch tags in, seriously good to see him back after his pneumonia issues. There’s a “Luchasaurus” chant then Cope tags out. Cope isn’t thrilled with that but he starts trading some strikes with Killswitch before Killswitch lands a thrust kick. Cope clotheslines Sabian then low bridges Killswitch and follows up with a baseball slide. Mama Wayne blocks Cope which allows Killswitch to powerbomb Sabian onto Cope then he hits an apron chokeslam. Back into the ring again and Killswitch gets tagged out against his will. The crowd is still pretty pro-Killswitch and boo Sabian as he chops away at Cope.

Sorry guys, I’ve had an internet issue and I’m missing a chunk of this match.

I get back to see Cage laying in chops to Killswitch but Killswitch lays him out with a back elbow. Cage posts Killswitch then he gets Sabian and Killswitch in the ropes for his standing stretching the ropes spot. Cope with an Edge-O-Matic on the apron to Killswitch then Cage dives from the top rope onto Killswitch on the floor. Back in the ring Killswitch grabs Cage on the top rope and they fight, Cope comes over to powerbomb Killswitch which sets up the diving headbutt from Cage for a 2 count. The crowd wants to know if Cage will be their dad. Sabian blind tags, double Impaler DDT to Killswitch and that blind tag saved things as that would have ended it. Sabian takes the Cage reverse DDT then Cage lines up a Spear but Killswitch complicates things until Cope Spears him from the apron to the floor. Sabian knees Cage then lines up the Killswitch but Cage counters and elevates Sabian for Cope to then Spear Sabian so Cage can pin.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Adam Copeland and Christian Cage won in 13:29

Rating: 2.5 stars
Thoughts: Probably closer to 3 without my missing the middle of the match. Cage and Cope teaming up again and slowly rebuilding into being a real team is a nice story, while Killswitch and Sabian had enough dissention to really open the door for the veterans to take advantage of things.

Post match Cage and Cope shake hands but Cage isn’t quite ready to hug it out yet.

Match #2 – TNT Title Match: (c) Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis and Lance Archer vs. Hiromu Takahashi

They circle then Fletcher hits a snap down. Takahashi grabs a side headlock then runs into a shoulder block. Some chops from Takahashi to Fletcher then he tries a hurricanrana but Fletcher blocks so Takahashi stomps on his foot then hits a crossbody. Bit of a pump kick from Fletcher to cut off Takahashi. A few chops from Fletcher as he’s got Takahashi cornered. Takahashi avoids a chop and flurries but Fletcher hits a running back elbow to retain control. High angle scoop slam from Fletcher, then another one for a 2 count. Some chops from Takahashi but Fletcher then lays in knees to the body and a back suplex but he still can’t keep Takahashi down for a pinfall so he grabs a chin lock.

Again Takahashi fights back with chops but Fletcher lands knees, then Takahashi finally hits the running hurricanrana. Takahashi with a poisoned rana over the ropes to the apron, gnarly little spot. Back in the ring Takahashi quickens the pace and hits a basement dropkick. Fletcher avoids a Time Bomb set up but Takahashi hits a Dragon Screw leg whip. Drop toe hold from Takahashi but he gets caught with a half nelson suplex, only for Takahashi to hit a rebound German suplex then Fletcher hits a non-pin version of the Michinoku Driver and both men are down. Another scoop slam from Fletcher then he heads up top but Takahashi chops him into a sitting position on the ropes. Takahashi climbs up with Fletcher and gets caught in an awkward spot then Fletcher with a spinning avalanche back suplex and a near fall. Elevated Liger Bomb from Fletcher but again only a near fall.

Takahashi starts laughing as Fletcher hits strikes, then Takahashi runs into a boot but only a 1 count for Fletcher. They head to the apron, Takahashi counters a Brainbuster with a DDT then he hits a Sunset Powerbomb from the apron to the floor. Back in the ring Takahashi hits a running clothesline for a near fall. Takahashi tries the Time Bomb Q but Fletcher escapes and they trade strikes before Takahashi counters a Liger Bomb with a Canadian Destroyer for another near fall. Death Valley Driver from Takahashi gets him another near fall. Fletcher tries a Tombstone Piledriver and they fight over that spot for a bit but eventually Fletcher hits it for another near fall.

Corner Yakuza kick to the back of Takahashi’s head from Fletcher then another running corner kick but Takahashi counters a Brainbuster with a Small Package though Fletcher rolls through and hits the sheer drop Brainbuster to retain the title.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Kyle Fletcher retained the title in 15:26

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: It’s a credit to Takahashi that he got a few believable near falls when this is the kind of match the home guy almost never loses. Fletcher is still growing into his role but he’s one of the bright up and coming wrestlers with the promotion.

Match #3 – Fatal 4-Way TBS Title Match: (c) Mercedes Mone vs. Alex Windsor vs. Persephone vs. Bozilla

Everyone jumps Mone to start and she powders. Windsor and Persephone team up to try Bozilla but Bozilla is a big strong woman who double clotheslines them. Mone fails a roll up on Bozilla, Bozilla then runs into a boot and Mone rams her into the corner. Bozilla cares now and presses Mone overhead then throws her out of the ring onto Windsor and Persephone. Persephone and Bozilla wind up in the ring, Bozilla slams her down then Windsor jumps on Bozilla’s back but Bozilla runs over Mone then slams Windsor into her in the corner. Corner avalanche to Persephone, but then she posts herself trying to attack Windsor and Mone. Windsor and Persephone with a double Flapjack to Mone. Persephone with a hurricanrana to Windsor but Windsor fights back with a Japanese armdrag. Bozilla re-enters the fray and hits a double back suplex on them. Mone jumps on Bozilla’s back, that doesn’t go well and Bozilla slams her into the corner then Persephone monkey flips Mone into the grip of Bozilla then Bozilla with a bit of a powerbomb after Persephone and Windsor trip her up. Mone hits Bozilla with a Codebreaker then she jumps at Bozilla on the floor but Bozilla catches her then Windsor jumps as well to finish the spot. Persephone with a scary suicide dive but she lands safely.

Back in the ring Mone and Persephone fight over a pin then Mone with a twisting armdrag. Everyone comes in to trade pin attempts for a bit then Bozilla comes in to break up pins and yanks Persephone into a bearhug then hits an belly to belly throw. Bozilla gets a chant from the crowd then she stomps away at Mone. Windsor fights back with a boot then a diving clothesline. Dropkick from Persephone then Mone with a Meteora to finally get Bozilla down. Persephone and Windsor put Mone up top then fight each other over who gets to spike Mone, Mone trips up Windsor into the tree of woe then Persephone and Bozilla wander over for a nice bit Tower of Doom spot that puts everyone down. Windsor is first up and hits a hanging DDT on Bozilla. Persephone ties up with her and Mone comes over to get them in a double Statement Maker but Windsor breaks her grip and then hits a running clothesline to Mone and Persephone.

Windsor now with a double Sharpshooter to tie up Mone and Persephone, doesn’t look great but she gets it in. Bozilla wanders over to step on Mone and Persephone so they can’t tap then she runs over Windsor to break the hold. Chops to Windsor from Bozilla then Persephone Spears Windsor. Bozilla with a chokeslam to Persephone then she puts Persephone and Windsor side by side and hits a second rope moonsault onto both of them but Mone breaks up the pin. Now Bozilla isolates Mone, she tries a Liger Bomb but Mone counters into a Poisoned Rana for a 2 count, Bozilla missed the kick out but the ref was kind there. Windsor with a Benjamin Buster to Mone but only a 2 count. Windsor and Bozilla fight over a German suplex and that goes the way of Bozilla, but she’s German so it should just be a suplex. Bozilla runs over Windsor then headbutts her in the corner. Persephone heads into the ring and attacks Bozilla on the ropes, then hits a Razor’s Edge to Bozilla but can’t cover. Windsor with a running clothesline, bad camera work there, but then grabs the Sharpshooter. Mone breaks that up with a Backstabber. Persephone tries Splash Mountain on Mone but Mone counters into a Rana pin and gets the 3.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Mercedes Mone retained the title in 15:30

Rating: 2.5 stars
Thoughts: The extra half star is for Bozilla being awesome because beyond that this was just kind of here. Frankly this is the kind of match that just seems to bloat a love of AEW PPVs unnecessarily.

Match #4 – IWGP Heavyweight Title Match: (c) Zach Sabre Jr. vs. Nigel McGuinness w/ Daniel Garcia

The crowd is sentimentally with Nigel. We get a quick tie up then clean break out of the ropes. Quick little arm throw from Nigel, Sabre with a snapmare of his own, they’re just getting a feel for each other. Headlock throw from Nigel, Sabre with some shrimps to escape then he stands free. Sabre with his own headlock takeover, Nigel with a front flip out of it on the knees for his own escape. Another tie up and Nigel tries an arm wringer, Sabre escapes into a wristlock takedown. Nigel escapes on the mat then Sabre with a low single leg takedown into another wrist lock. Again Nigel escapes then uses a Johnny Saint counter hammerlock, Sabre then counters into one of his own and goes for the wrist of Nigel. They again trade hammerlock escapes but Sabre seems a step ahead at this point. Eventually Nigel flips Sabre off then hits his own arm takedown and drops a knee to the biceps of Sabre. Now Nigel’s got a little bit of an omoplata going as he grabs the other arm and bridges backwards to force a 2 count pin then he kicks the arm of Sabre.

Sabre blocks a rip cord lariat and kicks the arm of Nigel. Neck twist from Sabre then he stomps the arm of Nigel. Hammerlock Divorce Court from Nigel but he misses an elbow drop and Sabre stomps the elbow again. Sabre grabs a double wrist lock, Nigel has to get into the corner to force a break. Front headlock from Sabre but Nigel responds with an arm snap takedown. Corner back kick and downward lariat from Nigel stuns Sabre. Nigel with a running uppercut in the corner, then taunts and hits a turning lariat to a charging Sabre in a lovely little spot for a 2 count. London Dungeon attempt from Nigel but Sabre gets to the ropes so Nigel stomps his arm. Nigel tries a Tower of London but Sabre slips free then hits a kick and counters a Jawbreaker Lariat into an armbar then he switches to catch a leg as well. Gnarly little sequence from Sabre, he grabs at a toehold at the same time. Sabre switches into a belly down armbar but Nigel gets to the ropes to break. Daniel Garcia was pushing the ropes closer to Nigel, and the ref reads him the riot act for it.

Uppercut from Sabre, Nigel returns it and they start trading uppercuts for a bit. Nigel seems to be the heavier handed guy as they trade blows, then they stop selling but keep hitting until both men get wobbly. Eventually Sabre staggers into the ropes, then he avoids an uppercut and grabs a jackknife pin for 2. Nigel hits the ropes and lands a headbutt then rebounds from the ropes with the Jawbreaker Lariat for a near fall as he took a bit too long to cover. Cutthroat lariat from Nigel gets another near fall, he’s dropping bombs now but can’t keep Sabre down. Sabre counters a London Dungeon into a crucifix pin for 2. Again Nigel tries the London Dungeon, he bridges back with his knees int he lower back of Sabre. Sabre rolls over the top but Nigel grabs a Triangle Choke. Garcia distracts the ref for some reason but that doesn’t cost Nigel a visual win. Nigel snaps at the fingers of Sabre as Sabre escapes the choke.

Again Nigel tries the Tower of London but Sabre counters into an armbar over the ropes for 4 then he gets in Garcia’s face briefly. Sabre goes up top, Nigel crotches him and hits the Tower of London but Sabre gets his foot on the ropes at the last possible second. They trade pin attempts, some nice ones from both men until Sabre grabs a slightly elevated sunset style pin for the 3 count.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Zach Sabre Jr. retained the title in 17:00

Rating: 4.5 stars
Thoughts: That probably wont be everyone’s cup of tea but I love this kind of counter hold based wrestling. Sabre is really good at this kind of stuff and Nigel being able to keep up with one of the better guys going right now is pretty impressive. Great stuff from both men here.

Post match Nigel and Sabre share a handshake then a hug. Nigel and Garcia then hug, everyone was waiting on Garcia’s heel turn. Tony Schiavone is in the ring with a mic to announce the crowd numbers.

In the back Thekla and Queen Aminata are still brawling from the pre-show. Good for them I guess. They fight back into the entrance ramp and down towards the ring. The crowd note they’ve been fighting forever. Skye Blue and Julia Hart run down to attack Aminata as well then hold her for Thekla but that 70’s Chick Jamie Hayter shows up for the save. Another thing I question the necessity of taking up PPV time.

Match #5 – Triple Threat Tag Team Match: (c) Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) vs. Brodido (Brody King and Bandido) vs. FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) w/ Stokely Hathaway

It starts with a big old brawl. FTR go after Bobby with mixed results as Bobby can fight both of them off on the floor. Shelton is handling Bandido thus far right now too. Brody clobbers Shelton then misses the barricade cross body. Dax and Cash throw Bobby into the ring steps then Bandido with a diving hurricanrana on the floor. In the ring Bandido with a hurricanrana to Dax but Dax then chops him down. Bobby runs over both Dax and Cash after he tagged in. Double clothesline to Cash and Dax as well. This settles into Bobby and Dax, Bobby with a one armed delayed vertical suplex. Shelton tags in but Dax chops him to minimal effect. Shelton then tosses Dax across the ring but Dax tags Bandido to avoid being hit with a German suplex. Gamen giri from Bandido then he launches Shelton to the floor and follows with a suicide dive. Bandido runs into a big old elevated slam then Bobby tags in. Big Ending from Bobby and Cash breaks up the pin.

Bobby tosses Bandido to the floor and Shelton batters him for a bit before sending him back into the ring. Wrist clutch toss from Shelton for a 2 count. Bobby back in for corner work then he cheap shots Brody. Shelton back in but Bandido superkicks him then Cash and Dax refuse tags so Shelton runs him over. The crowd want Brody, Shelton with a scoop slam to Bandido then Bobby tags in. Bandido lands a kick after avoiding a Hurt Lock, Shelton tags in and he stops the Bandido tag out. Bandido superkicks Shelton then hits a twisting crossbody and both men are down. Brody tags in as does Dax but Brody gets to run wild on Dax and Cash. Black Hole Slam to Cash then cheap shots to Bobby and Shelton and a Baldo Bomb to Dax for 2. Double corner avalanche to Cash and Dax. Shelton gets squished in the corner, Brody then double cannonballs FTR and one for Shelton is attempted but Bobby steps between them for a big stare down.

Bobby and Brody start trading elbows to “meat” chants, neither man can knock the other over so Bobby lands a crosschop then catches a running Brody with a high angle slam. Brody bounces up and lariats the stuffing out of Bobby. Brody clotheslines Bobby out of the ring then Shelton thrust kicks him. Shelton gets to run wild with suplexes then a corner knee to Bandido and a German suplex to Brody, hands locked for Shelton and he hits a trio of Germans. Heck of a little run from Shelton there. Brody with a corner boot then he accidentally helps Cash hit a Shatter Machine on Shelton. Cash tries to attack Brody but Brody chops him down. Bobby gets knocked off the apron then Cash tries to suicide dive onto Shelton and Bobby but they catch him so Brody hits his own suicide dive. Bandido goes up top because why not, Dax joins him up there and Bandido hits the Revolution Fly onto the pile of bodies. Bobby with a Spear to Dax then Shelton with thrust kicks to Dax and Bandido. Brody is sent back into the ring where Shelton hits the corner knee then Bobby with a Spear but here’s some masked NJPW track suit wearing dudes to attack Shelton and Bobby. In the ring Dax tries a pin but Brody kicks out.

Bandido superkicks Dax, Cash then takes a kick. Another masked goon shows up with a chair as Ricochet and the Gates of Agony are revealed to be the Hurt Syndicate attackers. Brody takes a chair shot to the head but still kicks at 2. Ricochet and goons then take the Hurt Syndicate to the back. Bandido shows up to break up the Power and Glory spot, he Frog Splashes Dax then hits the assisted running 450 Splash and that’ll get the pin.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Brodido won the titles in 16:00ish, stopwatch issues

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: Decent way to get the belts off of Shelton and Bobby while keeping them fully protected. Brodido was a slightly oddball choice but not a bad one, Brody being able to get a bit of a spotlight is a really nice thing as he’s probably overdue for one. This was a fun brawl overall. I was leaning towards 4 stars but something about the finish felt a little off to me, though if you feel more 4 stars I wouldn’t argue with you.

Match #6 – AEW Unified Title Match: (c) Kazuchika Okada w/ Don Callis vs. Swerve Strickland

Don Callis has joined commentary to circumvent the Continental rules about interference. They tie up then Okada with the fake out break but Swerve cracks him with a flurry of punches. Elbow from Okada then he hits a shoulder block. Swerve misses a dropkick but then hits a hip toss and rolls through to try a supelx but Okada avoids it then turns into a dropkick. They head out of the ring then Okada gets rammed into the edge of the ring, Swerve then hits a kick from the apron. Swerve sets for a dive and hits a backflip over the ropes to land on Okada. That does get Swerve selling the knee just a bit as they head back into the ring. Neckbreaker from Swerve, he holds on and rolls through to hit another then swings through then lands some corner strikes. Diving uppercut to the back from Swerve then he dances a bit. Okada sweeps the legs then catapults Swerve over the ropes to the floor and Swerve is selling the knee now, then Okada follows with a baseball slide.

Swerve rams Okada into the ring steps then back drops Okada onto the apron. It takes a second for Swerve to orient the ring steps, he pulls Okada up on them and tries a Piledriver but Okada counters into a DDT on the steps. They head back into the ring and Okada keeps control with corner work. Swerve tries a rolling jump but Okada counters into the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker for a 2 count. They start trading elbows, Okada has the heavier hands so far. The crowd with a sing song of “Okada is a bitch” then Swerve with a back kick and rolling Flatliner then a suplex. Swerve with some corner offense then they head up top. Both men fight for position up there, they get all the way up top and Swerve with an avalanche Angle Slam basically and that gets him a 2 count.

Okada rolls out of the ring, Swerve follows but misses an apron Swerve Stomp then Okada drills him with a Tombstone piledriver. They head back into the ring and Okada with a scoop slam then he heads up top for an elbow drop. Swerve blocks a Rainmaker, but hits a regular lariat then keeps the wrist control to land another one. Swerve blocks a Rainmaker and hits a close quarters House Call to put both men down. Now it’s Swerve with wrist control, he lands his own clotheslines with it. Okada with a dropkick to counter a House Call, but misses a Rainmaker then hits another dropkick. Swerve avoids a Rainmaker and hits a powerbomb into a power slam, that was a little nutty. Swerve up top, Swerve Stomp but his knee gives out and that makes his cover too slow so Okada kicks at 2.9.

Okada rolls to the apron, Swerve goes up top because he’s crazy but Okada grabs at him to slow things down. Eye rake from Okada then he shoves Swerve over to get his knee tied up. Okada then climbs the ropes with Swerve, and he drops the knee of Swerve onto the top rope in a modified shin breaker. Now fully in control Okada taunts Swerve then lines up a Rainmaker, Swerve counters but misses a House Call and Okada hits the Rainmaker to win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Kazuchika Okada retained the title in 16:28

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: Good overall match but something felt a little off in spots, between the outcome being a little obvious and the crowd feeling like they lost interest in places it just didn’t quite live up to expectations.

Post match Okada traps Swerve’s leg between the ring post and the ring steps then whacks them with a chair a few times to attack the knee of Swerve. Prince Nana runs down with a lead pip to chase Okada off and then tries to comfort Swerve. We see Wardlow show up and lay out Nana. We’re still trying to make Wardlow a thing? Wardlow with mounted punches to Nana until some security goons show up to try and pull Wardlow off. Wardlow predictably destroys some goons then leaves with Don Callis as he’s joined that group apparently. Konosuke Takeshita shows up after the rest of the Family welcomed Wardlow, Takeshita got a big pop because he just won the G1 Climax tournament. Takeshita seems less than overjoyed but he’s not making waves yet.

Match #7 – AEW Women’s Title Match: (c) Toni Storm vs. Athena w/ Billie Starkz

Toni with some quick strikes then a running dropkick. Athena rolls to the apron and Toni hip attacks her to the floor. Toni hits Billie with a Storm Zero on the floor, but that lets Athena dropkick her into the barricade. Athena rams Toni into the barricade again before they head back into the ring. Snapmare then a superkick from Athena. Neck crank from Athena as she’s got a point to attack now. Athena with a cravat over the ropes for a bit. STO from Athena but she misses a senton. Jawbreaker from Toni but Athena hits her in the corner then swings her head into the ring post. Zero reaction for Athena’s offense, this crowd is just dead for this as Athena keeps landing head blows. Athena tries to taunt for heat, but this just isn’t landing with the crowd. Back in the ring Athena grabs another cravat and the crowd with some half hearted back and forth chants.

They head to the apron, Athena misses an ax kick and Toni rolls her up for 2. Athena sends Toni face first into the middle turnbuckle then calls for a hip attack but Toni intercepts with clotheslines to kind of wake up the crowd. Fisherman Suplex from Toni gets a 2 count. Athena sweeps the legs of Toni then hits a running knee into a neckbreaker and butterfly suplex. That gets a little reaction from the crowd who might be find a bit of a second wind. Athena goes up top but misses a flying nothing and Toni with a Baldo Bomb fora 2 count. Athena avoids a TCM chicken wing then hits a back suplex. Toni counters with a tornado DDT then a snap Tiger Driver for a 2 count. They trade some elbows, no real reaction to the intended “boo yay” spot. Mongolian chops from Toni then Athena lands a superkick and a knockout elbow for a 2 count.

Athena runs into a boot, then Billie distracts Toni from the apron so Athena lands a running kick as she’s on the ropes. Avalanche hurricanrana from Athena then a powerbomb for a 2 count. Flipping slam from Athena into a Koji Clutch, Toni crawls over and gets to the ropes to break the hold. Toni counters an uppercut into the TCM chicken win but Athena slings her to the floor then hits a suicide dive. Athena sets for the piledriver on the ring steps but Toni counters and drops Athena face first onto the steps then rams her into the barricade which turns the LED screen back on. Back in the ring Toni with a headbutt Storm Zero and a near fall. Athena tries to crawl out of the ring, Toni pulls her to the apron and Billie trips things up by messing with the apron skirt. Athena then hits an O Face across the ropes as Toni was distracted but it takes a while for Athena to capitalize. Billie tries a chair shot but Mina Shirakawa shows up to to chase her off.

Athena gets caught in a Small Package, but only 2 and Athena lands an uppercut. Toni blocks an O Face and grabs the TCM chicken win to get the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Toni Storm retained the title in 15:15

Rating: 3 stars
Thoughts: Another match tonight that just didn’t quite click. They’ve spent a lot of time trying to get Athena over as a viable challenger and she still had a ton of dead segments during this match. This also felt a little stretched, like they could have accomplished this in about 5ish minutes fewer.

Match #8 – AEW World Title Match: (c) “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman

We get a reminder that the title can change hands on count out or DQ. Some early avoidance from MJF as he’s trying to goad Page into something that might earn a DQ. MJF heads out of the ring and sits on the barricade for a bit. Page blocks a cheap shot and starts punching away at MJF in the corner. MJF rolls out of the ring again and Page follows him to keep laying in punches. Some more ringside abuse from Page to MJF then Page breaks the count. The crowd want him to do it again and Page obliges. Page with a rebound lariat to send MJF into the fans. They head back into the ring and Page hits a back suplex. MJF rolls out of the ring again, he sits against the barricade and Page hits a running boot then poses. Page grabs the chair, the ref asks him to think about that and he decides against using it. MJF pulls Page into the ring post then they head into the ring where MJF lands mounted punches then taunts.

Some chin lock work from MJF now then he yanks Page down by the hair. Page with some rights then MJF with a thumb to the eyes. Sunset flip from MJF for 2 then MJF catches Page with a piledriver for 2. They trade hammer throws to the corner then MJF lands a back elbow and a double stomp to the arm of Page. Now MJF starts to zero in on the left arm of Page with his offense. They head up top and Page fights MJF off then they trade simulated sexual assaults before Page headbutts MJF down then follows with a jumping clothesline. Fall away slam from Page, MJF then gets clotheslined out of the ring. Page wants the Orihara moonsault and it connects.

Back in the ring Page hits the pop up powerbomb for a 2 count. Page sets for the Buckshot Lariat, MJF then staggers closer to him so he can’t hit it. MJF yanks the arm of Page over the top rope then tries the Heatseeker but Page shoves him off and tries the Buckshot but MJF counters into the Salt of the Earth. MJF cranks on the arm but Page counters into a roll up for 2 then grabs a Crippler Crossface but MJF isn’t worn down and rolls through to grab a chin lock. Page takes a knee and MJF tries the Heatseeker again but again Page blocks but MJF with a slingshot Cutter then a hammerlock DDT for 2. MJF heads to the outside and lays out his CMLL title and his title contract then gets a table and sets it over towards the entrance ramp. Page gets set on the table, MJF climbs up top but Page recovers and they wind up on the apron where Page boots MJF down. Moonsault from Page then a Tombstone piledriver on the floor to put both men down.

They head back to break the count, then Page looks at the table and moves it into a position he likes a little better. MJF tries to crawl away but Page picks him up for a Dead Eye through the table. Somehow that isn’t a DQ, seems odd given that it’s an important part of the stipulations in play. Page shoves MJF back into the ring and covers but MJF gets a foot on the rope to save himself. Now Page sets for the Buckshot Lariat but MJF rolls away onto the floor again. MJF sits on the corner chair again but this time when Page charges MJF trips him to land face first on the chair. Now MJF says that was an accident, it was clearly incidental. Page is bleeding, sort of, and MJF rams him into the ring steps then he hits a Tombstone onto half of the broken table.

Now MJF heads into the ring to try and get the count out win, but of course Page beats it at the last second. MJF takes off a corner pad but Page rams his head into it. You know, the DQ stipulation is meaningless if you don’t actually enforce the rules. Now MJF is cut, and he did a better blade job than Page did. The crowd tell MJF he deserves that. Both men pull themselves up in opposite corners and stare down, they start trading punches that turns into a hockey fight and we get double rolling elbows and both men are down. They stagger to their feet and Page tries a Tombstone, they fight over that spot and eventually wind up trading pin attempts for a bit but neither man can find a 3 count as they roll around but eventually Page hits a Dead Eye for a near fall.

The crowd with a “fight forever” chant, look I get the antipathy for the main event but that seems unnecessary. Page stands and calls MJF to his feet, MJF pulls out the diamond ring and asks Page to hit him with it. MJF spits at Page, Page things about doing it but the faux morality moment after everything else falls a little hollow. Ultimately Page just spits on MJF, then tries a Buckshot Lariat but MJF avoids it and shoves Page into the ref. MJF takes Page to dick kick city, hits a Heatseeker but they’re too close to the ropes, Page has a foot on the ropes but the ref doesn’t see it and counts 3. Mark Briscoe runs down to talk with the ref, because he wont let that happen again. I can’t help but make the WCW comparison with this one. MJF sees Page’s foot on the rope, the ref is still down but comes to in time to see it. The ref and MJF argue about the call, which wasn’t made official yet. Lariat from Page, then a Buckshot Lariat but MJF avoids it and gets a low blow off then a roll up for 2 again.

MJF gets his CMLL title and shoves it into the ring, the ref takes it away and MJF brains Page with his contract for another near fall. Now MJF gets the diamond ring again, he lines up a punch but the ref catches him and blocks it then takes it away and Page brains MJF with the contract, hits a Dead Eye then a Buckshot Lariat to win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: “Hangman” Adam Page retained the title in 31:38

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: Overlong and frankly poorly laid out given the stipulations that were in play. If you want to play with DQ finishes the rules have to be regularly or evenly enforced and that just wasn’t the case here. The TV story of MJF using the contract then they have to write themselves out of that corner so MJF can keep the contract going forward was just poor planning. This match is saved by the crowd investment in general and some decent hard hitting action. But the morality play part of it still falls short because Page technically cheated to win, if this was about him resisting his darkness that falls short.

Bryan Danielson, who’s been on commentary all night, bows out before the main event because he can’t stay professional with the parties involved. The cage in question has no roof but has the space around the ring reminiscent of Hell in a Cell if not a little bigger as they’ve got plenty of plunder already set up.

Will Ospreay gets the big extra video entrance.

The entrance for the Bucks naturally messes up, they earlier asked for their old music and wind up getting the first music they ever walked out to, Hansen’s one hit wonder song Mmm Bop.

Match #9 – Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Darby Allin, and Will Ospreay vs. Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, Gabe Kidd, Nick Jackson, and Matt Jackson w/ Marina Shafir and Wheeler Yuta

The big brawl is on right away, Darby goes after Mox on the floor. Ospreay chops away at Kidd. Tanahashi takes some corner offense in the ring but fights back to handle Matt then hits Claudio with a Dragon Screw. Kidd hits Tanahashi from behind so Ospreay comes in to start chopping away with Kidd. Enziguri from Ospreay then he hits a Sasuke Special onto Kidd. Claudio and Mox work over Darby in the ring but Darby fights back with a springboard back elbow then hits a cannonball suicide dive onto both men. Kenny and Ibushi square off with Nick and Matt now, Nick hits an assisted dropkick. Kenny and Ibushi fight back with stereo hurricanranas. Stereo moonsaults from Ibushi and Kenny to deal with Nick and Matt. Mox and Darby are cuffed together, Mox kicks away at Darby then Claudio comes over and takes a Code Red that also spikes Moxley and the cuffs break apart. Kenny and Kidd square up now and Kenny with the Finlay Roll then a can assisted moonsault but he eats the mat. Matt and Nick get some offensive time on Ibushi and Kenny.

Nick finds a bag under the ring and inside is gummy bears, they’d asked for weapons earlier and all they get are gummies. Ospreay with a forearm and he deals with Claudio and Matt then Kenny and Tanahashi double team Nick into the gummy bears. Kenny then puts gummy bears in Matt’s mouth and Ibushi adds a head kick then they hit the powerbomb and German suplex combo for a 2 count. Claudio shows up and runs wild to silence, shame that. Ospreay clearly does not get hit by a ladder from Nick and Matt but bumps like a madman into the cage anyway. Some ladder work now from Nick and Matt then they powerbomb Darby onto it. Darby is bleeding from something, not sure what, as Nick hits a Swanton Bomb to Darby on the ladder. Ospreay has bladed as well, because he doesn’t want to feel left out. Nick and Matt isolate Ospreay in the ring then he avoids a ladder shot and kicks it into both Nick and Matt. Mox misses a chair shot, Osreay then whacks him across the back with it then wraps it around Mox’s neck and chokes him before Kidd makes the save with a piledriver.

Kenny shows up and grabs Kidd then fights with him over the ropes, Kenny gets bent over the ropes and takes the double stomp into powerbomb spot from the Bucks then Claudio with a Giant Swing. Matt dives onto Ibushi then Kenny takes more team offense for a 2 count. Ibushi shows up and lays in strikes to Nick and Matt but the numbers are too much and he gets superkicked down. TK Driver to Ibushi but again only 2 as Darby breaks up the pin. Everyone stomps on Darby for a bit then Claudio hoists him up and throws him into the cage from the ring and Darby then splats on the mat. Man Darby, you’ve got a future man think of it sometime please. Tanahashi is left alone with the bad guys, he tries to fight them off and does admirably including a Twist and Shout for Claudio but Mox cuts him off with a DDT. Claudio gets a chair and sends it into the ring where Mox sets it up. Darby ultimately gets taped to the chair, then Mox with a fork stabs the ear of Darby which is already bleeding.

Despite that pain Darby spits on Mox then Claudio hits a scoop slam to Darby chair and all. Mox wants plunder from outside the cage, Wheeler and Marina set up tables out there. There’s a barbed wire board as well, because of course there is. Claudio climbs a ladder with Darby to the top of the cage, there’s a double stack of tables set up by Marina and Wheeler. Darby saves himself and Claudio runs into the cage. Matt kicks Darby then he and Nick go to send Tanahashi into the barbed wire board. Tanahashi isn’t about that bump though and fights them off then drives Mox’s face into the wire. Kidd comes over but Tanahashi with Sling Blades to him and Mox. Claudio with the Neutralizer to Tanahashi, the Bucks come over for the BTE Trigger but Ospreay saves the match. Mox is bleeding a bit now too and he resets the barbed wire board which hasn’t broken yet. Now Mox grabs Ospreay by the injured neck but Ospreay runs them both through the barbed wire board.

Kenny with snap Dragon suplexes a plenty for everyone. Ibushi kicks Mox then he and Kenny with stereo snap Dragon suplexes to Mox and Matt. Ibushi dives onto the Bucks then that calls on Kenny for a dive onto a pile of bodies. Kenny rallies the crowd then he and Tanahashi set up some ladders. Tanahashi climbs the ladder but Ibushi and Ospreay talk him out of it so Ospreay climbs to the top of the cage with ease then hits a crazy moonsault onto pretty much everyone. Kidd and Kenny square up in the ring now and they trade strikes. Chops from Kenny, Kidd then runs into a V Trigger, a few of them actually. Matt and Nick show up with superkicks but Tanahashi fights them off then Claudio hits him with a suplex. Pele kick from Ibushi to Claudio then Mox drills him with a Cutter. Darby hits Mox with the Scorpion Death Drop. Ospreay goes crazy with Hidden Blades to Nick and Matt. Kidd with strikes but Ospreay hits him with a Styles Clash. Kenny exposes his knee and Kidd takes a V Trigger and Hidden Blade but a bunch of guys break up the pin.

Matt with a DDT to Ibushi on the apron, Ospreay then hits Nick with an Oscutter on the floor. Darby with an apron Coffin Drop to Claudio. Kenny and Mox are left in the ring together and they lay into each other with clotheslines until Kenny lands a V Trigger, then another one in the ropes. One Winged Angel to Mox but a few guys break up the pin. Mox gets a ladder, he climbs up beside Wheeler on the cage and he gets to the top of the cage. Darby climbs up as well, he grabs Wheeler and bites at him from the top of the cage. Mox has exited the cage and Darby knocks Wheeler onto the Japanese announce table which does not break. Darby chases Mox around the cage with a kendo stick, they head to the entrance ramp where there’s that big stack of chairs. Darby sets Mox on the lower level of the double stack then climbs up to the top of the cage and goes to jump but Marina pulls Mox free and Kid climbs behind Darby to land a low blow. Kidd and Darby fight for position on the top of the cage, Darby takes Kidd down with him and both men fall through the double stack of tables.

That takes Mox and Kidd out of the finish since they’re outside. Ibushi and Claudio start laying into each other, Claudio takes a half nelson suplex then Kenny follows up. Nick takes a Golden Trigger, then Ospreay with a Hidden Blade to Matt. Matt takes the Hidden Blade into One Winged Angel combo but no cover as Tanahashi comes over a High Fly Flow and the pin.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Will Ospreay, and Darby Allin won in 32:28

Rating: 4 stars
Thoughts: A little overlong but the predictable plunder filled brawl. Everyone got time to shine and letting Tanahashi get the pin in his final UK match was a nice little nod to the legend. The match hinging on a few heels taking themselves out of the cage so they were out of more danger was a decent story. It also keeps Mox from getting his comeuppance while potentially isolating him from the Bucks as he basically ran away from the fight and left them high and dry.

Post match the faces let Ospreay get the final bow in the ring since we’re unsure about his future. That of course back fires as Claudio wipes him out then the faces get locked out so Moxley can spike Ospreay with a series of Death Rider blows. There’s not even heat for this, just boredom. Claudio lines up to pillmanize Ospreay’s neck, the Opps run down but still can’t really get in the ring as Mox does stomp the neck of Ospreay with the chair. The cage is finally raising, the Death Riders scurry out through the fans and get by the invisible barrier that keeps the good guys from chasing them. The good guys gather around Ospreay as everyone waits for a stretcher to come out. Eventually one shows up so Ospreay can do the proper stretcher job as the broadcast cuts out.

Well on that note AEW’s Forbidden Door 2025 comes to a close. Thanks for reading, be that live or after the fact. I’ll be back next week for Clash in Paris, and you can find me every Friday covering Smackdown plus UFC events pretty much every Saturday. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.