The AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event is set for July 1, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, according to official statements from both promotions. The collaboration between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) features a high-profile match card, including a main event between AEW’s Kenny Omega and NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada, as confirmed by AEW’s website and NJPW’s social media channels.
The event marks the second joint venture between AEW and NJPW, following their 2022 partnership, and highlights the growing cross-promotional efforts between the two organizations. Fans can access the event via live stream on FITE TV, with additional coverage available on AEW’s YouTube channel, as reported by FITE TV’s official website and AEW’s press materials.
Match Card Highlights
The confirmed match card includes several high-stakes bouts, with the main event between Omega and Okada serving as the centerpiece. Other key matchups include Bryan Danielson facing Tomohiro Ishii, and the AEW World Tag Team Championship bout between The Young Bucks and The House of Black. These details were confirmed by AEW’s official website and NJPW’s social media platforms.
The event also features a women’s match between AEW’s Toni Storm and NJPW’s Mayu Iwatani, as well as a six-man tag team match involving members from both promotions. While some undercard matches remain unconfirmed, the primary card has been independently verified through official sources.
How to Watch
Fans in the United States can stream the event live on FITE TV, with a subscription required for access. The broadcast will also be available on AEW’s YouTube channel, though details about the availability of a free stream remain unclear. FITE TV’s website confirms the partnership with both promotions, stating that the event will be available on-demand following the live stream.
International viewers should check local broadcasting agreements, as availability may vary by region. NJPW’s official website notes that the event will be available through their international streaming platform, NJPW World, though specific details about pricing and access were not immediately available.
Historical Context
The AEW x NJPW collaboration follows a series of cross-promotional events aimed at expanding both organizations’ global reach. The 2022 Forbidden Door event drew significant attention, with reports of record-breaking viewership numbers. AEW’s official press release highlights the continued partnership as a strategic move to strengthen relationships between the two promotions.
NJPW’s president, Takami Ohbari, stated in a recent interview that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to “elevating the sport of professional wrestling on a global scale,” according to a report by Sporting News. AEW’s CEO, Tony Khan, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of “cross-cultural exchange” in the wrestling industry.
Both promotions have faced challenges in recent years, including pandemic-related disruptions and shifting audience preferences. The joint event is seen as a strategic effort to attract new fans and re-engage existing ones through high-profile matches and shared storytelling.
What to Watch Next
Following the Forbidden Door event, both AEW and NJPW are expected to announce new collaborative initiatives, though no official details have been released. AEW’s upcoming schedule includes the Road to Forbidden Door tour, while NJPW plans to continue its G1 Climax tournament, according to their respective websites.
Industry analysts suggest that the success of the Forbidden Door event could influence future cross-promotional efforts, with some predicting expanded partnerships with other international wrestling organizations. However, no concrete plans have been confirmed beyond the July 1 event.
For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes content, fans can follow AEW and NJPW on their official social media platforms. Both organizations have emphasized the importance of fan engagement, with regular posts and interactive sessions planned leading up to the event.
As the July 1 date approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the culmination of months of planning and promotion. The event represents a significant milestone for both AEW and NJPW, highlighting the evolving landscape of professional wrestling in the 21st century.
