AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Notes: MVP Status Clarified, Kyle Fletcher Injury, Mercedes Moné’s Celebration

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door was a loaded event from top to bottom, but several updates from behind the curtain have added some extra details fans have been asking about.

After his hard-fought TNT Title defense against Hiromu Takahashi, Kyle Fletcher reportedly received stitches following the match. The Don Callis Family’s “Protostar” took some brutal offense from the NJPW legend during their clash at the O2 Arena, but managed to retain his title after hitting a sheer drop brainbuster. While no major injury was reported, it’s being said that Fletcher needed immediate attention backstage to close up a cut sustained during the encounter.

As for MVP, fans wondering why the Hurt Syndicate’s manager didn’t appear at Forbidden Door can rest easy—there wasn’t any issue. It’s being said that he wasn’t expected to appear and it’s not a case of there being an issue with travel or anything similar. MVP’s absence had nothing to do with logistics or a storyline pivot; it simply wasn’t part of the creative direction for this show.

Meanwhile, AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné is already thinking ahead. After surviving a brutal 4-Way Match against Bozilla, Alex Windsor, and Persephone, Moné pushed for a Celebration to take place at the post-PPV media scrum on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday. The location? Philadelphia’s legendary 2300 Arena. That’s ECW territory—and Moné seems eager to soak in the hometown vibes of hardcore wrestling while flaunting her latest successful title defense.

Forbidden Door delivered in the ring, but these backstage updates show that the storylines—and real-life moments—are far from over.

Are you excited to see Mercedes Moné’s celebration in Philly? And what do you think is next for Kyle Fletcher after his war with Hiromu? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!