Additional details have emerged regarding AEW’s original plans for Forbidden Door 2026, with several injuries and visa complications forcing the company to make significant changes to the card.
During the media call leading into the pay-per-view, AEW President Tony Khan described visa issues as a “massive challenge.” Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com has since confirmed on several matches that were originally planned before those setbacks.
Meltzer also covered that Gabe Kidd was originally lined up to challenge IWGP Global Heavyweight Titleholder Shota Umino. On the other hand, ongoing visa issues prevented Kidd from appearing, resulting in PAC stepping into the encounter instead. Kidd is now expected to babyface Umino on July 6 in Tokyo.
According to the report, one-time IWGP World Heavyweight Defending champion Callum Newman was slated to challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW Continental Crown. Adding to the story, those plans changed after Newman suffered a dislocated shoulder. Losing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Dominion — leading to Bandido taking his place.
Tomohiro Ishii was also according to reports penciled in for Forbidden Door before a neck injury forced him out of action. While not verified, it is believed Ishii would have competed in the 12-man steel cage battle as a member of The Conglomeration.
The women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament also underwent significant changes. Sareee was as reported anticipated to hero Willow Nightingale in the tournament final — though AEW did not medically clear Sareee to compete, leading to Maya World taking her place. Nightingale was also sidelined by setback, with Mercedes Moné ultimately replacing her and going on to win the tournament.