What's Happening?
AEW's annual Forbidden Door event in 2025, held at London's O2 Arena, featured a series of high-stakes matches, including the AEW Women's World Championship. Toni Storm successfully defended her title against Athena, a former ROH titleholder. The event, known for its collaboration with NJPW, showcased seven championship matches, with Storm's defense being a highlight in the women's division. The event also included other significant matches, such as Hangman Adam Page defending the AEW World Championship against MJF, and Mercedes Moné defending her TBS title in a multi-competitor match.
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Why It's Important?
Toni Storm's successful title defense solidifies her position as a leading figure in AEW's women's division, contributing to the promotion's growing reputation for high-quality women's wrestling. The event's integration with NJPW highlights AEW's strategy of international collaboration, which could expand its global audience and influence. The outcomes of these matches have implications for future storylines and rivalries, potentially affecting the dynamics within AEW and its partnerships with other wrestling promotions.
What's Next?
Following the event, AEW is likely to continue building on the storylines established at Forbidden Door 2025. Toni Storm's next challenger for the Women's World Championship could emerge from the current roster or through further collaborations with NJPW. The outcomes of other matches, such as Hangman Adam Page's defense against MJF, will also influence upcoming events and rivalries, setting the stage for future pay-per-view events and weekly shows.
Beyond the Headlines
The event underscores the growing trend of cross-promotional events in professional wrestling, which can lead to increased fan engagement and new business opportunities. AEW's collaboration with NJPW not only enhances the quality of its events but also strengthens its position in the competitive wrestling industry. This approach may inspire other promotions to pursue similar partnerships, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling.
