The AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 Pay-Per-View has come and gone, and the post-show reactions are in from Ringside Report’s Dave Simon and Pro Wrestler Johnny North. While the event had its moments, the overall consensus from the hosts was that it didn’t quite live up to the high standards set by previous AEW events this year. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their reactions, the event’s highlights, and how this sets the stage for future AEW storylines.
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 Highlights and Reactions
Positives: Standout Moments and Matches
Despite the mixed feelings, several standout moments and matches caught the hosts’ attention.
1. Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay: The main event featuring Swerve Strickland defending the AEW World Title against Will Ospreay was unanimously praised as the night’s match. Dave Simon highlighted the fantastic false finishes and the intense action that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Swerve retained his title in a clean, hard-fought victory, solidifying his position as a top performer in AEW.
2. Ladder Match: Johnny North pointed out the excitement of the ladder match for the TNT title, particularly Mark Briscoe’s insane dive off a chair into a table-ladder setup. This high-risk spot was one of the night’s highlights, showcasing the extreme athleticism and daring nature of AEW’s roster.
3. Britt Baker’s Return: Britt Baker’s return, when she confronted Mercedes Moné, was another significant moment. Dave emphasized the impact of Britt Baker’s return, considering her absence from AEW for nearly a year. This confrontation creates a potentially thrilling feud between two of AEW’s top women’s division stars.
4. Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa: Johnny also appreciated the storytelling in the Toni Storm vs. Mina Shirakawa match. The three-way kiss spot at the end received a huge reaction, underscoring the fans’ emotional investment in this storyline.
Negatives: Length and Filler Matches
1. Event Duration: Both hosts agreed that the event felt excessively long. Johnny North mentioned that a combined pre-show and main card were made for a marathon viewing experience that tested their endurance. Dave echoed this sentiment, feeling that several matches dragged on unnecessarily.
2. Filler Matches: Dave was particularly critical of the filler matches, noting that some felt they could have been on a regular episode of Dynamite or Collision rather than a major Pay-Per-View. This detracted from the event’s overall impact, making it feel less special than previous AEW offerings.
3. Lack of Impactful Story Progression: One of the main criticisms was the lack of significant storyline progression. Dave pointed out that after a Pay-Per-View, fans expect to see new developments and resolutions that will shape future storylines. However, Forbidden Door 2024 left many storylines unchanged, which felt like a missed opportunity.
Building Future Storylines
While the event had shortcomings, it also set the stage for some intriguing future storylines in AEW.
Britt Baker vs. Mercedes Moné
The return of Britt Baker and her confrontation with Mercedes Moné hints at a major feud on the horizon. This storyline has the potential to reignite the women’s division, bringing back one of its biggest stars to face off against a formidable newcomer.
Swerve Strickland’s Championship Reign
Swerve Strickland’s successful title defence against Will Ospreay cements his status as a dominant champion. Despite the ref bump and near-pinfall by Ospreay, the clean win sets up potential rematches and further challenges for Swerve. As Dave mentioned, Ospreay can now claim that he had Swerve beaten, adding fuel to their rivalry.
Owen Hart Cup Tournament
The advancement of the Owen Hart Cup Tournament adds another layer of excitement to AEW programming. With big matches still to come, including potential clashes between top stars like Hangman Page and Bryan Danielson, fans can look forward to high-stakes contests that will determine the next challengers for AEW’s top titles.
Toni Storm’s Dominance
Toni Storm’s continued dominance in the women’s division, particularly with her successful title defence, keeps her at the forefront of AEW storylines. Her interactions with rising stars like Maria May provide fresh matchups and storylines that can invigorate the division.
Forbidden Door 2024 Conclusion
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 may not have been the strongest Pay-Per-View of the year, but it certainly had its moments. From stellar matches like Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay to the significant return of Britt Baker, there were plenty of highlights to keep fans engaged. As AEW moves forward, the storylines set in motion during this event will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the promotion. While the event had its share of filler, the seeds planted here could lead to some compelling developments in the coming weeks and months.
