AEW and NJPW’s partnership became one of the biggest topics of discussion for many fans since it became a thing last year. They then announced the ‘Forbidden Door’ event and fans couldn’t have been more excited. Tony Khan also wanted to use STARDOM wrestlers for the event.

AEW finally held the ‘Forbidden Door’ event on June 26, and it was truly a night of excellent matches and memorable events. However, there were no STARDOM talents on the show.

While speaking during the Forbidden Door post-show media scrum, AEW President Tony Khan revealed that he wanted to use STARDOM wrestlers for the show. However, none of them were available.

“I was interested in using Stardom, obviously they have a close relationship with New Japan, and all the wrestlers from Stardom were pretty much booked, and they didn’t have visas. It was a big obstacle. There is definitely potential there. Certainly, Toni is one of the hottest and rising stars in AEW since she arrived in AEW. I thought it made great sense because she’s been a champion in Japan, has great experience at Stardom, and someone who has been on our TV. It was a great match we could build to. It was not a blood rivalry. I was forged in mutual respect and fought it with honor.

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It was a great wrestling match, and it was cool. I thought Toni was the perfect choice given who was on our TV, who was pushed, and knowing that, while it would have been another challenge, in addition to many other challenges, to take people from Stardom and get them over on our TV, it would have been possible to do it, absolutely, but availability is the greatest ability of all in this business and most businesses. In this case, there was no availability. Toni, for many reasons, was a great choice, and they had a great match.”

We will have to wait and see whether STARDOM will be working with AEW somewhere down the line. With the likes of Thunder Rosa and Toni Storm being present, fans would love to see them working with Japanese stars as well.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!

Tags: Tony Khan
Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet, a professional wrestling fan for over 20+ years, found his passion during the Monday Night Wars. With expertise honed over decades and a broad spectrum of interests including TV, movies, anime, novels, and music, he offers insightful analysis and coverage. Respected in the industry, Subhojeet keeps fans informed and engaged with his knowledge and perspective.

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